Overall score
Collaroy
70.3/100
Dee Why
74.1/100
Collaroy vs Dee Why, NSW suburb comparison
Collaroy for retirees and families; Dee Why for beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CollaroyDee Why
Crime rate
Collaroy
16.7 / 1k
Dee Why
26.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Collaroy
230
Dee Why
491
Population
Collaroy
7,944
Dee Why
23,354
Metric leadCollaroy 4Dee Why 7across 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Collaroy | Dee Why |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 70.3/100 | 74.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 39.8/100 | 39.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 16.7 / 1k | 26.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 14 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | 11 |
| Public transport stops | 41 | 122 |
| Walkability | 75.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 230 | 491 |
| Planning activity | 32 | 46 |
| Population | 7,944 | 23,354 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Collaroy reads as a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living; Dee Why is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone.
Collaroy pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Dee Why is the better pick for schools and education options and parks and reserves.
Collaroy suits retirees and investors more clearly, whereas Dee Why is the stronger match for families and people chasing a beach lifestyle.