West Melbourne vs Docklands
Docklands (median $440,000) is roughly 69% cheaper to buy into than West Melbourne ($1,430,000).
Buying in West Melbourne or Docklands?
Selling in West Melbourne? The free selling guide
West Melbourne and Docklands side by side
| Measure | West Melbourne | Docklands |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $1,430,000 | $440,000 |
| Median unit | $515,000 | $585,000 |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $853/wk | – |
| Unit rent | $660/wk | $763/wk |
| Owner occupied | 32.0% | 30.0% |
| Renter occupied | 65.0% | 67.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1064 | 1077 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 4 | 100 |
| Transit score | 0 | 100 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | 8,025 | 15,495 |
| Median age | 31 | 32 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 582 mm | 582 mm |
| Mean max, January | 26.9°C | 26.9°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
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, 69% 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
- Docklands edges out on average school ICSEA (1077 vs 1064).
West Melbourne vs Docklands: common questions
Is West Melbourne or Docklands cheaper to buy in?
Docklands has the lower median house price at $440,000, roughly 69% 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.
Keep comparing
The two suburbs
Compare West Melbourne with
Choosing between West Melbourne and Docklands?
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