Mentone vs Cheltenham East.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $1,487,000 and $1,130,000.
Cheltenham East (median $1,130,000) is roughly 32% cheaper to buy into than Mentone ($1,487,000).
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Mentone (1115) sits above Cheltenham East (1108).
For buyers
Cheltenham East is the lower entry point at $1,130,000 median, 32% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
For investors
Mentone offers the higher gross rental yield (2.62% vs 1.98%), favouring cash-flow investors.
For families
Mentone edges out on average school ICSEA (1115 vs 1108).
Common questions
Is Mentone or Cheltenham East cheaper to buy in?
Cheltenham East has the lower median house price at $1,130,000, roughly 32% below Mentone ($1,487,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Mentone or Cheltenham East have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Mentone scores 1115 vs 1108 in Cheltenham East. 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, Mentone or Cheltenham East?
Gross rental yield on houses is 2.62% in Mentone vs 1.98% in Cheltenham East. 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).
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