Deciding to move to a new city is a significant life decision, and understanding the cost of living is crucial to making an informed choice. Perth, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and laid-back lifestyle, is a city that many are choosing as their new home.
But before packing your bags and contacting Brisbane to Perth interstate removalists, it's important to get a sense of the Perth cost of living. This will help you plan your finances and ensure a smooth transition to this beautiful Australian city.
Perth boasts having the highest number of millionaires in the country, mostly due to its mining wealth and the many opportunities awaiting those with a work ethic that embraces hard work and taking a chance. Perth offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, but like any major city, living costs can vary widely depending on your lifestyle, housing choices, chosen location and personal needs.
In this friendly guide, we'll delve into the various expenses you'll need to consider when moving to Perth, giving you a comprehensive overview to help you budget effectively. We have included some comparative analyses so you can compare costs in other Australian cities, Brisbane Sydney and Melbourne.
Breaking down the Perth’s cost of living
Housing costs
The most significant expense for you will be housing. Whether you're renting or buying, the cost can vary greatly depending on the suburb you choose.
Central areas and coastal suburbs tend to have higher prices, reflecting their popularity and the lifestyle they offer. There is an expected 10% rise in housing prices in 2024. This may be a calculation that is worthwhile factoring into your cost counting before taking the plunge. Rent can vary significantly from $575 per week for a 1 bedroom apartment to $905 per week for a 3 bedroom apartment inner city.
A house rental, if you can get one, can be from $480/week to $1500/week depending on location and the property's size and quality.
Utilities (electricity, water. internet)
Utilities in Perth, including electricity, gas, water, and internet, are in line with Australian averages but can fluctuate based on usage and the size of your home.
Budgeting around $200-300 per month should cover a modest apartment's utility bills, but always consider your consumption habits for a more accurate estimate.
It’s a good habit to get into to turn off your standby settings for appliances particularly if you don’t use them constantly. This can save you hundreds of dollars every year, especially with power costs going through the roof. Another consideration is the availability and cost of gas as industry sources say that it is going to be in short supply in the very near future.
Groceries and dining out
The cost of groceries in Perth is comparable to other major Australian cities. A weekly grocery bill for a single person can range from $80 to $150, depending on dietary preferences and shopping habits. Families may pay $250-500 on their grocery budget.
Dining out and entertainment can add significantly to your expenses, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing about $20-50 per person.
Transportation
Perth has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries, making it easy to get around. A standard fare starts from $5.00, with various passes available to reduce costs for regular commuters. Transperth Smartrider discount can reduce your fares by up to 20% so consider getting the Transperth card.
If you prefer driving, consider the costs of fuel, insurance, and car maintenance in your budget. Due to Perth's isolation from the eastern states, fuel is more expensive as are other commodities at times.
Education
Higher education in Perth is very adequately covered with no less than 5 university campuses being Edith Cowan, Curtin, Murdoch, University of West Australia and Notre Dame. Private schools include Scotch, Wesley, Trinity, Mercedes and many more. Costs are comparable to those of the east coast.
Health, lifestyle and recreation
The lifestyle you choose can significantly affect your cost of living. Perth offers numerous free or low-cost outdoor activities, including beaches, parks, and hiking trails. However, memberships for gyms, clubs, or other hobbies can add to your monthly expenses. Membership at the YMCA in Perth for instance will set you back about $590 for the year.
Perth has many good hospitals and healthcare centres and some of the premium care facilities in the country. Costs, of course, vary depending on your level of care needed and whether you need private or public care.
Perth has many great recreational and sporting facilities like the WACA, Optus Stadium and RAC Arena just some amongst many.
For those moving from the East Coast or other parts of Australia, remember that Brisbane to Perth interstate removalists can offer competitive quotes to help manage your moving costs effectively. It's advisable to get multiple quotes to ensure you find the best service to fit your budget.
Conclusion
Understanding Perth's cost of living is crucial for anyone considering making the move. Perth is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a reputation for being a powerhouse of the mining industry for our nation. If you want to be part of that story then it is certainly worthwhile considering. While it offers a high quality of life, the costs can vary depending on your lifestyle choices and the area you decide to call home but where costs are high so are the rewards for those wanting to work hard for what they want.
It makes good sense to be aware of the costs before you make this all important decision, so if you're planning a long-distance move, consider reaching out to Brisbane to Perth interstate removalists as early as possible in the process to ensure a seamless transition. With the right planning and budgeting, you'll be able to enjoy everything Perth has to offer without unnecessary financial stress.
Happy Moving!
