Overall score
Rose Bay
69.1/100
Vaucluse
64.9/100
Rose Bay for schools; Vaucluse for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Rose Bay
69.1/100
Vaucluse
64.9/100
Crime rate
Rose Bay
35.8 / 1k
Vaucluse
25.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Rose Bay
656
Vaucluse
617
Population
Rose Bay
9,911
Vaucluse
9,510
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 | Rose Bay | Vaucluse |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 69.1/100 | 64.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 12.4/100 | 30.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 35.8 / 1k | 25.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 13 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | 17 |
| Public transport stops | 91 | 136 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 71.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 656 | 617 |
| Planning activity | 70 | 94 |
| Population | 9,911 | 9,510 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Rose Bay is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, while Vaucluse is a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Where Vaucluse is shaped by the coast, Rose Bay offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Rose Bay tends to lead on schools and education options and walkability, while Vaucluse stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Rose Bay suits families and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Vaucluse is the stronger match for retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle.