Overall score
Cardiff
68.7/100
Hillsborough
36.2/100
Cardiff for retirees and families; Hillsborough for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Cardiff
68.7/100
Hillsborough
36.2/100
Crime rate
Cardiff
64.6 / 1k
Hillsborough
65.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cardiff
371
Hillsborough
5
Population
Cardiff
6,318
Hillsborough
641
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 | Cardiff | Hillsborough |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.7/100 | 36.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 72.6/100 | 59.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 64.6 / 1k | 65.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | — |
| Public transport stops | 129 | 15 |
| Walkability | 92.0/100 | 22.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 371 | 5 |
| Planning activity | 41 | — |
| Population | 6,318 | 641 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 5/10 |
Put side by side, Cardiff is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, and Hillsborough is a leafier hillside smaller community with elevated outlooks. Hillsborough sits among greener hillside streets, while Cardiff keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Cardiff tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Hillsborough stands out for stronger socioeconomic advantage.
Retirees and families may find Cardiff the better fit, while investors are more likely to prefer Hillsborough.