Overall score
Malvern East
66.3/100
Prahran
63.0/100
Malvern East vs Prahran, VIC suburb comparison
Malvern East for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Malvern EastPrahran
Crime rate
Malvern East
112.7 / 1k
Prahran
219.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Malvern East
343
Prahran
476
Population
Malvern East
22,296
Prahran
12,203
Metric leadMalvern East 5Prahran 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 familiesMalvern East
- Best for investmentMalvern East
- Best for best schoolsMalvern 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 | Malvern East | Prahran |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.3/100 | 63.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 7.2/100 | 12.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 112.7 / 1k | 219.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 9 | 20 |
| Parks & reserves | 17 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 135 | 59 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 343 | 476 |
| Planning activity | 513 | 338 |
| Population | 22,296 | 12,203 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Malvern East is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, and Prahran is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Malvern East sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Prahran is closer to the city centre.
Malvern East tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves, while Prahran stands out for housing affordability and schools and education options.
On balance, families and investors are more likely to prefer Malvern East, while Prahran remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.