St Kilda vs Balaclava.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $1,810,000 and $1,150,000. Balaclava edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.
Balaclava (median $1,150,000) is roughly 57% cheaper to buy into than St Kilda ($1,810,000).
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Balaclava (1114) sits above St Kilda (1112).
For buyers
Balaclava is the lower entry point at $1,150,000 median, 57% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
For investors
Balaclava offers the higher gross rental yield (1.79% vs 1.61%), favouring cash-flow investors.
For families
Balaclava edges out on average school ICSEA (1114 vs 1112).
Common questions
Is St Kilda or Balaclava cheaper to buy in?
Balaclava has the lower median house price at $1,150,000, roughly 57% below St Kilda ($1,810,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does St Kilda or Balaclava have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Balaclava scores 1114 vs 1112 in St Kilda. 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, St Kilda or Balaclava?
Gross rental yield on houses is 1.79% in Balaclava vs 1.61% in St Kilda. 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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