Overall score
Cardinia
27.0/100
Pakenham
74.1/100
Cardinia vs Pakenham, VIC suburb comparison
Pakenham for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CardiniaPakenham
Crime rate
Cardinia
153.2 / 1k
Pakenham
84.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cardinia
32
Pakenham
455
Population
Cardinia
342
Pakenham
54,118
Metric leadCardinia 2Pakenham 7across 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Cardinia | Pakenham |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 27.0/100 | 74.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 81.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 153.2 / 1k | 84.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 24 |
| Public transport stops | — | 258 |
| Walkability | 0.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 32 | 455 |
| Planning activity | 5 | 494 |
| Population | 342 | 54,118 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Cardinia is a settled metro smaller community that balances access with everyday calm, and Pakenham is a well-serviced metro larger suburb with plenty happening nearby. Cardinia sits further out with more breathing room, whereas Pakenham is in a middle-ring position.
Cardinia pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook, whereas Pakenham is the better pick for housing affordability and schools and education options.
Retirees may find Cardinia the better fit, while families and investors are more likely to prefer Pakenham.