Overall score
Chatswood
66.4/100
Willoughby East
50.3/100
Chatswood vs Willoughby East, NSW suburb comparison
Chatswood for schools; Willoughby East for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ChatswoodWilloughby East
Crime rate
Chatswood
105.4 / 1k
Willoughby East
13.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Chatswood
1,342
Willoughby East
88
Population
Chatswood
25,553
Willoughby East
1,864
Metric leadChatswood 7Willoughby East 31 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 retireesWilloughby East
- Best for familiesWilloughby East
- Best for investmentWilloughby East
- Best for best valueWilloughby East
- 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 | Willoughby East |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.4/100 | 50.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 7.3/100 | 35.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 105.4 / 1k | 13.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 13 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 212 | 22 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1,342 | 88 |
| Planning activity | 70 | 4 |
| Population | 25,553 | 1,864 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Chatswood is an energetic metro larger suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Willoughby East is a well-serviced metro smaller community with plenty happening nearby.
On the data, Chatswood is stronger for parks and reserves and public transport access; Willoughby East answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Chatswood suits households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Willoughby East is the stronger match for retirees and investors.