Overall score
Fingal Bay
33.1/100
Nelson Bay
42.2/100
Fingal Bay vs Nelson Bay, NSW suburb comparison
Nelson Bay for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Fingal BayNelson Bay
Crime rate
Fingal Bay
70.2 / 1k
Nelson Bay
70.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Fingal Bay
56
Nelson Bay
51
Population
Fingal Bay
1,635
Nelson Bay
6,141
Metric leadFingal Bay 2Nelson Bay 62 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesNelson Bay
- Best for familiesNelson Bay
- Best for beach lifestyleNelson Bay
- Best for best valueNelson Bay
- Best for best schoolsNelson Bay
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 | Fingal Bay | Nelson Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 33.1/100 | 42.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 25.2/100 | 25.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 70.2 / 1k | 70.0 / 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 | 15 | 72 |
| Population | 1,635 | 6,141 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 4/10 |
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.