Skip to main content
Updated

Carlton vs Kogarah

Carlton has a median house price of $1.82M vs Kogarah at $1.98M. Carlton leads on 12-month capital growth at 8.5%, while Kogarah offers the stronger unit rental yield.

Compare property prices, growth, and lifestyle in these 2218 suburbs

Carlton

$1.82M
Median House

Kogarah

$1.98M
Median House

What Is Property comparison: Carlton vs Kogarah?

A side-by-side analysis of house prices, unit prices, demographics, growth rates, rental yields, and buyer suitability scores for Carlton (2218) and Kogarah (2218), based on the most recent 12-month sales data for the St George region of Sydney.

Source: CoreLogic & ABS Census

Side-by-Side Comparison

House Prices

Carlton
Kogarah
Winner
Median House
$1.82M
$1.98M
Entry Level House
$1.45M
$1.55M
House Growth (1Y)
+8.5%
+7.5%
Days on Market
27 days
26 days

Unit Prices

Carlton
Kogarah
Winner
Median Unit
$710K
$745K
Entry Level Unit
$530K
$560K
Unit Growth (1Y)
+5.2%
+4.8%
Unit Rental Yield
4.3%
4.3%

Demographics

Carlton
Kogarah
Winner
Population
6,450
15,242
Median Age
38 years
37 years
Owner Occupied
55%
51%
Median Income
$85K
$85K

Location

Carlton
Kogarah
Winner
Distance to CBD
13km
14km

Who Should Buy Where?

Carlton

First Home Buyer
Investor
Downsizer
Family

All the benefits of Kogarah without the hustle—Carlton is the quieter, more affordable alternative.

Kogarah

First Home Buyer
Investor
Downsizer
Family

St George Hospital workers and CBD commuters love Kogarah—trains, shops, cafes, and a genuine community atmosphere.

Carlton vs Kogarah — Which Is Better to Buy In?

Choosing between Carlton and Kogarah depends on your priorities — whether that's price, lifestyle, growth potential, or rental yield. Both suburbs sit within the St George district of Sydney and share proximity to train stations, schools, and the CBD, but they offer different trade-offs for buyers in 2026.

Carlton has a median house price of $1.82M and a median unit price of $710K. With 8.5% annual house growth, it's currently outperforming Kogarah on capital appreciation. All the benefits of Kogarah without the hustle—Carlton is the quieter, more affordable alternative.

Kogarah has a median house price of $1.98M and a median unit price of $745K. Annual house growth is 7.5%. St George Hospital workers and CBD commuters love Kogarah—trains, shops, cafes, and a genuine community atmosphere.

For First Home Buyers

Carlton offers a lower entry point for first home buyers, with median units at $710K compared to $745K in Kogarah. Both suburbs fall within the NSW First Home Buyer stamp duty concession thresholds for most unit purchases. Check the First Home Buyer Eligibility Calculator to see what grants and concessions you qualify for.

For Investors

Investors looking at rental yield should compare the gross returns carefully.Carlton offers 2.8% gross house yield while Kogarah sits at 2.7%. Carlton delivers stronger cash flow, making it better for income-focused investors. Use the Property Yield Calculator to model your specific scenario.

Local Expert View

Michael Kalinovski has sold hundreds of properties across both Carlton and Kogarah over the past 25+ years. The right choice depends on your individual circumstances — budget, timeline, family needs, and investment goals. Both suburbs have their strengths, and the comparison above is based on current market data — but markets shift, and street-level nuances matter more than suburb-level averages.

Explore the detailed suburb profiles for Carlton and Kogarah, or browse the blog for more in-depth market analysis.

Should you buy in Carlton or Kogarah?

Arguments For

  • +Carlton offers a lower median house entry point at $1.82M
  • +Carlton leads on 12-month house growth at 8.5%
  • +Both suburbs sit within 15 km of Sydney CBD with strong transport links

Arguments Against

  • Suburb-level medians can mask street-by-street variation — always inspect comparable recent sales
  • Growth rates are backward-looking; past performance doesn't guarantee future returns
  • Higher yield can signal higher tenant turnover or lower owner-occupier demand

Balanced assessment: There is no universally "better" suburb — the right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and whether you prioritise capital growth or rental yield. Speak to Michael for a street-level view of both markets.

Still Undecided? Talk to Michael

With 25+ years in St George, Michael can help you choose the right suburb for your needs.