Overall score
Caloundra
61.7/100
Mooloolaba
64.3/100
Caloundra vs Mooloolaba, QLD suburb comparison
Caloundra for beach lifestyle and schools; Mooloolaba for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CaloundraMooloolaba
Crime rate
Caloundra
26.8 / 1k
Mooloolaba
28.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Caloundra
305
Mooloolaba
221
Population
Caloundra
3,932
Mooloolaba
8,202
Metric leadCaloundra 3Mooloolaba 61 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 retireesMooloolaba
- Best for beach lifestyleCaloundra
- Best for investmentMooloolaba
- Best for best valueMooloolaba
- Best for best schoolsCaloundra
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 | Mooloolaba |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 61.7/100 | 64.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 29.1/100 | 38.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 26.8 / 1k | 28.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 24 |
| Public transport stops | 26 | 31 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 305 | 221 |
| Population | 3,932 | 8,202 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Caloundra is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, while Mooloolaba is a coastal established suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living. Caloundra sits firmly coastal, whereas Mooloolaba is on a more distant stretch of coast.
Caloundra tends to lead on schools and education options and nearby cafés and amenities, while Mooloolaba stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Caloundra generally means more approachable housing costs, while Mooloolaba leans toward more sought-after housing.
Caloundra suits people chasing a beach lifestyle and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Mooloolaba is the stronger match for retirees and investors.