Overall score
Rockdale
61.6/100
Sandringham
45.5/100
Rockdale for value and schools; Sandringham for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Rockdale
61.6/100
Sandringham
45.5/100
Crime rate
Rockdale
53.9 / 1k
Sandringham
33.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Rockdale
241
Sandringham
37
Population
Rockdale
15,475
Sandringham
1,275
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 | Rockdale | Sandringham |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 61.6/100 | 45.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 14.4/100 | 23.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 53.9 / 1k | 33.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 22 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 99 | 18 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 50.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 241 | 37 |
| Planning activity | 17 | 9 |
| Population | 15,475 | 1,275 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Put side by side, Rockdale is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, and Sandringham is a practical metro smaller community with solid links to the wider city.
On the data, Rockdale is stronger for parks and reserves and public transport access; Sandringham answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools may find Rockdale the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Sandringham.