Cape Paterson vs Wonthaggi
Wonthaggi (median $490,000) is roughly 34% cheaper to buy into than Cape Paterson ($745,000).
Buying in Cape Paterson or Wonthaggi?
Selling in Cape Paterson? The free selling guide
Cape Paterson and Wonthaggi side by side
| Measure | Cape Paterson | Wonthaggi |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $745,000 | $490,000 |
| Median unit | $205,920 | $385,000 |
| Renting | ||
| Owner occupied | 78.0% | 67.0% |
| Renter occupied | 16.0% | 29.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 5 | 7 |
| Average ICSEA | 976 | 982 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 6 | 100 |
| Transit score | 0 | 30 |
| Bike score | 0 | 60 |
| Population | 1,111 | 5,215 |
| Median age | 55 | 55 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 913 mm | 940 mm |
| Mean max, January | 24.2°C | 24.4°C |
Green dot: better on that measure (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk). Each suburb’s profile gives the source and period of its figures.
Which suits whom
Wonthaggi scores higher on walkability (6/100 vs 100/100 ), useful if you're optimising for a car-light household. On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Wonthaggi (982) sits above Cape Paterson (976). Cape Paterson skews owner-occupied (78%), Wonthaggi runs more rental-dense (67% owner).
- For buyers
- Wonthaggi is the lower entry point at $490,000 median, 34% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Rental or growth data is incomplete for one or both suburbs. Look at the full investor view on each suburb profile for a complete picture.
- For families
- Wonthaggi edges out on average school ICSEA (982 vs 976). Cape Paterson also has a higher family-household share (66% vs 55%), so the catchment community skews family-heavy.
Cape Paterson vs Wonthaggi: common questions
Is Cape Paterson or Wonthaggi cheaper to buy in?
Wonthaggi has the lower median house price at $490,000, roughly 34% below Cape Paterson ($745,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Cape Paterson or Wonthaggi have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Wonthaggi scores 982 vs 976 in Cape Paterson. ICSEA is a school-community indicator, not a quality rating, so always check NAPLAN results and catchment boundaries for the specific address you're considering.
Which is more walkable, Cape Paterson or Wonthaggi?
Wonthaggi scores 100/100 on walkability vs 6/100. Above 70 is considered very walkable (most errands on foot), 50-69 is walkable for some errands, below 50 typically requires a car for daily life.
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The two suburbs
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