Overall score
Caloundra
61.7/100
Caloundra West
61.8/100
Caloundra vs Caloundra West, QLD suburb comparison
Caloundra for beach lifestyle; Caloundra West for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CaloundraCaloundra West
Crime rate
Caloundra
26.8 / 1k
Caloundra West
26.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Caloundra
305
Caloundra West
103
Population
Caloundra
3,932
Caloundra West
7,270
Metric leadCaloundra 4Caloundra West 42 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesCaloundra West
- Best for beach lifestyleCaloundra
- Best for investmentCaloundra West
- Best for best valueCaloundra West
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Caloundra | Caloundra West |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 61.7/100 | 61.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 29.1/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 26.8 / 1k | 26.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 26 | 19 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 72.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 305 | 103 |
| Population | 3,932 | 7,270 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
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 and schools and education options, while Caloundra West stands out for housing affordability and a larger local community. On housing, Caloundra sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Caloundra West.
Families and people chasing a beach lifestyle may find Caloundra the better fit, while retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Caloundra West.