Port Melbourne vs South Melbourne
The verdict
South Melbourne is more affordable, with a median house price of $1.67M versus $1.70M in Port Melbourne. South Melbourne rates higher for education (92 vs 87). Port Melbourne is closer to the coast (720 m vs 1.8 km). On the separate residential safety score, Port Melbourne rates higher (33 vs 15/100 in South Melbourne).
Scores
| Port Melbourne | South Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 91 | 94 |
| Transport | 90 | 92 |
| Education | 87 | 92 |
| Liveability | 94 | 98 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Port Melbourne | South Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,633 | 11,548 |
| Median age | 42 | 39 |
| Median household income (wk) | $2,372 | $2,101 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 59.4% | 65.1% |
| Born in Australia | 63.7% | 59.0% |
| Avg household size | 2.1 | 1.9 |
Growth: Port Melbourne High Growth · South Melbourne High Growth
Property
| Port Melbourne | South Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $1.70M | $1.67M |
| Median unit price | $761K | $646K |
| House price YoY | -19.8% | -8.0% |
| 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
| Port Melbourne | South Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 33 | 15 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 715 | 1,186 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 1,134 | 1,368 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 374 | 511 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 12,658 | 21,415 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Port Melbourne | South Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 4 | 5 |
| Government | 4 | 1 |
| Independent | 0 | 3 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,110 | 1,022 |
See the full school list on each profile: Port Melbourne · South Melbourne
Transport
| Port Melbourne | South Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 90 | 92 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 93 | 16 |
| Light rail stops | 5 | 29 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 25 | 19 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 1.3 km | 190 m |
Liveability
| Port Melbourne | South Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 25.8°C | 25.8°C |
| Winter max temp | 14.2°C | 14.2°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 600 | 600 |
| Supermarkets | 4 | 2 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 56 | 88 |
| Parks | 37 | 14 |
| Playgrounds | 16 | 10 |
| Swimming pools | 6 | Data not available |
| Medical GPs | 5 | 7 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 720 m | 1.8 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 4.2 km | 2.3 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | 1.1 km | 1.8 km |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 4.3 km | 2.6 km |
Population & growth
| Port Melbourne | South Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 17,633 | 11,548 |
| Estimated 2025 | 28,554 | 12,791 |
| Projected 2041 | 27,777 | 18,191 |
| Annual growth rate | 12.81% | 2.59% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Port Melbourne or South Melbourne?
Port Melbourne has the higher residential safety score (Port Melbourne 33/100 vs South Melbourne 15/100).
Which is more affordable, Port Melbourne or South Melbourne?
South Melbourne is more affordable, with a median house price of $1.67M versus $1.70M.
Which has better schools, Port Melbourne or South Melbourne?
Port Melbourne has a higher average school ICSEA (Port Melbourne 1110 vs South Melbourne 1022; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Port Melbourne or South Melbourne?
South Melbourne has the higher transport score (Port Melbourne 90/100 vs South Melbourne 92/100).
Try another comparison
Compare two suburbs