Balaclava vs St Kilda West
Balaclava (median $1,150,000) is roughly 50% cheaper to buy into than St Kilda West ($2,300,000).
Buying in Balaclava or St Kilda West?
Selling in Balaclava? The free selling guide
Balaclava and St Kilda West side by side
| Measure | Balaclava | St Kilda West |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $1,150,000 | $2,300,000 |
| Median unit | $576,300 | $572,500 |
| Renting | ||
| Owner occupied | – | 47.0% |
| Renter occupied | – | 51.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1114 | 1110 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 100 | – |
| Transit score | 100 | – |
| Bike score | 100 | – |
| Population | – | 2,951 |
| Median age | – | 40 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 625 mm | 578 mm |
| Mean max, January | 26.6°C | 26.6°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 Balaclava (1114) sits above St Kilda West (1110).
- For buyers
- Balaclava is the lower entry point at $1,150,000 median, 50% 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
- Balaclava edges out on average school ICSEA (1114 vs 1110).
Balaclava vs St Kilda West: common questions
Is Balaclava or St Kilda West cheaper to buy in?
Balaclava has the lower median house price at $1,150,000, roughly 50% below St Kilda West ($2,300,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Balaclava or St Kilda West have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Balaclava scores 1114 vs 1110 in St Kilda West. 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
Compare Balaclava with
Choosing between Balaclava and St Kilda West?
The free buying guide: budget, schemes, inspections and how not to overpay.