Overall score
Mount Waverley
73.1/100
Oakleigh East
56.7/100
Mount Waverley for retirees and families; Oakleigh East for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Mount Waverley
73.1/100
Oakleigh East
56.7/100
Crime rate
Mount Waverley
49.5 / 1k
Oakleigh East
45.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Mount Waverley
385
Oakleigh East
103
Population
Mount Waverley
35,340
Oakleigh East
6,804
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 | Mount Waverley | Oakleigh East |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 73.1/100 | 56.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 26.2/100 | 31.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 49.5 / 1k | 45.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 9 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | 32 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 138 | 29 |
| Walkability | 94.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 385 | 103 |
| Planning activity | 469 | 85 |
| Population | 35,340 | 6,804 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Put side by side, Mount Waverley is a hills larger suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood, and Oakleigh East is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby. Mount Waverley sits among greener hillside streets, while Oakleigh East keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Mount Waverley tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and schools and education options, while Oakleigh East stands out for housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook.
Mount Waverley suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Oakleigh East is the stronger match for investors.