Overall score
Cardiff South
47.6/100
Kotara South
43.6/100
Cardiff South for value; Kotara South for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Cardiff South
47.6/100
Kotara South
43.6/100
Crime rate
Cardiff South
64.7 / 1k
Kotara South
87.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cardiff South
34
Kotara South
16
Population
Cardiff South
2,931
Kotara South
1,267
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 South | Kotara South |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 47.6/100 | 43.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 72.6/100 | 57.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 64.7 / 1k | 87.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 11 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 51 | 30 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 34 | 16 |
| Planning activity | 8 | 6 |
| Population | 2,931 | 1,267 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 9/10 |
Cardiff South reads as a practical metro mid-sized suburb with solid links to the wider city; Kotara South is a settled metro smaller community that balances access with everyday calm.
Cardiff South tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Kotara South stands out for a calmer planning outlook and stronger socioeconomic advantage.
Cardiff South suits value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Kotara South is the stronger match for retirees and families.