Overall score
Malvern
55.6/100
Prahran
63.0/100
Malvern vs Prahran, VIC suburb comparison
Malvern for retirees; Prahran for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
MalvernPrahran
Crime rate
Malvern
72.8 / 1k
Prahran
219.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Malvern
244
Prahran
476
Population
Malvern
9,929
Prahran
12,203
Metric leadMalvern 3Prahran 62 tiedacross 11 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.
| Category | Malvern | Prahran |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 55.6/100 | 63.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 4.9/100 | 12.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 72.8 / 1k | 219.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 12 | 20 |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 69 | 59 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 244 | 476 |
| Planning activity | 301 | 338 |
| Population | 9,929 | 12,203 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Malvern is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, and Prahran is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Malvern pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and public transport access, whereas Prahran is the better pick for housing affordability and schools and education options.
Choose Malvern if you are weighing retirees; lean toward Prahran for investors and value-focused buyers.