Overall score
Cumbalum
37.0/100
East Ballina
47.7/100
Cumbalum vs East Ballina, NSW suburb comparison
Cumbalum for retirees and investment; East Ballina for beach lifestyle and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CumbalumEast Ballina
Crime rate
Cumbalum
89.7 / 1k
East Ballina
89.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cumbalum
15
East Ballina
375
Population
Cumbalum
2,211
East Ballina
5,882
Metric leadCumbalum 4East Ballina 5across 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 retireesCumbalum
- Best for beach lifestyleEast Ballina
- Best for investmentCumbalum
- Best for best schoolsEast Ballina
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 | Cumbalum | East Ballina |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 37.0/100 | 47.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 61.5/100 | 55.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 89.7 / 1k | 89.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 17 |
| Public transport stops | 16 | 209 |
| Walkability | 24.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 15 | 375 |
| Planning activity | 14 | 22 |
| Population | 2,211 | 5,882 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Cumbalum is a regional smaller community with local services and a more relaxed pace, and East Ballina is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Where East Ballina is shaped by the coast, Cumbalum offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Cumbalum tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while East Ballina stands out for public transport access and walkability.
Choose Cumbalum if you are weighing retirees and investors; lean toward East Ballina for families and people chasing a beach lifestyle.