Perth is one of the most popular cities in Australia, known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. But how much does it cost to live comfortably in Perth?
The cost of living in Perth can be quite high, especially when compared to other cities in Australia.
Here’s a comparison with other major cities:
| City | Monthly Salary (After Taxes) | Cost of Living (Single) | Cost of Living (Family) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth | 5,395 AUD | 3,578 AUD | 8,012 AUD |
| Sydney | 5,718 AUD | 4,149 AUD | 10,167 AUD |
| Melbourne | 5,615 AUD | 3,705 AUD | 8,724 AUD |
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the cost of living in Perth, and provide you with valuable insights into what you can expect to pay for everything from rent and groceries to transportation and entertainment.
We’ll also provide you with tips on how to save money while living in Perth, and offer advice on how to make the most of your time in this beautiful city. So if you’re thinking about moving to Perth, or just curious about what it costs to live here, keep reading!
Costs of Living in Perth
Perth is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, but how much does it cost to live there comfortably? This section will provide an overview of the costs of living in Perth, including accommodation, food and dining, and transportation.
It’s essential to know what to expect. Here’s a quick look at the average monthly and annual costs for different household types:
- Single Person: ~3,620 AUD monthly (~43,440 AUD annually)
- Family of Four: ~8,106 AUD monthly (~97,272 AUD annually)
- Student: ~2,000 AUD monthly (~24,000 AUD annually)
These figures cover essential living expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.
Accommodation Costs
Housing is one of the most significant expenses in Perth, and it can vary widely depending on the location, size, and type of property. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs:
Average Monthly Rents
| Type of Accommodation | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | 2,329 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City) | 1,713 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | 3,645 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City) | 2,740 |
| 85m² Furnished (Expensive Area) | 3,630 |
| 85m² Furnished (Normal Area) | 2,480 |
The cost of accommodation in Perth can vary depending on the location, size, and type of property.
Utilities such as electricity, gas, and heating for an 85m² apartment will cost around 300 AUD per month. Internet and mobile phone services will add another 100 AUD per month.
Prospective Buyers
For those looking to purchase property in Perth:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre): ~500,000 AUD
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Centre): ~400,000 AUD
For those wondering, “are houses expensive in Perth Australia?,” it’s essential to look at current market trends.
Food and Dining Costs
Food expenses in Perth can be quite high, especially if you dine out frequently. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs you can expect:
Dining Out
- Average Meal (One Person): 15 – 20 AUD
- Meal for Two (Mid-Range Restaurant): ~80 AUD
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal for Two: ~50 AUD
- Fast Food Meal (e.g., McDonald’s): ~10 AUD
Groceries
The cost of groceries in Perth is comparable to other major Australian cities. Here are some average prices for common items:
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread | ~2.00 |
| Kilogram of Rice | ~3.50 |
| Kilogram of Chicken | ~12.00 |
| Kilogram of Beef Round | ~18.00 |
| Litre of Milk | ~1.50 |
| Kilogram of Local Cheese | ~12.00 |
| Dozen Eggs | ~4.00 |
Cooking at home can significantly reduce your food expenses compared to dining out.
Average Monthly Food Expenses
To understand the monthly food budget better, here’s a summarized table for different household types:
| Type of Expense | Student (AUD) | Single (AUD) | Family (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | 150 – 300 | 800 – 1,000 | 1,500 – 2,000 |
| Eating Out | 150 – 300 | 300 – 600 | 600 – 1,200 |
To better understand “How much money do you need to live comfortably in Perth?,” one must consider that eating out three times a day can quickly consume a budget.
“To save money, you can always cook at home. The cost of groceries in Perth is similar to other major cities in Australia.”
