Overall score
Chatswood
66.4/100
St Leonards
59.2/100
Chatswood vs St Leonards, NSW suburb comparison
Chatswood for investment and value; St Leonards for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ChatswoodSt Leonards
Crime rate
Chatswood
105.4 / 1k
St Leonards
41.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Chatswood
1,342
St Leonards
315
Population
Chatswood
25,553
St Leonards
7,212
Metric leadChatswood 5St Leonards 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 retireesSt Leonards
- Best for familiesSt Leonards
- Best for investmentChatswood
- Best for best valueChatswood
- Best for best schoolsChatswood
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 | St Leonards |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.4/100 | 59.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 7.3/100 | 8.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 105.4 / 1k | 41.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 13 | 15 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 212 | 32 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1,342 | 315 |
| Planning activity | 70 | 19 |
| Population | 25,553 | 7,212 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Chatswood is an energetic metro larger suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while St Leonards is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Chatswood pulls ahead on schools and education options and parks and reserves, whereas St Leonards is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Chatswood suits investors and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas St Leonards is the stronger match for retirees and families.