Cumbalum vs East Ballina, NSW suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Cumbalum | East Ballina |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 35.9/100 | 46.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 61.5/100 | 55.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 93.6 / 1k | 93.8 / 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 | 11 | 17 |
| Population | 2,211 | 5,882 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 7/10 |
Quick verdicts
- Best for retireesCumbalum
- Best for familiesEast Ballina
- Best for beach lifestyleEast Ballina
- Best for investmentCumbalum
- Best for best schoolsEast Ballina
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.