Overall score
Illawong
62.1/100
Menai
61.1/100
Illawong vs Menai, NSW Suburb Comparison
Illawong for families and investment; Menai for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
IllawongMenai
Crime rate
Illawong
20.8 / 1k
Menai
20.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Illawong
90
Menai
111
Population
Illawong
7,427
Menai
10,419
Metric leadIllawong 2Menai 92 tiedacross 13 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 | Illawong | Menai |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 62.1/100 | 61.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 45.1/100 | 48.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 20.8 / 1k | 20.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 3 |
| Weather (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 82.3/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 86 | 120 |
| Walkability | 55.0/100 | 73.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 90 | 111 |
| Planning activity | 16 | 14 |
| Green cover | 37.0% | 66.4% |
| Population | 7,427 | 10,419 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Illawong is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Menai is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Illawong tends to lead on schools and education options, while Menai stands out for a quieter safety profile, parks and reserves, and public transport access.
On balance, retirees, families, and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Illawong, while Menai remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.