Rose Bay vs Watsons Bay
The verdict
Rose Bay is more affordable, with a median house price of $4.97M versus $7.33M in Watsons Bay. Rose Bay rates higher for liveability (100 vs 66). Watsons Bay is closer to the coast (190 m vs 1.4 km). On the separate residential safety score, Rose Bay rates higher (100 vs 66/100 in Watsons Bay).
Scores
| Rose Bay | Watsons Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 91 | 70 |
| Transport | 80 | 53 |
| Education | 93 | 94 |
| Liveability | 100 | 66 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Rose Bay | Watsons Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,911 | 883 |
| Median age | 40 | 40 |
| Median household income (wk) | $2,539 | $2,924 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 62.7% | 61.3% |
| Born in Australia | 54.8% | 62.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.4 |
Growth: Rose Bay Stable · Watsons Bay Stable
Property
| Rose Bay | Watsons Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $4.97M | $7.33M |
| Median unit price | $1.84M | $1.09M |
| House price YoY | -5.8% | Data not available |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $1,975 | $2,900 |
| Rental yield (house) | 2.1% | Data not available |
| Days on market (house) | 40 | Data not available |
Median price history
Safety
| Rose Bay | Watsons Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 100 | 66 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 81 | 227 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 40 | 0 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 172 | 453 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 3,370 | 9,060 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Rose Bay | Watsons Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 7 | 0 |
| Government | 2 | 0 |
| Independent | 4 | 0 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,146 | Data not available |
See the full school list on each profile: Rose Bay · Watsons Bay
Transport
| Rose Bay | Watsons Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 80 | 53 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 47 | 6 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 29 | 35 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 2.7 km | 6.0 km |
Liveability
| Rose Bay | Watsons Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 25.9°C | 25.9°C |
| Winter max temp | 17.0°C | 17.0°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 1,213 | 1,213 |
| Supermarkets | 4 | 0 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 17 | 8 |
| Parks | 8 | 6 |
| Playgrounds | 2 | 1 |
| Swimming pools | 401 | 22 |
| Medical GPs | 2 | 0 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 1.4 km | 190 m |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 5.7 km | 7.8 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | 520 m | 280 m |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 4.5 km | 7.0 km |
Population & growth
| Rose Bay | Watsons Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 9,911 | 883 |
| Estimated 2025 | 9,756 | 869 |
| Projected 2041 | 10,784 | 961 |
| Annual growth rate | -0.39% | -0.40% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Rose Bay or Watsons Bay?
Rose Bay has the higher residential safety score (Rose Bay 100/100 vs Watsons Bay 66/100).
Which is more affordable, Rose Bay or Watsons Bay?
Rose Bay is more affordable, with a median house price of $4.97M versus $7.33M.
Which has better public transport, Rose Bay or Watsons Bay?
Rose Bay has the higher transport score (Rose Bay 80/100 vs Watsons Bay 53/100).
Try another comparison
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