Gardenvale vs Caulfield South.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $1,764,000 and $2,068,500. Gardenvale edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.
Gardenvale (median $1,764,000) is roughly 15% cheaper to buy into than Caulfield South ($2,068,500).
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Gardenvale (1123) sits above Caulfield South (1115). Caulfield South skews owner-occupied (72%), Gardenvale runs more rental-dense (52% owner).
For buyers
Gardenvale is the lower entry point at $1,764,000 median, 15% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
For investors
Caulfield South offers the higher gross rental yield (1.21% vs 0.89%), favouring cash-flow investors.
For families
Gardenvale edges out on average school ICSEA (1123 vs 1115). Caulfield South also has a higher family-household share (73% vs 53%), so the catchment community skews family-heavy.
Common questions
Is Gardenvale or Caulfield South cheaper to buy in?
Gardenvale has the lower median house price at $1,764,000, roughly 15% below Caulfield South ($2,068,500). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Gardenvale or Caulfield South have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Gardenvale scores 1123 vs 1115 in Caulfield South. 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, Gardenvale or Caulfield South?
Gross rental yield on houses is 1.21% in Caulfield South vs 0.89% in Gardenvale. 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 Gardenvale against another suburb