Overall score
Gosford
61.0/100
Newcastle
63.4/100
Gosford for investment and value; Newcastle for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Gosford
61.0/100
Newcastle
63.4/100
Crime rate
Gosford
113.2 / 1k
Newcastle
217.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Gosford
332
Newcastle
673
Population
Gosford
4,873
Newcastle
3,852
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.
| Category | Gosford | Newcastle |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 61.0/100 | 63.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 33.0/100 | 22.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 113.2 / 1k | 217.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 13 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 113 | 56 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 332 | 673 |
| Planning activity | 9 | 26 |
| Population | 4,873 | 3,852 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 10/10 |
Gosford reads as a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby; Newcastle is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Newcastle leans into coastal living, while Gosford feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Gosford is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Newcastle answers with nearby cafés and amenities and stronger socioeconomic advantage.
Families and investors may find Gosford the better fit, while retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Newcastle.