Overall score
Balaclava
48.6/100
St Kilda West
46.5/100
Balaclava vs St Kilda West, VIC suburb comparison
Balaclava for investment; St Kilda West for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalaclavaSt Kilda West
Crime rate
Balaclava
141.8 / 1k
St Kilda West
87.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balaclava
76
St Kilda West
46
Population
Balaclava
5,392
St Kilda West
2,951
Metric leadBalaclava 7St Kilda West 31 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 retireesSt Kilda West
- Best for familiesSt Kilda West
- Best for beach lifestyleSt Kilda West
- Best for investmentBalaclava
- Best for best schoolsSt Kilda West
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 | St Kilda West |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 48.6/100 | 46.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 21.6/100 | 18.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 141.8 / 1k | 87.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 18 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 20 | 10 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 23.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 76 | 46 |
| Planning activity | 83 | 40 |
| Population | 5,392 | 2,951 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Balaclava is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, and St Kilda West is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living. Where St Kilda West is shaped by the coast, Balaclava offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Balaclava pulls ahead on housing affordability and schools and education options, whereas St Kilda West is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
Balaclava suits investors more clearly, whereas St Kilda West is the stronger match for retirees and families.