Overall score
South Melbourne
68.8/100
St Kilda
71.8/100
South Melbourne vs St Kilda, VIC suburb comparison
South Melbourne for schools; St Kilda for beach lifestyle and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
South MelbourneSt Kilda
Crime rate
South Melbourne
305.6 / 1k
St Kilda
175.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
South Melbourne
559
St Kilda
526
Population
South Melbourne
11,548
St Kilda
19,490
Metric leadSouth Melbourne 1St Kilda 82 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 beach lifestyleSt Kilda
- Best for best valueSt Kilda
- 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 | South Melbourne | St Kilda |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.8/100 | 71.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 7.9/100 | 22.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 305.6 / 1k | 175.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 12 | 13 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 14 |
| Public transport stops | 45 | 96 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 559 | 526 |
| Planning activity | 247 | 217 |
| Population | 11,548 | 19,490 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, South Melbourne is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, and St Kilda is a coastal established suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living. St Kilda leans into coastal living, while South Melbourne feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, South Melbourne is stronger for nearby cafés and amenities; St Kilda answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Households prioritising schools may find South Melbourne the better fit, while people chasing a beach lifestyle and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer St Kilda.