Overall score
Darley
45.8/100
Merrimu
40.1/100
Darley vs Merrimu, VIC suburb comparison
Darley for investment and value; Merrimu for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
DarleyMerrimu
Crime rate
Darley
61.0 / 1k
Merrimu
45.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Darley
19
Merrimu
0
Population
Darley
9,190
Merrimu
397
Metric leadDarley 5Merrimu 3across 8 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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.
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Darley is a well-connected metro established suburb with a familiar suburban feel, and Merrimu is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds. Darley sits further out with more breathing room, whereas Merrimu is more regionally self-contained.
Darley tends to lead on housing affordability and walkability, while Merrimu stands out for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
Choose Darley if you are weighing investors and value-focused buyers; lean toward Merrimu for retirees and families.