Bendigo and Ballarat are Victoria’s two goldfields cities and the most directly comparable regional investment markets in the state. Both sit within 90 minutes of Melbourne CBD and offer yields well above metro averages.
Median Price Comparison
| Metric | Bendigo | Ballarat |
|---|---|---|
| Median House Price | $560,000 | $580,000 |
| Median Unit Price | $370,000 | $380,000 |
| Gross House Yield | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Gross Unit Yield | 5.9% | 5.8% |
| 5-Year Growth | 40% | 42% |
| GeeVee Score | 7.3/10 | 7.4/10 |
Which City Wins?
Ballarat edges Bendigo on five-year capital growth (42% vs 40%). Bendigo edges Ballarat on yield (5.2% vs 5.1% for houses). The difference is marginal — both are outstanding regional cash flow plays with strong heritage tourism economies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bendigo or Ballarat the better investment?
Both cities score similarly on GeeVee (7.3 vs 7.4). Ballarat has marginally stronger capital growth due to its larger population base and proximity to Melbourne. Bendigo has marginally stronger yields and a slightly more diversified economy including the Bendigo Health precinct.
Are both cities good for property investment in 2026?
Yes. Both offer yields above 5%, entry prices below $600,000 and 40%+ five-year capital growth — significantly outperforming Melbourne on yield while still delivering strong growth.
Find off-market properties in Bendigo, Ballarat and regional Victoria at collings.com.au/portal.
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