Melbourne vs South Yarra
Melbourne (median $440,000) is roughly 79% cheaper to buy into than South Yarra ($2,100,000).
Buying in Melbourne or South Yarra?
Selling in Melbourne? The free selling guide
Melbourne and South Yarra side by side
| Measure | Melbourne | South Yarra |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $440,000 | $2,100,000 |
| Median unit | $567,500 | $585,000 |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | – | $1100/wk |
| Unit rent | – | $700/wk |
| Owner occupied | 26.0% | 36.0% |
| Renter occupied | 71.0% | 62.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1107 | 1112 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 100 | 100 |
| Transit score | 0 | 100 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | 54,941 | 25,028 |
| Median age | 29 | 33 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 625 mm | 625 mm |
| Mean max, January | 26.6°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 Melbourne (1107). South Yarra skews owner-occupied (36%), Melbourne runs more rental-dense (26% owner).
- For buyers
- Melbourne is the lower entry point at $440,000 median, 79% 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
- South Yarra edges out on average school ICSEA (1112 vs 1107).
Melbourne vs South Yarra: common questions
Is Melbourne or South Yarra cheaper to buy in?
Melbourne has the lower median house price at $440,000, roughly 79% below South Yarra ($2,100,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Melbourne or South Yarra have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), South Yarra scores 1112 vs 1107 in 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
Compare Melbourne with
Choosing between Melbourne and South Yarra?
The free buying guide: budget, schemes, inspections and how not to overpay.