Overall score
Rye
46.0/100
St Andrews Beach
34.5/100
Rye vs St Andrews Beach, VIC suburb comparison
Rye for beach lifestyle and investment; St Andrews Beach for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
RyeSt Andrews Beach
Crime rate
Rye
63.4 / 1k
St Andrews Beach
10.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Rye
32
St Andrews Beach
14
Population
Rye
9,438
St Andrews Beach
974
Metric leadRye 6St Andrews Beach 3across 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesSt Andrews Beach
- Best for familiesSt Andrews Beach
- Best for beach lifestyleRye
- Best for investmentRye
- Best for best valueRye
- Best for best schoolsRye
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 | Rye | St Andrews Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 46.0/100 | 34.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 34.9/100 | 19.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 63.4 / 1k | 10.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | — |
| Public transport stops | 67 | 7 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 12.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 32 | 14 |
| Planning activity | 283 | 58 |
| Population | 9,438 | 974 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Rye is a coastal established suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living, while St Andrews Beach is a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone.
Rye pulls ahead on housing affordability and public transport access, whereas St Andrews Beach is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
People chasing a beach lifestyle and investors may find Rye the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer St Andrews Beach.