Overall score
Paddington
66.9/100
North Adelaide
65.3/100
Paddington vs North Adelaide suburb comparison (NSW vs SA)
Paddington for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
PaddingtonNorth Adelaide
Crime rate
Paddington
75.8 / 1k
North Adelaide
83.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Paddington
505
North Adelaide
1,334
Population
Paddington
12,701
North Adelaide
6,823
Metric leadPaddington 4North Adelaide 42 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesPaddington
- Best for investmentPaddington
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 | Paddington | North Adelaide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.9/100 | 65.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 4.8/100 | 5.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 75.8 / 1k | 83.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 18 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | — |
| Public transport stops | 46 | 79 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 505 | 1,334 |
| Planning activity | 150 | 114 |
| Population | 12,701 | 6,823 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Across states, Paddington is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, whereas North Adelaide is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Paddington pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and schools and education options, whereas North Adelaide is the better pick for housing affordability and public transport access.
Retirees and families may find Paddington the better fit, while investors are more likely to prefer North Adelaide.