Overall score
Coldstream
55.5/100
Lilydale
70.8/100
Coldstream vs Lilydale, VIC suburb comparison
Coldstream for retirees and investment; Lilydale for value and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ColdstreamLilydale
Crime rate
Coldstream
54.3 / 1k
Lilydale
87.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Coldstream
13
Lilydale
253
Population
Coldstream
2,199
Lilydale
17,348
Metric leadColdstream 3Lilydale 8across 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 retireesColdstream
- Best for investmentColdstream
- Best for best valueLilydale
- Best for best schoolsLilydale
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 | Coldstream | Lilydale |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 55.5/100 | 70.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 73.8/100 | 66.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 54.3 / 1k | 87.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 9 | 19 |
| Public transport stops | 15 | 108 |
| Walkability | 30.5/100 | 90.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 13 | 253 |
| Planning activity | 65 | 224 |
| Population | 2,199 | 17,348 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Coldstream reads as a hillside smaller community with greener streets and a quieter pace; Lilydale is a hills established suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood. Coldstream sits within day-trip reach of the capital, whereas Lilydale is in a middle-ring position.
On the data, Coldstream is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Lilydale answers with schools and education options and parks and reserves. Coldstream generally means more mid-market housing value, while Lilydale leans toward more sought-after housing.
Choose Coldstream if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Lilydale for households prioritising schools.