Overall score
Newcastle
63.4/100
Wollongong
69.5/100
Newcastle vs Wollongong, NSW suburb comparison
Newcastle for retirees and schools; Wollongong for beach lifestyle and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
NewcastleWollongong
Crime rate
Newcastle
217.8 / 1k
Wollongong
154.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Newcastle
673
Wollongong
657
Population
Newcastle
3,852
Wollongong
20,446
Metric leadNewcastle 3Wollongong 71 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesNewcastle
- Best for beach lifestyleWollongong
- Best for investmentWollongong
- Best for best valueWollongong
- Best for best schoolsNewcastle
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 | Newcastle | Wollongong |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 63.4/100 | 69.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 22.3/100 | 42.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 217.8 / 1k | 154.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | 13 |
| Public transport stops | 56 | 192 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 673 | 657 |
| Planning activity | 27 | 65 |
| Population | 3,852 | 20,446 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
Newcastle reads as a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Wollongong is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone. Newcastle sits on a more distant stretch of coast, whereas Wollongong is firmly coastal.
Newcastle pulls ahead on nearby cafés and amenities and a calmer planning outlook, whereas Wollongong is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Choose Newcastle if you are weighing retirees; lean toward Wollongong for families and people chasing a beach lifestyle.