BestSuburbs › Melbourne › compare

Balaclava vs Ripponlea

Two neighbouring Melbourne suburbs, 0.9 km apart, on the same open data. Balaclava scores higher on 2 of 10 measures.

BalaclavaRipponlea
Active446
Safety1749
Wealth4948
Value7571
Parks1424
Cafés8085
Transit98100
Green space1235
Active & healthy3540
Schools nearby (OSM)2632
Median rent$386/wk $391/wk
Median house price (Oct–Dec 2025)$1,267,500$2,000,000
House sales this quarter103
Population5,3921,532
Full profile Balaclava in full Ripponlea in full

Scores are percentiles across all 216 Melbourne suburbs: 100 is the best in the city, 50 is mid-table. Highlighted figures lead the row. How we rank suburbs.

Is Balaclava safer than Ripponlea?

Ripponlea scores higher for safety (recorded crime per 1,000 residents) between the two, based on official crime statistics.

Which is cheaper, Balaclava or Ripponlea?

Balaclava has the lower median house price of the two ($1,267,500 vs $2,000,000).

Should I live in Balaclava or Ripponlea?

Balaclava scores higher on 2 of 10 measures across safety, activity, value, parks and cafés — see the full breakdown below, or the complete profile for Balaclava or Ripponlea.

Updated October 2026. Compare other Melbourne suburbs →