Overall score
Fairlight
51.8/100
Manly
71.3/100
Fairlight vs Manly, NSW suburb comparison
Fairlight for retirees and investment; Manly for families and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
FairlightManly
Crime rate
Fairlight
13.0 / 1k
Manly
76.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Fairlight
92
Manly
782
Population
Fairlight
6,141
Manly
16,296
Metric leadFairlight 3Manly 71 tiedacross 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 | Fairlight | Manly |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 51.8/100 | 71.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 14.2/100 | 21.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 13.0 / 1k | 76.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 11 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 12 |
| Public transport stops | 62 | 128 |
| Walkability | 61.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 92 | 782 |
| Planning activity | 29 | 71 |
| Population | 6,141 | 16,296 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Fairlight is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, and Manly is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone. Where Manly is shaped by the coast, Fairlight offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Fairlight is stronger for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook; Manly answers with housing affordability and parks and reserves.
Choose Fairlight if you are weighing retirees and investors; lean toward Manly for families and people chasing a beach lifestyle.