Transportation Costs
Perth boasts a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and ferries. Here’s a detailed look at the transportation costs in the city:
Public Transportation
- Single Ticket: ~4.80 AUD
- Monthly Pass: ~120 AUD
Driving
If you prefer to drive, here are the typical costs you might encounter:
- Gasoline (per litre): ~1.50 AUD
- Volkswagen Golf: ~35,000 AUD
Taxi Services
Taking a taxi in Perth involves the following costs:
- Initial Tariff: ~4.20 AUD
- Per Kilometre: ~2.17 AUD
- Waiting Time (per minute): ~0.70 AUD
Average Monthly Transportation Expenses
Here’s a summary of the average monthly transportation costs for different household types:
| Type of Expense | Student (AUD) | Single (AUD) | Family (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transport | 100 – 200 | 300 – 400 | 800 – 1,000 |
| Fuel (Driving) | 50 – 100 | 100 – 200 | 200 – 400 |
| Taxi (Occasional Use) | 20 – 50 | 50 – 100 | 100 – 200 |
Lifestyle and Leisure Expenses
For those who enjoy exploring Perth’s offerings, entertainment and sports expenses can add up. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Entertainment
- Cinema Ticket: ~20 AUD per person
- 3-Course Meal for Two (Mid-Range Restaurant): ~90 AUD
Sports and Fitness
- Tennis Court Rental: 10 – 30 AUD per hour
- Gym/Fitness Club Membership: 60 – 80 AUD per month
Monthly Entertainment and Sports Budget
| Type of Expense | Student (AUD) | Single (AUD) | Family (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinema (2x/Month) | 40 | 40 | 80 |
| Dining Out (2x/Month) | 45 | 90 | 180 |
| Tennis (4x/Month) | 40 – 120 | 40 – 120 | 80 – 240 |
| Gym Membership | 60 – 80 | 60 – 80 | 120 – 160 |
Clothing and Personal Care Costs
Budgeting for clothing and personal care is essential for a comfortable lifestyle. Here’s what you can expect to spend:
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Levi’s 501 Jeans | ~100 |
| Summer Dress (Mid-Range) | ~60 |
| Nike Running Shoes | ~150 |
| Men’s Leather Business Shoes | 120 – 200 |
| Internet & Mobile Plan (Monthly) | 70 – 90 |
Education and Childcare Costs
For families with children, education and childcare are significant expenses:
| Type of Care | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Preschool/Kindergarten (Per Day) | 40 – 70 |
| Primary School (Annual) | 2,000 – 20,000 |
| Childcare (Full-Time, Monthly) | 1,000 – 1,500 |
Monthly Lifestyle and Leisure Budget
| Type of Expense | Student (AUD) | Single (AUD) | Family (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment & Sports | 150 – 300 | 230 – 420 | 460 – 740 |
| Clothing & Personal Care | 100 – 200 | 200 – 400 | 400 – 800 |
| Education & Childcare | – | – | 1,000 – 1,500 |
What Salary Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Perth?
To live comfortably in Perth, a salary of around 100,000 AUD to 200,000 AUD per year is recommended according to SalaryExpert. This allows for a fulfilling lifestyle and helps in wealth generation.
The average annual salary in Perth is about 102,000 AUD.
Monthly Budget for Living in Perth
Here’s a suggested monthly budget for different household types:
| Category | Student (AUD) | Single (AUD) | Family (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing/Rent | 800 – 1,500 | 1,600 – 2,500 | 2,800 – 3,500 |
| Utilities | 100 – 200 | 100 – 200 | 200 – 400 |
| Food/Groceries | 150 – 300 | 800 – 1,000 | 1,500 – 2,000 |
| Transportation | 100 – 200 | 300 – 400 | 800 – 1,000 |
| Other | 100 – 200 | 200 – 400 | 500 – 1,000 |
| Total | 1,250 – 2,500 | 3,000 – 4,500 | 6,000 – 8,000 |
Suggested reading: For a more thorough understanding of the Perth real estate scene, our article on buying a house in Perth is a must-read.
FAQs on ‘How much does it cost to live comfortably in Perth?’
What is a decent salary in Perth?
In Perth, Australia, a decent salary is considered to be $94,569 per year, which averages out to $48.50 per hour. Entry-level positions may start at $71,131 annually, while highly experienced workers could earn up to $158,293 per year.
Is it worth moving to Perth?
Perth is known for its high quality of life, offering a wealth of amenities, stunning beaches, world-class parks, cultural events, local wine, heritage sites, and unique wildlife, making it an excellent place to live.
What is the minimum salary to live comfortably in Australia?
For a comfortable life in Australia, an individual might require around $20,000 per year, whereas an average family may need over $50,000 annually to cover all expenses.
What are the disadvantages of living in Perth?
One noted disadvantage of living in Perth is its isolation. Being one of the most isolated major cities globally, it can sometimes be challenging due to the distance from other major cities, potentially causing frustration for some residents.
