Caulfield vs Elsternwick
Elsternwick (median $1,902,000) is roughly 29% cheaper to buy into than Caulfield ($2,685,000).
Buying in Caulfield or Elsternwick?
Selling in Caulfield? The free selling guide
Caulfield and Elsternwick side by side
| Measure | Caulfield | Elsternwick |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $2,685,000 | $1,902,000 |
| Median unit | $751,500 | $683,500 |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $850/wk | $900/wk |
| Unit rent | $630/wk | $600/wk |
| Owner occupied | 65.0% | 59.0% |
| Renter occupied | 32.0% | 39.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1115 | 1122 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 100 | 100 |
| Transit score | 100 | 100 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | 5,748 | 10,887 |
| Median age | 42 | 38 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 673 mm | 617 mm |
| Mean max, January | 26.4°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 Caulfield (1115).
- For buyers
- Elsternwick is the lower entry point at $1,902,000 median, 29% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Elsternwick offers the higher gross rental yield (2.46% vs 1.65%), favouring cash-flow investors.
- For families
- Elsternwick edges out on average school ICSEA (1122 vs 1115).
Caulfield vs Elsternwick: common questions
Is Caulfield or Elsternwick cheaper to buy in?
Elsternwick has the lower median house price at $1,902,000, roughly 29% below Caulfield ($2,685,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Caulfield or Elsternwick have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Elsternwick scores 1122 vs 1115 in Caulfield. 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, Caulfield or Elsternwick?
Gross rental yield on houses is 2.46% in Elsternwick vs 1.65% in Caulfield. 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.
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