Overall score
Chatswood
66.4/100
North Sydney
72.7/100
Chatswood vs North Sydney, NSW suburb comparison
North Sydney for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ChatswoodNorth Sydney
Crime rate
Chatswood
105.4 / 1k
North Sydney
44.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Chatswood
1,342
North Sydney
995
Population
Chatswood
25,553
North Sydney
8,964
Metric leadChatswood 5North Sydney 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 retireesNorth Sydney
- Best for familiesNorth Sydney
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 | Chatswood | North Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.4/100 | 72.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 7.3/100 | 3.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 105.4 / 1k | 44.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 13 | 15 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 13 |
| Public transport stops | 212 | 113 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1,342 | 995 |
| Planning activity | 70 | 32 |
| Population | 25,553 | 8,964 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Chatswood reads as an energetic metro larger suburb where cafés and local life overlap; North Sydney is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Chatswood tends to lead on housing affordability and parks and reserves, while North Sydney stands out for a quieter safety profile and overall desirability.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer North Sydney, while Chatswood remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.