Highett vs Laverton Melbourne — Which Is Better?

We’ve spent time in both Highett and Laverton to give you an honest comparison. If you’re choosing between these two suburbs — for living, investing, or just knowing where to eat — here’s the real picture for 2026. Our verdict: Laverton edges it overall, but it depends on what you prioritise.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Highett in 90 Seconds

Highett is a suburb that surprises first-time visitors. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. The dining scene runs from $12-18 for casual meals to $28-45 for a proper sit-down dinner. The suburb has a evolving community identity and good access to major roads.

Laverton in 90 Seconds

Laverton holds its own against Highett in most categories. Home to RAAF Base Williams. Laverton station links to the Regional Rail network. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb has its own character that takes time to appreciate.

Head-to-Head: Cost of Living

The weekly rent difference between Highett ($502/wk) and Laverton ($418/wk) is noticeable. Groceries and daily costs are similar in both suburbs. Coffee runs $4.50-5.50 in Highett versus $4.00-4.50 in Laverton. For eating out, Highett ranges $28-45 for dinner while Laverton sits at $18-32. Over a year, the cost difference between the two is about $4,368 in rent alone.

Head-to-Head: Dining Scene

Highett has a more established food scene with strong multicultural options. Laverton counters with more variety per square kilometre. For cheap eats, both suburbs deliver well under $15 — Highett leans toward Vietnamese and Indian while Laverton favours Asian fusion.

Head-to-Head: Lifestyle

If you want parks and outdoor space, Laverton has the edge. Shopping is more convenient in Highett. For nightlife and evening options, neither suburb is exactly Chapel Street — but Laverton has more going on after 8pm. Weekend activities are a toss-up, with both suburbs offering walking trails and family-friendly outings.

Head-to-Head: Families

Both suburbs cater to families, but in different ways. Highett offers more school choice, while Laverton has stronger community programs. For school quality, check the MySchool data — but both suburbs have options that locals rate highly.

Head-to-Head: Transport

Highett is 15km, 27min train, 20min drive — well-connected. Laverton sits at 30-40km, 40-55min train, 35-45min drive. For driving, both suburbs have reasonable arterial connections. Public transport: Laverton benefits from recent network upgrades.

Who Should Choose Highett

• You prioritise community feel
• You want proximity to transformed by level crossing removal and sir william fry reserve
• You prefer growing food and cafe options
• Budget: $502/wk rent, $28-45 dinners

Who Should Choose Laverton

• You prioritise newer housing stock
• You want more evening options
• You prefer strong community identity
• Budget: $418/wk rent, $18-32 dinners

Our Verdict

Laverton takes this one — but not by much. The deciding factors are family infrastructure and future growth potential. If transport matters most, go with Laverton. The other suburb is still a solid choice and may suit you better depending on your specific needs.

Explore More

• Highett Complete Guide — everything about Highett
• Laverton Complete Guide — everything about Laverton
• Highett Best Cafes — where to eat in Highett
• Laverton Best Cafes — where to eat in Laverton
• Compare Suburbs Tool — detailed side-by-side
• Moving to Highett — full relocation guide

FAQ

Which is cheaper, Highett or Laverton?

Rent in Highett averages $502/wk vs $418/wk in Laverton. Daily costs (coffee, groceries, transport) are similar in both suburbs.

Which is better for families?

Both work for families. Highett has better parkland. Laverton has more childcare spots.

How far are they from Melbourne CBD?

Highett: 15km, 27min train, 20min drive. Laverton: 30-40km, 40-55min train, 35-45min drive.

Last updated: March 2026