Overall score
Fern Bay
37.0/100
Tomago
29.3/100
Fern Bay for retirees and families; Tomago for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Fern Bay
37.0/100
Tomago
29.3/100
Crime rate
Fern Bay
55.2 / 1k
Tomago
77.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Fern Bay
53
Tomago
3
Population
Fern Bay
4,046
Tomago
269
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
Fern Bay reads as a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone; Tomago is a settled metro smaller community that keeps everyday living grounded and accessible. Where Fern Bay is shaped by the coast, Tomago offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Fern Bay tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and public transport access, while Tomago stands out for housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook. On housing, Fern Bay sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Tomago.
Retirees and families may find Fern Bay the better fit, while investors are more likely to prefer Tomago.