Balaclava vs Elsternwick
Balaclava (median $1,150,000) is roughly 40% cheaper to buy into than Elsternwick ($1,902,000).
Buying in Balaclava or Elsternwick?
Selling in Balaclava? The free selling guide
Balaclava and Elsternwick side by side
| Measure | Balaclava | Elsternwick |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $1,150,000 | $1,902,000 |
| Median unit | $576,300 | $683,500 |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | – | $900/wk |
| Unit rent | – | $600/wk |
| Owner occupied | – | 59.0% |
| Renter occupied | – | 39.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1114 | 1122 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 100 | 100 |
| Transit score | 100 | 100 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | – | 10,887 |
| Median age | – | 38 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 625 mm | 617 mm |
| Mean max, January | 26.6°C | 26.4°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
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Elsternwick (1122) sits above Balaclava (1114).
- For buyers
- Balaclava is the lower entry point at $1,150,000 median, 40% 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
- Elsternwick edges out on average school ICSEA (1122 vs 1114).
Balaclava vs Elsternwick: common questions
Is Balaclava or Elsternwick cheaper to buy in?
Balaclava has the lower median house price at $1,150,000, roughly 40% below Elsternwick ($1,902,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Balaclava or Elsternwick have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Elsternwick scores 1122 vs 1114 in Balaclava. 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.
Keep comparing
The two suburbs
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