The West Australian capital of Perth is a very pleasant place to live.
It promises a great lifestyle, pristine white-sand beaches, lovely parks and plenty to see and do in and around the city.
Perth also holds the title of Australia’s most sun-soaked capital city, with an average of 8.8 hours of sunshine per day.
Many people believe ‘the west is best’.
But how does Perth stack up for cost of living?
We’ve taken a look.
When it comes to housing costs, Perth is a bit of a mixed bag.
Rental prices are relatively high, but for those looking to buy there are bargains to be had.
As of December 2023, the average price of renting a house in Perth was $620 per week – higher than Melbourne ($550) and Brisbane ($600) and above the national capital city average of $600.
Renting a unit costs an average of $520 per week – the same as Melbourne.
However, buying property in Perth is a lot more affordable than Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
As of December 2023, the average median house value in Perth was $708,335.
Comparatively, Sydney came in at $1,395,218, Melbourne was $942,750 and Brisbane was $888,628.
When it came to buying a unit, the median unit value in Perth was $475,011 – significantly less than Sydney’s $828,525.
Food and grocery prices in Perth are largely on par with other Australian capital cities.
One study in 2023 found that West Australian households spent an average of $185 per week on groceries – marginally less than those in Victoria ($193) and New South Wales ($190).
Like in other states, prices on some produce and groceries are higher, but on other products prices are lower.
When it comes to utilities, West Australian’s enjoy the cheapest bills in the country.
A Canstar Blue study in December 2023 found that the average quarterly electricity bill in Western Australia was $296 – the lowest of any state.
Western Australia also recorded the cheapest gas bills, coming in at just $143 per quarter – far less than Queensland ($179), New South Wales ($192) and Victoria ($237).
However, average quarterly water bills in Western Australia were the second-most expensive in the country at $233 – above Victoria ($208) and New South Wales ($216) but marginally less than Queensland ($235).
Motorists in Perth enjoy the cheapest fuel prices in the country.
In 2023, the average price for a litre of unleaded petrol in Perth was just 183.9 cents – compared to 190.7 cents in Sydney, 191.9 cents in Melbourne and 193.4 cents in Brisbane.
For those who drive a lot, those savings could really add up.
Public transport prices in Perth are similar to other capital cities and are determined by which zones you travel in.
As of April 2024, there was a daily cap of $10.30 for adults.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Perth is likely to set you back around $20 to $25 – similar to other Australian capital cities.
As of December 2023, the cost of 0.5 litres of draught beer in Perth was $12 – the same as Sydney but lower than Melbourne ($13.25).
Tickets for AFL matches, movie screenings and shows are similar in price to other states.
The total cost of living in Perth will depend on your individual situation, the number of people in your household and your lifestyle.
However, given the more affordable housing prices, cheaper petrol prices and lower utility bills, Perth is considered to be one of the cheapest cities to live in Australia.
Only Adelaide and Hobart rank as more affordable capital cities than Perth when it comes to cost of living.
If you are preparing for a move to Perth, we can help get you there.
At Fragile Removals & Storage, we are experienced interstate movers who help dozens of Australians move home each week.
We offer interstate moves to Perth from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and promise top-quality service at highly competitive prices.
To discuss your moving plans, give us a call today on 1800 500 584.
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