Chelsea vs Bonbeach.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $1,137,500 and $1,107,500.
Bonbeach (median $1,107,500) is roughly 3% cheaper to buy into than Chelsea ($1,137,500).
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Chelsea (1075) sits above Bonbeach (1067).
For buyers
Bonbeach is the lower entry point at $1,107,500 median, 3% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
For investors
Chelsea offers the higher gross rental yield (3.11% vs 1.86%), favouring cash-flow investors.
For families
Chelsea edges out on average school ICSEA (1075 vs 1067).
Common questions
Is Chelsea or Bonbeach cheaper to buy in?
Bonbeach has the lower median house price at $1,107,500, roughly 3% below Chelsea ($1,137,500). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Chelsea or Bonbeach have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Chelsea scores 1075 vs 1067 in Bonbeach. 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, Chelsea or Bonbeach?
Gross rental yield on houses is 3.11% in Chelsea vs 1.86% in Bonbeach. 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.
The numbers behind the take
Price & Market
Rental
Lifestyle & Demographics
Risk & Hazard
Schools
Climate
Green dot = better on that metric (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk).
Compare Chelsea against another suburb