Overall score
Moonee Beach
39.4/100
Sandy Beach
34.9/100
Moonee Beach for retirees and families; Sandy Beach for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Moonee Beach
39.4/100
Sandy Beach
34.9/100
Crime rate
Moonee Beach
127.4 / 1k
Sandy Beach
64.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Moonee Beach
8
Sandy Beach
10
Population
Moonee Beach
2,176
Sandy Beach
2,913
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 | Moonee Beach | Sandy Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 39.4/100 | 34.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 67.2/100 | 67.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 127.4 / 1k | 64.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 73 | 67 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 8 | 10 |
| Planning activity | 57 | 14 |
| Population | 2,176 | 2,913 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 4/10 |
Moonee Beach reads as a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone; Sandy Beach is a quieter mid-sized suburb with space and a country-town pace. Moonee Beach leans into coastal living, while Sandy Beach feels more inland and suburban in character.
Moonee Beach tends to lead on public transport access and overall desirability, while Sandy Beach stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Moonee Beach suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Sandy Beach is the stronger match for households prioritising schools.