West Melbourne vs Docklands.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $1,430,000 and $440,000. Docklands edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.
Docklands (median $440,000) is roughly 225% cheaper to buy into than West Melbourne ($1,430,000).
Docklands scores higher on walkability (4/100 vs 100/100 ), useful if you're optimising for a car-light household. On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Docklands (1077) sits above West Melbourne (1064).
For buyers
Docklands is the lower entry point at $440,000 median, 225% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
For investors
Docklands offers the higher gross rental yield (8.27% vs 3.10%), favouring cash-flow investors.
For families
Docklands edges out on average school ICSEA (1077 vs 1064).
Common questions
Is West Melbourne or Docklands cheaper to buy in?
Docklands has the lower median house price at $440,000, roughly 225% below West Melbourne ($1,430,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does West Melbourne or Docklands have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Docklands scores 1077 vs 1064 in West 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 is more walkable, West Melbourne or Docklands?
Docklands scores 100/100 on walkability vs 4/100. Above 70 is considered very walkable (most errands on foot), 50-69 is walkable for some errands, below 50 typically requires a car for daily life.
Which suburb has higher rental yield, West Melbourne or Docklands?
Gross rental yield on houses is 8.27% in Docklands vs 3.10% in West 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.
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 West Melbourne against another suburb