Preston vs Thornbury
Preston (median $1,230,000) is roughly 12% cheaper to buy into than Thornbury ($1,390,000).
Buying in Preston or Thornbury?
Selling in Preston? The free selling guide
Preston and Thornbury side by side
| Measure | Preston | Thornbury |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $1,230,000 | $1,390,000 |
| Median unit | $523,800 | $470,000 |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $675/wk | $798/wk |
| Unit rent | $550/wk | $520/wk |
| Owner occupied | – | 56.0% |
| Renter occupied | – | 42.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1080 | 1111 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 100 | 100 |
| Transit score | 100 | 0 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | – | 19,005 |
| Median age | – | 37 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 623 mm | 623 mm |
| Mean max, January | 27.0°C | 27.0°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 Thornbury (1111) sits above Preston (1080).
- For buyers
- Preston is the lower entry point at $1,230,000 median, 12% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Thornbury offers the higher gross rental yield (2.99% vs 2.85%), favouring cash-flow investors.
- For families
- Thornbury edges out on average school ICSEA (1111 vs 1080).
Preston vs Thornbury: common questions
Is Preston or Thornbury cheaper to buy in?
Preston has the lower median house price at $1,230,000, roughly 12% below Thornbury ($1,390,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Preston or Thornbury have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Thornbury scores 1111 vs 1080 in Preston. 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, Preston or Thornbury?
Gross rental yield on houses is 2.99% in Thornbury vs 2.85% in Preston. 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.
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