Average rent in Balmain, NSW — 2026

Balmain is part of the Inner West council area and sits 3km out from the Sydney CBD, with around 15,579 residents at the 2021 ABS Census. Renters here typically pay $640/week, which is above the New South Wales median of $424/week. About 39% of households rent — the rest are owners or paying down a mortgage.

$640/wk

ABS 2021 Census median

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Suburb at a glance

Population
15,579

ABS 2021

Median age
43
Distance to Sydney
3 km
Households renting
39%
Separate houses
22%
Flats / apartments
34%
Born overseas
30%
Top occupation
Professionals
LGA
Inner West

Renting in Balmain

Renting in Balmain costs more than most of New South Wales — the typical renter pays $640/week, which is 51% above the state median of $424/week (ABS Census 2021). The suburb is mostly renters (39%) living mostly in flats and apartments (34%), which fits the inner-Sydney pattern. About 30% of residents were born overseas, and Professionals is the biggest occupation category. Balmain is 3km from the CBD — close to jobs, transit, and the kind of inner-city amenity that pushes rent up. Applications close fast and competition is real. State rent indices have moved a lot since 2021, so the live figure above matters more than the Census baseline.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median rent in Balmain?+
Based on ABS Census 2021 data, the median weekly rent for households in Balmain, NSW was $640. Where renters have submitted recent reports through RenterSay, the live figure shown above reflects post-2021 changes. State rent indices like CoreLogic and Domain suggest the 2021 baseline is now several years stale — treat it as the historical anchor, not the current asking price.
How does Balmain rent compare to New South Wales?+
The New South Wales state median weekly rent was $424 at the 2021 Census, while Balmain came in at $640 — 51% above. Balmain sits 3km from Sydney, and rent tends to scale roughly with CBD proximity, transit access, and dwelling type mix (which here is 22% separate houses and 34% flats).
Which suburbs near Balmain have lower rent?+
Nearby suburbs with lower median rents than Balmain's $640/week (ABS 2021) include Sydenham - Tempe - St Peters, Newport - Bilgola, Sydney (South) - Haymarket. Cromer, Dover Heights, Pymble sit above. Bear in mind that lower nominal rent doesn't always reflect better value once you factor in commute time, transit access, and housing condition — the rent submission form below lets you contribute to the live picture for your area.

Nearby suburbs in NSW

Eastwood

$450/wk

Mascot

$600/wk

Homebush

$450/wk

Port Botany Industrial

$1200/wk

Belrose

$885/wk

Castle Cove - Northbridge

$850/wk

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