Overall score
Balmain East
48.3/100
Leichhardt
70.0/100
Balmain East vs Leichhardt, NSW suburb comparison
Leichhardt for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Balmain EastLeichhardt
Crime rate
Balmain East
60.2 / 1k
Leichhardt
51.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balmain East
95
Leichhardt
301
Population
Balmain East
1,900
Leichhardt
15,158
Metric leadBalmain East 1Leichhardt 91 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 familiesLeichhardt
- Best for best valueLeichhardt
- Best for best schoolsLeichhardt
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 | Balmain East | Leichhardt |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 48.3/100 | 70.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 5.9/100 | 15.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 60.2 / 1k | 51.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 25 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 19 |
| Public transport stops | 12 | 98 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 95 | 301 |
| Planning activity | 14 | 68 |
| Population | 1,900 | 15,158 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Balmain East is an energetic metro smaller community where cafés and local life overlap, while Leichhardt is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Balmain East pulls ahead on a calmer planning outlook, whereas Leichhardt is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, families and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Leichhardt, while Balmain East remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.