Overall score
Balaclava
48.6/100
South Melbourne
68.8/100
Balaclava vs South Melbourne, VIC suburb comparison
South Melbourne for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalaclavaSouth Melbourne
Crime rate
Balaclava
141.8 / 1k
South Melbourne
305.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balaclava
76
South Melbourne
559
Population
Balaclava
5,392
South Melbourne
11,548
Metric leadBalaclava 4South Melbourne 52 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 familiesSouth Melbourne
- Best for investmentSouth Melbourne
- Best for best valueSouth Melbourne
- Best for best schoolsSouth Melbourne
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 | Balaclava | South Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 48.6/100 | 68.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 21.6/100 | 7.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 141.8 / 1k | 305.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 18 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 10 |
| Public transport stops | 20 | 45 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 76 | 559 |
| Planning activity | 83 | 247 |
| Population | 5,392 | 11,548 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Balaclava is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while South Melbourne is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
On the data, Balaclava is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; South Melbourne answers with parks and reserves and public transport access.
On balance, families and investors are more likely to prefer South Melbourne, while Balaclava remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.