Fingal Bay vs Nelson Bay, NSW suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Fingal Bay | Nelson Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 33.4/100 | 42.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 25.2/100 | 25.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 70.9 / 1k | 70.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 40 | 122 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 56 | 51 |
| Planning activity | 14 | 61 |
| Population | 1,635 | 6,141 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 4/10 |
Quick verdicts
- Best for retireesNelson Bay
- Best for familiesNelson Bay
- Best for beach lifestyleNelson Bay
- Best for best valueNelson Bay
- Best for best schoolsNelson Bay
Comparison summary
Fingal Bay is a coastal smaller community shaped by beach life and outdoor living, while Nelson Bay is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone.
Fingal Bay pulls ahead on nearby cafés and amenities and a calmer planning outlook, whereas Nelson Bay is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and public transport access. Fingal Bay generally means more approachable housing costs, while Nelson Bay leans toward more sought-after housing.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Nelson Bay, while Fingal Bay remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.