Overall score
Albert Park
68.6/100
Balaclava
48.6/100
Albert Park vs Balaclava, VIC suburb comparison
Albert Park for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Albert ParkBalaclava
Crime rate
Albert Park
131.0 / 1k
Balaclava
141.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Albert Park
401
Balaclava
76
Population
Albert Park
6,044
Balaclava
5,392
Metric leadAlbert Park 7Balaclava 22 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesAlbert Park
- Best for familiesAlbert Park
- Best for beach lifestyleAlbert Park
- Best for investmentAlbert Park
- Best for best valueAlbert Park
- Best for best schoolsAlbert Park
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Albert Park | Balaclava |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.6/100 | 48.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 27.3/100 | 21.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 131.0 / 1k | 141.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 14 | 18 |
| Parks & reserves | 9 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 29 | 20 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 401 | 76 |
| Planning activity | 207 | 83 |
| Population | 6,044 | 5,392 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Albert Park is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living, and Balaclava is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby. Albert Park leans into coastal living, while Balaclava feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Albert Park is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Balaclava answers with schools and education options and a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Albert Park, while Balaclava remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.