Overall score
Balwyn North
71.7/100
Kew East
70.0/100
Balwyn North vs Kew East, VIC suburb comparison
Balwyn North for families and schools; Kew East for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Balwyn NorthKew East
Crime rate
Balwyn North
33.1 / 1k
Kew East
46.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balwyn North
706
Kew East
314
Population
Balwyn North
21,302
Kew East
6,620
Metric leadBalwyn North 8Kew East 21 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 familiesBalwyn North
- Best for investmentKew East
- Best for best valueKew East
- Best for best schoolsBalwyn North
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 | Balwyn North | Kew East |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.7/100 | 70.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 14.5/100 | 25.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 33.1 / 1k | 46.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | 11 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 108 | 42 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 92.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 706 | 314 |
| Planning activity | 158 | 82 |
| Population | 21,302 | 6,620 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Balwyn North is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, while Kew East is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Balwyn North sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Kew East is closer to the city centre.
On the data, Balwyn North is stronger for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options; Kew East answers with housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook.
Families and households prioritising schools may find Balwyn North the better fit, while investors and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Kew East.