Overall score
Balwyn
66.3/100
Hawthorn East
61.1/100
Balwyn vs Hawthorn East, VIC suburb comparison
Balwyn for value; Hawthorn East for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalwynHawthorn East
Crime rate
Balwyn
55.4 / 1k
Hawthorn East
64.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balwyn
394
Hawthorn East
230
Population
Balwyn
13,495
Hawthorn East
14,834
Metric leadBalwyn 8Hawthorn 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 retireesHawthorn East
- Best for familiesHawthorn East
- Best for best valueBalwyn
- Best for best schoolsHawthorn East
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 | Hawthorn East |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.3/100 | 61.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 7.7/100 | 3.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 55.4 / 1k | 64.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 14 | 15 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 47 | 28 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 85.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 394 | 230 |
| Planning activity | 119 | 209 |
| Population | 13,495 | 14,834 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Balwyn reads as a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by; Hawthorn East is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Balwyn sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Hawthorn East is closer to the city centre.
On the data, Balwyn is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Hawthorn East answers with schools and education options and a larger local community.
Choose Balwyn if you are weighing value-focused buyers; lean toward Hawthorn East for retirees and families.