Overall score
Manly
71.3/100
Mona Vale
74.8/100
Manly for schools; Mona Vale for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Manly
71.3/100
Mona Vale
74.8/100
Crime rate
Manly
76.2 / 1k
Mona Vale
27.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Manly
782
Mona Vale
619
Population
Manly
16,296
Mona Vale
10,877
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 | Manly | Mona Vale |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.3/100 | 74.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 21.8/100 | 45.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 76.2 / 1k | 27.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 12 | 20 |
| Public transport stops | 128 | 137 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 782 | 619 |
| Planning activity | 71 | 54 |
| Population | 16,296 | 10,877 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Manly is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone, while Mona Vale is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone.
Manly tends to lead on schools and education options and nearby cafés and amenities, while Mona Vale stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Manly suits families and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Mona Vale is the stronger match for retirees and investors.