Overall score
Caloundra West
62.0/100
Pelican Waters
51.9/100
Caloundra West vs Pelican Waters, QLD suburb comparison
Caloundra West for investment and value; Pelican Waters for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Caloundra WestPelican Waters
Crime rate
Caloundra West
27.6 / 1k
Pelican Waters
27.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Caloundra West
103
Pelican Waters
123
Population
Caloundra West
7,270
Pelican Waters
7,393
Metric leadCaloundra West 5Pelican Waters 41 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 investmentCaloundra West
- Best for best valueCaloundra West
- 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 West | Pelican Waters |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 62.0/100 | 51.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 47.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 27.6 / 1k | 27.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 13 |
| Public transport stops | 19 | 10 |
| Walkability | 72.5/100 | 44.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 103 | 123 |
| Population | 7,270 | 7,393 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Caloundra West is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Pelican Waters is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Caloundra West tends to lead on housing affordability and public transport access, while Pelican Waters stands out for parks and reserves and nearby cafés and amenities.
Caloundra West suits investors and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Pelican Waters is the stronger match for families and households prioritising schools.