Overall score
Port Melbourne
67.9/100
South Melbourne
68.8/100
Port Melbourne vs South Melbourne, VIC suburb comparison
Port Melbourne for retirees and beach lifestyle; South Melbourne for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Port MelbourneSouth Melbourne
Crime rate
Port Melbourne
158.7 / 1k
South Melbourne
305.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Port Melbourne
496
South Melbourne
559
Population
Port Melbourne
17,633
South Melbourne
11,548
Metric leadPort Melbourne 5South Melbourne 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 retireesPort Melbourne
- Best for familiesSouth Melbourne
- Best for beach lifestylePort Melbourne
- Best for best valuePort Melbourne
- Best for best schoolsSouth Melbourne
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 | Port Melbourne | South Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 67.9/100 | 68.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 36.8/100 | 7.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 158.7 / 1k | 305.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 29 | 10 |
| Public transport stops | 98 | 45 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 496 | 559 |
| Planning activity | 306 | 247 |
| Population | 17,633 | 11,548 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Port Melbourne is a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm, and South Melbourne is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Port Melbourne leans into coastal living, while South Melbourne feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Port Melbourne is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; South Melbourne answers with schools and education options and nearby cafés and amenities.
Port Melbourne suits retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle more clearly, whereas South Melbourne is the stronger match for families and households prioritising schools.