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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Perth 2024
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Matilda Bay in Perth, Australia


Cost of Living in Perth

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: If you're moving to Perth, understanding the the cost of living in Perth helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Perth
Apartment Rentals The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,400 AUD per month. Outside of the city center, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,000 AUD per month.
Apartment Purchases The median price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $400,000 AUD. Outside of the city center, the median price for a one-bedroom apartment is around $300,000 AUD.
Transportation Public transportation in Perth is relatively inexpensive. A single ride on the bus or train costs around $3.50 AUD. A monthly pass costs around $150 AUD.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Perth is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $2.50 AUD, a liter of milk costs around $1.50 AUD, and a dozen eggs costs around $4 AUD.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Perth is relatively low. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $15 AUD, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around $80 AUD.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Perth is relatively low. The average cost of electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 sq. ft. apartment is around $200 AUD per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Perth varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition costs around $7,000 AUD per year, elementary school tuition costs around $10,000 AUD per year, middle school tuition costs around $12,000 AUD per year, and high school tuition costs around $15,000 AUD per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Perth

"The cost of living in Perth can be quite expensive, especially with regards to rent. Prices for groceries and dining out can be quite high as well. Transportation costs, such as gas and train fares, are also fairly expensive. Similarly, entertainment, such as sporting events, theatre tickets and movies, also come with a hefty price tag. Nevertheless, there are still affordable options available for those living in Perth who want to enjoy the city and its offerings," said one expat living in Perth, Australia.

Can I live in Perth on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Perth for a while now, and I can tell you that living comfortably on $1,500 a month as an expat might be a bit challenging, but it's not impossible. You'll definitely have to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle, though. First, you'll need to find affordable accommodation. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Perth include Armadale, Gosnells, and Balga. These areas have lower rent prices compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Subiaco, Claremont, and Cottesloe. You might want to consider sharing a flat with someone to split the rent and utility costs.When it comes to transportation, owning a car might be out of your budget, so you'll have to rely on public transport. Perth has a decent public transport system, but it's not as extensive as in some other cities, so you might need to plan your trips carefully. You can save money by purchasing a SmartRider card, which offers discounted fares on buses, trains, and ferries.Eating out can be quite expensive in Perth, so you'll need to cook most of your meals at home. Shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets like Aldi can help you save on groceries. You might also want to cut back on non-essential expenses like gym memberships, entertainment, and shopping for clothes.In terms of socializing, you'll need to be mindful of your budget. Going out for drinks or dinner can add up quickly, so you might want to invite friends over for a potluck or a movie night instead. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities in Perth, like visiting parks, beaches, and art galleries, or attending community events.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Perth will require some sacrifices and adjustments, but it's possible if you're willing to be frugal and resourceful. Just be prepared to live a more modest lifestyle than you might be used to," commented an expat living in Perth.

Can I live in Perth on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Perth for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Subiaco, Cottesloe, and Claremont might be out of your budget, so I'd recommend looking into more affordable areas like Victoria Park, Maylands, or Scarborough. These neighborhoods still have good access to public transport and amenities, but the rent is more reasonable.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills and other expenses. Make sure to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and try to conserve water as much as possible. You might also want to consider getting a roommate to help split the costs.When it comes to groceries, shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Spudshed can save you a lot of money compared to the more expensive stores like Coles or Woolworths. Also, try to cook at home as much as possible, as eating out can quickly add up.For transportation, consider using public transport or even cycling to work if it's feasible. Owning a car can be expensive, especially when you factor in petrol, insurance, and maintenance costs.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. Going out for drinks or to the movies can be pricey, so try to find free or low-cost activities to do in your spare time. Perth has plenty of beautiful parks and beaches to enjoy, and there are often free events and festivals happening around the city.Overall, living in Perth on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. It might take some getting used to, but once you find a routine that works for you, it can be a comfortable and enjoyable experience," said one expat living in Perth.

Can I live in Perth on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Perth for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices in terms of location and lifestyle choices. For example, you might not be able to live in the most expensive neighborhoods like Peppermint Grove, Dalkeith, or Cottesloe, where the rent for a decent-sized apartment can easily go over $2,000 a month. Instead, you could consider more affordable neighborhoods like Victoria Park, Maylands, or Scarborough, where you can find a nice apartment for around $1,500 a month or even less.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Perth, especially when you factor in insurance, registration, and fuel costs. So, you might want to consider using public transportation, which is quite reliable and affordable. A monthly public transport pass costs around $150, and it covers buses, trains, and ferries within the city.Eating out can also be quite pricey in Perth, so you might want to cook at home more often. Groceries can be relatively affordable if you shop at supermarkets like Coles or Woolworths, and you can find fresh produce at local farmers' markets. If you do want to eat out occasionally, there are plenty of affordable options, especially in the more multicultural suburbs like Northbridge or Victoria Park.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you might want to be mindful of your spending in this area. For example, instead of going to the cinema, you could consider streaming movies at home. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Perth, like visiting the beautiful beaches, going for hikes in the nearby national parks, or attending free events and festivals throughout the year.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Perth is definitely achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of location and lifestyle choices," commented an expat living in Perth.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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