Side by sideSuburb comparison

Emerald vs Cockatoo.

Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $922,500 and $685,000. Emerald edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.

Cockatoo (median $685,000) is roughly 35% cheaper to buy into than Emerald ($922,500).

Emerald scores higher on walkability (56/100 vs 8/100 ), useful if you're optimising for a car-light household. On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Emerald (1060) sits above Cockatoo (1042).

The takeWhich suburb suits which buyer

For buyers

Cockatoo is the lower entry point at $685,000 median, 35% 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

Emerald edges out on average school ICSEA (1060 vs 1042).

Common questionsEmerald vs Cockatoo

Common questions

Is Emerald or Cockatoo cheaper to buy in?

Cockatoo has the lower median house price at $685,000, roughly 35% below Emerald ($922,500). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.

Does Emerald or Cockatoo have better schools?

On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Emerald scores 1060 vs 1042 in Cockatoo. 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, Emerald or Cockatoo?

Emerald scores 56/100 on walkability vs 8/100. 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.

The numbers behind the take

Emerald
Metric
Cockatoo

Price & Market

$922,500
Median house
$685,000
$316,800
Median unit
$277,920
+0.0%
Annual growth (house)
+0.0%
Days on market

Rental

Rent (house / wk)
Rent (unit / wk)
Owner occupied
Renter occupied

Lifestyle & Demographics

56
Walk score
8
0
Transit score
0
100
Bike score
100
Population
Median age

Risk & Hazard

Flood class
Bushfire risk

Schools

20
Schools nearby
12
1060
Avg ICSEA
1042

Climate

639 mm
Annual rainfall
639 mm
25.9°C
Mean max (Jan)
25.9°C

Green dot = better on that metric (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk).