Overall score
Balmain East
48.3/100
Rozelle
59.7/100
Balmain East vs Rozelle, NSW suburb comparison
Balmain East for families; Rozelle for value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Balmain EastRozelle
Crime rate
Balmain East
60.2 / 1k
Rozelle
55.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balmain East
95
Rozelle
219
Population
Balmain East
1,900
Rozelle
8,553
Metric leadBalmain East 2Rozelle 81 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 familiesBalmain East
- Best for best valueRozelle
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 | Rozelle |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 48.3/100 | 59.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 5.9/100 | 14.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 60.2 / 1k | 55.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 11 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 12 | 51 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 85.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 95 | 219 |
| Planning activity | 14 | 58 |
| Population | 1,900 | 8,553 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Balmain East is an energetic metro smaller community where cafés and local life overlap, and Rozelle is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Balmain East pulls ahead on parks and reserves and a calmer planning outlook, whereas Rozelle is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Rozelle, while Balmain East remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.