Cowes vs Smiths Beach
Cowes (median $820,000) is roughly 3% cheaper to buy into than Smiths Beach ($846,000).
Buying in Cowes or Smiths Beach?
Selling in Cowes? The free selling guide
Cowes and Smiths Beach side by side
| Measure | Cowes | Smiths Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $820,000 | $846,000 |
| Median unit | $425,000 | $240,480 |
| Renting | ||
| Owner occupied | 68.0% | 72.0% |
| Renter occupied | 26.0% | 17.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 5 | 5 |
| Average ICSEA | 1043 | 1042 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 96 | 2 |
| Transit score | 0 | 0 |
| Bike score | 100 | 35 |
| Population | 6,593 | 315 |
| Median age | 55 | 51 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 718 mm | 728 mm |
| Mean max, January | 24.1°C | 23.8°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
Cowes scores higher on walkability (96/100 vs 2/100 ), useful if you're optimising for a car-light household. On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Cowes (1043) sits above Smiths Beach (1042).
- For buyers
- Cowes is the lower entry point at $820,000 median, 3% 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
- Cowes edges out on average school ICSEA (1043 vs 1042).
Cowes vs Smiths Beach: common questions
Is Cowes or Smiths Beach cheaper to buy in?
Cowes has the lower median house price at $820,000, roughly 3% below Smiths Beach ($846,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Cowes or Smiths Beach have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Cowes scores 1043 vs 1042 in Smiths Beach. 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, Cowes or Smiths Beach?
Cowes scores 96/100 on walkability vs 2/100. 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.
Keep comparing
The two suburbs
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