Overall score
Chatswood
66.4/100
Willoughby
56.5/100
Chatswood vs Willoughby, NSW suburb comparison
Chatswood for investment and schools; Willoughby for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ChatswoodWilloughby
Crime rate
Chatswood
105.4 / 1k
Willoughby
13.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Chatswood
1,342
Willoughby
133
Population
Chatswood
25,553
Willoughby
7,124
Metric leadChatswood 6Willoughby 32 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
- Best for familiesWilloughby
- Best for investmentChatswood
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.4/100 | 56.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 7.3/100 | 16.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 105.4 / 1k | 13.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 13 | 13 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 212 | 57 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 44.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1,342 | 133 |
| Planning activity | 70 | 22 |
| Population | 25,553 | 7,124 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Chatswood reads as an energetic metro larger suburb where cafés and local life overlap; Willoughby is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
On the data, Chatswood is stronger for parks and reserves and public transport access; Willoughby answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Investors and households prioritising schools may find Chatswood the better fit, while retirees are more likely to prefer Willoughby.