North Melbourne vs Kensington.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $1,326,000 and $1,138,300. Kensington edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.
Kensington (median $1,138,300) is roughly 16% cheaper to buy into than North Melbourne ($1,326,000).
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Kensington (1070) sits above North Melbourne (1053).
For buyers
Kensington is the lower entry point at $1,138,300 median, 16% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
For investors
Kensington offers the higher gross rental yield (3.47% vs 3.35%), favouring cash-flow investors.
For families
Kensington edges out on average school ICSEA (1070 vs 1053).
Common questions
Is North Melbourne or Kensington cheaper to buy in?
Kensington has the lower median house price at $1,138,300, roughly 16% below North Melbourne ($1,326,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does North Melbourne or Kensington have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Kensington scores 1070 vs 1053 in North 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.
Which suburb has higher rental yield, North Melbourne or Kensington?
Gross rental yield on houses is 3.47% in Kensington vs 3.35% in North Melbourne. 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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