Overall score
Illawong
61.7/100
Menai
63.5/100
Illawong vs Menai, NSW suburb comparison
Illawong for retirees and families.
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
87
Menai
107
Population
Illawong
7,427
Menai
10,419
Metric leadIllawong 1Menai 82 tiedacross 11 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 | 61.7/100 | 63.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 50.4/100 | 50.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 20.8 / 1k | 20.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 86 | 120 |
| Walkability | 55.0/100 | 73.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 87 | 107 |
| Planning activity | 13 | 11 |
| 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 excellent public transport and an affluent, sought-after address, while Menai stands out for schools and education options and parks and reserves.
Retirees may find Illawong the better fit, while households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Menai.