Balwyn vs Surrey Hills
The verdict
Surrey Hills is more affordable, with a median house price of $2.35M versus $2.92M in Balwyn. Surrey Hills rates higher for transport (99 vs 91). Surrey Hills has a shorter estimated CBD commute (32 vs 44 min). On the separate residential safety score, Surrey Hills rates higher (78 vs 63/100 in Balwyn).
Scores
| Balwyn | Surrey Hills | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 92 | 95 |
| Transport | 91 | 99 |
| Education | 93 | 94 |
| Liveability | 93 | 93 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Balwyn | Surrey Hills | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 13,495 | 13,655 |
| Median age | 43 | 42 |
| Median household income (wk) | $1,975 | $2,503 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 68.7% | 71.8% |
| Born in Australia | 51.6% | 70.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.6 |
Growth: Balwyn Moderate Growth · Surrey Hills Moderate Growth
Property
| Balwyn | Surrey Hills | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $2.92M | $2.35M |
| Median unit price | $875K | $899K |
| House price YoY | 10.1% | -0.2% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Rental yield (house) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Days on market (house) | Data not available | Data not available |
Median price history
Safety
| Balwyn | Surrey Hills | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 63 | 78 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 652 | 476 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 222 | 212 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 163 | 73 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 4,224 | 2,724 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Balwyn | Surrey Hills | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 4 | 4 |
| Government | 2 | 2 |
| Independent | 2 | 0 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,141 | 1,162 |
See the full school list on each profile: Balwyn · Surrey Hills
Transport
| Balwyn | Surrey Hills | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 91 | 99 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 39 | 34 |
| Light rail stops | 8 | 14 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 44 | 32 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 440 m | 440 m |
Liveability
| Balwyn | Surrey Hills | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 25.8°C | 25.8°C |
| Winter max temp | 14.2°C | 14.2°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 600 | 600 |
| Supermarkets | 3 | 1 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 29 | 15 |
| Parks | 22 | 12 |
| Playgrounds | 9 | 12 |
| Swimming pools | Data not available | 20 |
| Medical GPs | 4 | 1 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 11.6 km | 11.9 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 10.6 km | 12.0 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 3.1 km | 2.3 km |
Population & growth
| Balwyn | Surrey Hills | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 13,495 | 13,655 |
| Estimated 2025 | 13,946 | 13,779 |
| Projected 2041 | 16,147 | 16,339 |
| Annual growth rate | 0.83% | 0.23% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Balwyn or Surrey Hills?
Surrey Hills has the higher residential safety score (Balwyn 63/100 vs Surrey Hills 78/100).
Which is more affordable, Balwyn or Surrey Hills?
Surrey Hills is more affordable, with a median house price of $2.35M versus $2.92M.
Which has better schools, Balwyn or Surrey Hills?
Surrey Hills has a higher average school ICSEA (Balwyn 1141 vs Surrey Hills 1162; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Balwyn or Surrey Hills?
Surrey Hills has the higher transport score (Balwyn 91/100 vs Surrey Hills 99/100).
Try another comparison
Compare two suburbs