Carlton vs South Yarra
Carlton (median $1,761,500) is roughly 16% cheaper to buy into than South Yarra ($2,100,000).
Buying in Carlton or South Yarra?
Selling in Carlton? The free selling guide
Carlton and South Yarra side by side
| Measure | Carlton | South Yarra |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $1,761,500 | $2,100,000 |
| Median unit | $332,500 | $585,000 |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $950/wk | $1100/wk |
| Unit rent | $670/wk | $700/wk |
| Owner occupied | – | 36.0% |
| Renter occupied | – | 62.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1044 | 1112 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 100 | 100 |
| Transit score | 100 | 100 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | – | 25,028 |
| Median age | – | 33 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 582 mm | 625 mm |
| Mean max, January | 26.9°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 South Yarra (1112) sits above Carlton (1044).
- For buyers
- Carlton is the lower entry point at $1,761,500 median, 16% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Carlton offers the higher gross rental yield (2.80% vs 2.72%), favouring cash-flow investors.
- For families
- South Yarra edges out on average school ICSEA (1112 vs 1044).
Carlton vs South Yarra: common questions
Is Carlton or South Yarra cheaper to buy in?
Carlton has the lower median house price at $1,761,500, roughly 16% below South Yarra ($2,100,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Carlton or South Yarra have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), South Yarra scores 1112 vs 1044 in Carlton. 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 suburb has higher rental yield, Carlton or South Yarra?
Gross rental yield on houses is 2.80% in Carlton vs 2.72% in South Yarra. Gross yield equals annual rent divided by purchase price. Net yield (after strata, rates, insurance, agent fees and maintenance) typically runs 1.5-2 percentage points lower.
Keep comparing
The two suburbs
Compare Carlton with
Choosing between Carlton and South Yarra?
The free buying guide: budget, schemes, inspections and how not to overpay.