East Melbourne vs Melbourne
Melbourne (median $381,000) is roughly 84% cheaper to buy into than East Melbourne ($2,400,000).
Buying in East Melbourne or Melbourne?
Selling in East Melbourne? The free selling guide
East Melbourne and Melbourne side by side
| Measure | East Melbourne | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $2,400,000 | $381,000 |
| Median unit | $610,000 | $567,500 |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $1100/wk | – |
| Unit rent | $690/wk | – |
| Owner occupied | 45.0% | 26.0% |
| Renter occupied | 53.0% | 71.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1038 | 1042 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 100 | 100 |
| Transit score | 100 | 100 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | 4,896 | 54,941 |
| Median age | 42 | 29 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 611 mm | 582 mm |
| Mean max, January | 27.0°C | 26.9°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 Melbourne (1042) sits above East Melbourne (1038). East Melbourne skews owner-occupied (45%), Melbourne runs more rental-dense (26% owner).
- For buyers
- Melbourne is the lower entry point at $381,000 median, 84% 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
- Melbourne edges out on average school ICSEA (1042 vs 1038). East Melbourne also has a higher family-household share (50% vs 38%), so the catchment community skews family-heavy.
East Melbourne vs Melbourne: common questions
Is East Melbourne or Melbourne cheaper to buy in?
Melbourne has the lower median house price at $381,000, roughly 84% below East Melbourne ($2,400,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does East Melbourne or Melbourne have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Melbourne scores 1042 vs 1038 in East Melbourne. 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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Choosing between East Melbourne and Melbourne?
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