Overall score
Caloundra
65.3/100
Caloundra West
53.4/100
Caloundra for retirees and families; Caloundra West for value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Caloundra
65.3/100
Caloundra West
53.4/100
Crime rate
Caloundra
44.4 / 1k
Caloundra West
44.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Caloundra
313
Caloundra West
107
Population
Caloundra
3,932
Caloundra West
7,270
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Caloundra | Caloundra West |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 65.3/100 | 53.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.6/100 | 65.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 44.4 / 1k | 44.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 3 |
| Weather (desirability) | 31.2/100 | 31.2/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 26 | 19 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 72.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 313 | 107 |
| Green cover | 3.9% | 12.2% |
| Population | 3,932 | 7,270 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 5/10 |
Put side by side, Caloundra is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, and Caloundra West is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby. Where Caloundra is shaped by the coast, Caloundra West offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Caloundra tends to lead on a quieter safety profile, schools and education options, and public transport access, while Caloundra West stands out for housing affordability, overall desirability, and a larger local community.
People chasing a beach lifestyle may find Caloundra the better fit, while retirees, investors, and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Caloundra West.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.