Overall score
Caloundra West
62.0/100
Moffat Beach
55.1/100
Caloundra West for investment and value; Moffat Beach for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Caloundra West
62.0/100
Moffat Beach
55.1/100
Crime rate
Caloundra West
27.6 / 1k
Moffat Beach
27.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Caloundra West
103
Moffat Beach
62
Population
Caloundra West
7,270
Moffat Beach
2,691
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Caloundra West | Moffat Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 62.0/100 | 55.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 43.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 27.6 / 1k | 27.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 19 | 12 |
| Walkability | 72.5/100 | 53.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 103 | 62 |
| Population | 7,270 | 2,691 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 8/10 |
Put side by side, Caloundra West is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Moffat Beach is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Moffat Beach leans into coastal living, while Caloundra West feels more inland and suburban in character.
Caloundra West tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Moffat Beach stands out for parks and reserves and stronger socioeconomic advantage.
Investors and value-focused buyers may find Caloundra West the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Moffat Beach.