Overall score
Caloundra West
62.0/100
Golden Beach
41.7/100
Caloundra West vs Golden Beach, QLD suburb comparison
Caloundra West for retirees and investment; Golden Beach for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Caloundra WestGolden Beach
Crime rate
Caloundra West
27.6 / 1k
Golden Beach
27.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Caloundra West
103
Golden Beach
74
Population
Caloundra West
7,270
Golden Beach
5,646
Metric leadCaloundra West 7Golden Beach 21 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 familiesGolden Beach
- Best for investmentCaloundra West
- Best for best valueCaloundra West
- Best for best schoolsGolden Beach
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 West | Golden Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 62.0/100 | 41.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 2.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 27.6 / 1k | 27.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 10 |
| Public transport stops | 19 | 27 |
| Walkability | 72.5/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 103 | 74 |
| Population | 7,270 | 5,646 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Caloundra West is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Golden Beach is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Caloundra West pulls ahead on housing affordability and walkability, whereas Golden Beach is the better pick for parks and reserves and public transport access.
On balance, retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Caloundra West, while Golden Beach remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.