Overall score
Rushcutters Bay
39.2/100
The Rocks
50.3/100
Rushcutters Bay vs The Rocks, NSW suburb comparison
Rushcutters Bay for retirees and investment; The Rocks for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Rushcutters BayThe Rocks
Crime rate
Rushcutters Bay
189.1 / 1k
The Rocks
449.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Rushcutters Bay
160
The Rocks
285
Population
Rushcutters Bay
2,335
The Rocks
629
Metric leadRushcutters Bay 5The Rocks 41 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 retireesRushcutters Bay
- Best for familiesThe Rocks
- Best for investmentRushcutters Bay
- Best for best valueThe Rocks
- Best for best schoolsThe Rocks
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 | Rushcutters Bay | The Rocks |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 39.2/100 | 50.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 3.8/100 | 1.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 189.1 / 1k | 449.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 17 | 15 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 6 | — |
| Walkability | 27.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 160 | 285 |
| Planning activity | 1 | 9 |
| Population | 2,335 | 629 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Rushcutters Bay is an energetic metro smaller community where cafés and local life overlap, and The Rocks is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Rushcutters Bay tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while The Rocks stands out for parks and reserves and walkability.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Rushcutters Bay, while The Rocks remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.