Overall score
Cheltenham
39.7/100
West Lakes
61.1/100
Cheltenham vs West Lakes, SA suburb comparison
Cheltenham for families and investment; West Lakes for beach lifestyle and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CheltenhamWest Lakes
Crime rate
Cheltenham
44.5 / 1k
West Lakes
112.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cheltenham
92
West Lakes
439
Population
Cheltenham
2,236
West Lakes
6,768
Metric leadCheltenham 3West Lakes 6across 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for familiesCheltenham
- Best for beach lifestyleWest Lakes
- Best for investmentCheltenham
- Best for best valueWest Lakes
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 | Cheltenham | West Lakes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 39.7/100 | 61.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 56.5/100 | 47.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 44.5 / 1k | 112.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 12 | 44 |
| Walkability | 18.0/100 | 85.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 92 | 439 |
| Planning activity | 27 | 148 |
| Population | 2,236 | 6,768 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
Cheltenham reads as a well-serviced metro smaller community with plenty happening nearby; West Lakes is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Where West Lakes is shaped by the coast, Cheltenham offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Cheltenham pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas West Lakes is the better pick for public transport access and walkability.
On balance, retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer West Lakes, while Cheltenham remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.