Skyline of Perth
Cost of Living: 85 2,125,114

Perth, WA, Australia

Western Australia's sun-drenched capital with stunning beaches, a booming mining economy, and Kings Park.

Updated July 11, 2026
Cost of Living 85

Below Average vs Australia avg (100)

Housing Index 88

Affordable

Median Income A$80,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.0%

Job market health

Perth vs Australia Average

Cost of Living
Perth: 85
Australia Avg: 100
Housing Index
Perth: 88
Australia Avg: 100
Income Tax
Perth: 32.5%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 32.5%
  • GST: 10.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: A$80,000
  • Unemployment: 4.0%
  • Population: 2,125,114

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 265/year
  • Summer High: 88°F
  • Winter Low: 48°F

Housing

  • Median Home: A$680,000
  • 1BR Rent: A$1800/mo

Cost of Living

Perth's cost of living index is 85 (Australia average = 100).

CategoryPerthNational AverageDifference
Overall85100-15.0%
Housing88100-12.0%

Data source: ABS, Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceA$680,000
Median Rent (1BR)A$1800/mo
Median Rent (2BR)A$2,250/mo
Price per Sq FtA$453

Data source: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Perth:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityA$155Based on ~900 kWh/month typical Australian household usage
Heating & CoolingA$4Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating (limited usage in mild climates)
Cooling (AC)A$14Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterA$50Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)A$65Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesA$288Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Perth

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: A$2,160/mo.

Perth Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: A$1,980/mo.

East Perth

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: A$1,620/mo.

West Perth

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: A$1,710/mo.

Remote Work Score

Perth scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
85
Rent
A$1800
Sunny Days
265
Tax
32.5%
Unemployment
4.0%
Climate
88°F / 48°F

Climate

Perth has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January68°F48°F2.5"
April73°F63°F2.8"
July88°F63°F1.5"
October68°F66°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 32.5%
  • GST: 10%
  • Property Tax: ~0.28% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Perth, WA, Australia?

The cost of living index in Perth is 85, which is Lower the Australia national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Perth?

The median home price in Perth is A$680,000. The housing index is 88.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Perth is approximately A$1800/mo.

Does Perth, WA have income tax?

Perth is in WA, which has an income tax rate of 32.5%.

What is the climate like in Perth?

Perth enjoys approximately 265 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,88°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.48°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
  • Income & Employment: ABS Labour Force Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 11, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.