North Melbourne vs Kensington
Kensington (median $1,138,300) is roughly 14% cheaper to buy into than North Melbourne ($1,326,000).
Buying in North Melbourne or Kensington?
Selling in North Melbourne? The free selling guide
North Melbourne and Kensington side by side
| Measure | North Melbourne | Kensington |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $1,326,000 | $1,138,300 |
| Median unit | $517,500 | $502,500 |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $853/wk | $760/wk |
| Unit rent | $660/wk | $560/wk |
| Owner occupied | 33.0% | – |
| Renter occupied | 64.0% | – |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1053 | 1070 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 100 | 100 |
| Transit score | 80 | 20 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | 14,953 | – |
| Median age | 31 | – |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 582 mm | 582 mm |
| Mean max, January | 26.9°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 Kensington (1070) sits above North Melbourne (1053).
- For buyers
- Kensington is the lower entry point at $1,138,300 median, 14% 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).
North Melbourne vs Kensington: common questions
Is North Melbourne or Kensington cheaper to buy in?
Kensington has the lower median house price at $1,138,300, roughly 14% 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.
Keep comparing
The two suburbs
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Choosing between North Melbourne and Kensington?
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