Side by sideSuburb comparison

St Kilda West vs Balaclava.

Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $2,300,000 and $1,150,000. Balaclava edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.

Balaclava (median $1,150,000) is roughly 100% cheaper to buy into than St Kilda West ($2,300,000).

On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Balaclava (1114) sits above St Kilda West (1110).

The takeWhich suburb suits which buyer

For buyers

Balaclava is the lower entry point at $1,150,000 median, 100% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.

For investors

Rental or growth data is incomplete for one or both suburbs. Look at the full investor view on each suburb profile for a complete picture.

For families

Balaclava edges out on average school ICSEA (1114 vs 1110).

Common questionsSt Kilda West vs Balaclava

Common questions

Is St Kilda West or Balaclava cheaper to buy in?

Balaclava has the lower median house price at $1,150,000, roughly 100% below St Kilda West ($2,300,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.

Does St Kilda West or Balaclava have better schools?

On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Balaclava scores 1114 vs 1110 in St Kilda West. 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.

The numbers behind the take

St Kilda West
Metric
Balaclava

Price & Market

$2,300,000
Median house
$1,150,000
$572,500
Median unit
$576,300
+0.0%
Annual growth (house)
+0.0%
Days on market

Rental

Rent (house / wk)
Rent (unit / wk)
47.0%
Owner occupied
51.0%
Renter occupied

Lifestyle & Demographics

Walk score
100
Transit score
100
Bike score
100
2,951
Population
40
Median age

Risk & Hazard

Flood class
Bushfire risk

Schools

20
Schools nearby
20
1110
Avg ICSEA
1114

Climate

639 mm
Annual rainfall
639 mm
25.9°C
Mean max (Jan)
25.9°C

Green dot = better on that metric (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk).