Princes Hill vs Carlton.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $1,800,000 and $1,761,500.
Carlton (median $1,761,500) is roughly 2% cheaper to buy into than Princes Hill ($1,800,000).
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Princes Hill (1125) sits above Carlton (1044).
For buyers
Carlton is the lower entry point at $1,761,500 median, 2% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
For investors
Carlton offers the higher gross rental yield (2.80% vs 1.56%), favouring cash-flow investors.
For families
Princes Hill edges out on average school ICSEA (1125 vs 1044).
Common questions
Is Princes Hill or Carlton cheaper to buy in?
Carlton has the lower median house price at $1,761,500, roughly 2% below Princes Hill ($1,800,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Princes Hill or Carlton have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Princes Hill scores 1125 vs 1044 in Carlton. 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, Princes Hill or Carlton?
Gross rental yield on houses is 2.80% in Carlton vs 1.56% in Princes Hill. 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).
Compare Princes Hill against another suburb