Overall score
Cardiff Heights
42.9/100
Kotara South
43.6/100
Cardiff Heights vs Kotara South, NSW suburb comparison
Kotara South for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Cardiff HeightsKotara South
Crime rate
Cardiff Heights
46.2 / 1k
Kotara South
87.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cardiff Heights
19
Kotara South
16
Population
Cardiff Heights
1,384
Kotara South
1,267
Metric leadCardiff Heights 5Kotara South 42 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesKotara South
- Best for familiesKotara South
- Best for investmentKotara South
- Best for best valueKotara South
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 | Cardiff Heights | Kotara South |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 42.9/100 | 43.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 49.7/100 | 57.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 46.2 / 1k | 87.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 11 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 31 | 30 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 19 | 16 |
| Planning activity | 6 | 5 |
| Population | 1,384 | 1,267 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Cardiff Heights is a leafier hillside smaller community with elevated outlooks, while Kotara South is a settled metro smaller community that balances access with everyday calm. Cardiff Heights sits among greener hillside streets, while Kotara South keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Cardiff Heights pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and public transport access, whereas Kotara South is the better pick for housing affordability and overall desirability.
On balance, families and investors are more likely to prefer Kotara South, while Cardiff Heights remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.