Overall score
Balmain
68.1/100
Stanmore
63.7/100
Balmain vs Stanmore, NSW suburb comparison
Stanmore for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalmainStanmore
Crime rate
Balmain
60.4 / 1k
Stanmore
48.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balmain
274
Stanmore
162
Population
Balmain
10,454
Stanmore
7,619
Metric leadBalmain 5Stanmore 42 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 retireesStanmore
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 | Stanmore |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.1/100 | 63.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 8.6/100 | 10.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 60.4 / 1k | 48.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 33 |
| Parks & reserves | 13 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 51 | 34 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 274 | 162 |
| Planning activity | 100 | 56 |
| Population | 10,454 | 7,619 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Balmain is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Stanmore is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Balmain pulls ahead on schools and education options and parks and reserves, whereas Stanmore is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Balmain, while Stanmore remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.