Cowes vs Sunderland Bay
Sunderland Bay (median $635,000) is roughly 23% cheaper to buy into than Cowes ($820,000).
Buying in Cowes or Sunderland Bay?
Selling in Cowes? The free selling guide
Cowes and Sunderland Bay side by side
| Measure | Cowes | Sunderland Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $820,000 | $635,000 |
| Median unit | $425,000 | $240,480 |
| Renting | ||
| Owner occupied | 68.0% | 74.0% |
| Renter occupied | 26.0% | 20.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 5 | 6 |
| Average ICSEA | 1043 | 1041 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 96 | 0 |
| Transit score | 0 | 0 |
| Bike score | 100 | 45 |
| Population | 6,593 | 306 |
| Median age | 55 | 41 |
| 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 0/100 ), useful if you're optimising for a car-light household. On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Cowes (1043) sits above Sunderland Bay (1041).
- For buyers
- Sunderland Bay is the lower entry point at $635,000 median, 23% 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 1041).
Cowes vs Sunderland Bay: common questions
Is Cowes or Sunderland Bay cheaper to buy in?
Sunderland Bay has the lower median house price at $635,000, roughly 23% below Cowes ($820,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Cowes or Sunderland Bay have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Cowes scores 1043 vs 1041 in Sunderland Bay. 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 Sunderland Bay?
Cowes scores 96/100 on walkability vs 0/100. 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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