South Melbourne vs St Kilda West
The verdict
South Melbourne is more affordable, with a median house price of $1.67M versus $2.80M in St Kilda West. St Kilda West is closer to the coast (270 m vs 1.8 km). On the separate residential safety score, St Kilda West rates higher (30 vs 15/100 in South Melbourne).
Scores
| South Melbourne | St Kilda West | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 94 | 94 |
| Transport | 92 | 91 |
| Education | 92 | 93 |
| Liveability | 98 | 98 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| South Melbourne | St Kilda West | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,548 | 2,951 |
| Median age | 39 | 40 |
| Median household income (wk) | $2,101 | $1,983 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 65.1% | 66.9% |
| Born in Australia | 59.0% | 64.6% |
| Avg household size | 1.9 | 1.9 |
Growth: South Melbourne High Growth · St Kilda West High Growth
Property
| South Melbourne | St Kilda West | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $1.67M | $2.80M |
| Median unit price | $646K | $561K |
| House price YoY | -8.0% | -35.9% |
| 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
| South Melbourne | St Kilda West | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 15 | 30 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 1,186 | 881 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 1,368 | 779 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 511 | 237 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 21,415 | 8,675 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| South Melbourne | St Kilda West | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 5 | 0 |
| Government | 1 | 0 |
| Independent | 3 | 0 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,022 | Data not available |
See the full school list on each profile: South Melbourne · St Kilda West
Transport
| South Melbourne | St Kilda West | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 92 | 91 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 16 | 4 |
| Light rail stops | 29 | 6 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 19 | 27 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 190 m | 70 m |
Liveability
| South Melbourne | St Kilda West | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 25.8°C | 25.8°C |
| Winter max temp | 14.2°C | 14.2°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 600 | 600 |
| Supermarkets | 2 | 0 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 88 | 3 |
| Parks | 14 | 5 |
| Playgrounds | 10 | 2 |
| Swimming pools | Data not available | Data not available |
| Medical GPs | 7 | 0 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 1.8 km | 270 m |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 2.3 km | 5.0 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | 1.8 km | 390 m |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 2.6 km | 1.7 km |
Population & growth
| South Melbourne | St Kilda West | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 11,548 | 2,951 |
| Estimated 2025 | 12,791 | 3,413 |
| Projected 2041 | 18,191 | 4,649 |
| Annual growth rate | 2.59% | 3.70% |
Common questions
Which is safer, South Melbourne or St Kilda West?
St Kilda West has the higher residential safety score (South Melbourne 15/100 vs St Kilda West 30/100).
Which is more affordable, South Melbourne or St Kilda West?
South Melbourne is more affordable, with a median house price of $1.67M versus $2.80M.
Which has better public transport, South Melbourne or St Kilda West?
South Melbourne has the higher transport score (South Melbourne 92/100 vs St Kilda West 91/100).
Try another comparison
Compare two suburbs