Overall score
Caloundra
65.3/100
Pelican Waters
49.4/100
Caloundra vs Pelican Waters, QLD Suburb Comparison
Caloundra for retirees and beach lifestyle; Pelican Waters for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CaloundraPelican Waters
Crime rate
Caloundra
44.4 / 1k
Pelican Waters
44.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Caloundra
313
Pelican Waters
124
Population
Caloundra
3,932
Pelican Waters
7,393
Metric leadCaloundra 6Pelican Waters 42 tiedacross 12 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
- Best for beach lifestyleCaloundra
- Best for investmentCaloundra
- Best for best schoolsPelican Waters
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 | Pelican Waters |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 65.3/100 | 49.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.6/100 | 54.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 44.4 / 1k | 44.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 1 |
| Weather (desirability) | 31.2/100 | 31.2/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 13 |
| Public transport stops | 26 | 10 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 44.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 313 | 124 |
| Green cover | 3.9% | 2.3% |
| Population | 3,932 | 7,393 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
Caloundra is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, while Pelican Waters is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Where Caloundra is shaped by the coast, Pelican Waters offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Caloundra tends to lead on a quieter safety profile, schools and education options, and public transport access, while Pelican Waters stands out for housing affordability, parks and reserves, and a larger local community.
Caloundra suits people chasing a beach lifestyle more clearly, whereas Pelican Waters 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.