Overall score
Caloundra
65.3/100
Mooloolaba
60.0/100
Caloundra vs Mooloolaba, QLD Suburb Comparison
Caloundra for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CaloundraMooloolaba
Crime rate
Caloundra
44.4 / 1k
Mooloolaba
48.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Caloundra
313
Mooloolaba
240
Population
Caloundra
3,932
Mooloolaba
8,202
Metric leadCaloundra 4Mooloolaba 62 tiedacross 12 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | 65.3/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.6/100 | 56.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 44.4 / 1k | 48.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 3 |
| Weather (desirability) | 31.2/100 | 31.2/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 24 |
| Public transport stops | 26 | 31 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 313 | 240 |
| Green cover | 3.9% | 7.9% |
| 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 a quieter safety profile, schools and education options, and nearby cafés and amenities, while Mooloolaba stands out for housing affordability, parks and reserves, and public transport access.
Caloundra suits people chasing a beach lifestyle and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Mooloolaba is the stronger match for retirees, investors, and value-focused buyers.
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.