Overall score
Mount Waverley
73.1/100
Oakleigh
62.7/100
Mount Waverley for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Mount Waverley
73.1/100
Oakleigh
62.7/100
Crime rate
Mount Waverley
49.5 / 1k
Oakleigh
206.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Mount Waverley
385
Oakleigh
697
Population
Mount Waverley
35,340
Oakleigh
8,442
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 73.1/100 | 62.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 26.2/100 | 16.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 49.5 / 1k | 206.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 9 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 32 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 138 | 93 |
| Walkability | 94.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 385 | 697 |
| Planning activity | 469 | 129 |
| Population | 35,340 | 8,442 |
| 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 is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Mount Waverley sits among greener hillside streets, while Oakleigh keeps a flatter suburban layout.
On the data, Mount Waverley is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Oakleigh answers with walkability and nearby cafés and amenities.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Mount Waverley, while Oakleigh remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.