Overall score
Cardiff South
41.1/100
Kotara South
48.2/100
Cardiff South for investment and value; Kotara South for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Cardiff South
41.1/100
Kotara South
48.2/100
Crime rate
Cardiff South
64.7 / 1k
Kotara South
87.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cardiff South
40
Kotara South
21
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 | 41.1/100 | 48.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 66.3/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 64.7 / 1k | 87.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 11 |
| Weather (desirability) | 60.5/100 | 60.5/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 51 | 30 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 40 | 21 |
| Planning activity | 14 | 8 |
| Green cover | 4.4% | 9.1% |
| Population | 2,931 | 1,267 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 9/10 |
Cardiff South reads as a sought-after metro mid-sized suburb where housing reflects strong local demand; Kotara South is a metro smaller community with a gently premium housing feel and familiar suburban calm. Cardiff South sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Kotara South is further out with more breathing room.
Cardiff South tends to lead on housing affordability, a quieter safety profile, and public transport access, while Kotara South stands out for schools and education options, 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, families, and households prioritising schools.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.