Cost of Living in Perth: Complete Guide for 2025

Thinking about moving to Perth for its sunny beaches, laid-back vibe, and thriving culture? Before you pack your bags and move to this beautiful city, it's important to understand what the costs are involved. From the stunning Swan River to a vibrant lifestyle and surf-ready beaches, Perth has a lot to offer - but can you afford it? Our latest cost of living guide breaks down everyday expenses with clear tables and real insight to help you budget wisely before you go.

Overview of Living Expenses in Perth

Here’s a quick breakdown of the basic costs of living in Perth. On average, a single person spends about $1,658.70 each month. A family of four pays around $5,868.00 monthly.

Housing and Rent Costs in Perth

If you’re looking to buy a property, here’s a rough guide to property prices:

Utilities and Internet Costs

Perth is considered more affordable than other Australian cities when it comes to utilities.

• - Electricity, Water, and Garbage Collection: $308.94 per month (for an 85 m² apartment)
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• - Internet (60Mbps+ Unlimited Data): $79.74 per month
• - Mobile Phone Plan (10GB+ Data): $45.54 per month
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Transport in Perth

Public transport in Perth is managed by Transperth, covering trains, trams, ferries, and buses. A SmartRider card is a convenient option for all transport modes, offering lower fares—just remember to tap on and off. Fare costs are based on standard travel charges across the zones you travel between. You can buy a cash ticket, but it costs more than a Smart Rider fare. It also has an expiry time. You must complete your journey, no matter the transport mode, by that time.

Transportation Costs in Perth

Driving

If you prefer to drive, here’s what you need to budget for buying a car:

• - Volkswagen Golf 1.4 Trendline – $40,000.00
• - Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6L – $35,822.74

Grocery Prices in Perth

If you have a refined palate, dining expenses can significantly impact your monthly budget. If you frequently eat out, you may need to adjust your habits to match your income. Perth offers plenty of dining options, ensuring you’ll never run out of places to eat. For those who like to cook at home, fresh fruit and vegetables are easy to find. Markets offer affordable options, and supermarket prices match the city's overall affordability.

Dining Out in Perth

You can enjoy a casual meal by the sea or a fancy dinner in the city. Perth has options for every occasion and budget. You can find many places to eat, whether it's for a birthday, an anniversary, or a quick meal. There are fancy restaurants and budget-friendly fast food options. Utilities and Internet Costs

• - Electricity, Water, and Garbage Collection: $308.94 per month (for an 85 m² apartment)

• - Internet (60Mbps+ Unlimited Data): $79.74 per month

• - Mobile Phone Plan (10GB+ Data): $45.54 per month

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Transport in Perth

Public transport in Perth is managed by Transperth, covering trains, trams, ferries, and buses. A SmartRider card is a convenient option for all transport modes, offering lower fares—just remember to tap on and off. Fare costs are based on standard travel charges across the zones you travel between. You can buy a cash ticket, but it costs more than a SmartRider fare. It also has an expiry time. You must complete your journey, no matter the transport mode, by that time.

Transportation Costs in Perth

Driving

If you prefer to drive, here’s what you need to budget for buying a car:

• Volkswagen Golf 1.4 Trendline – $40,000.00

• Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6L – $35,822.74

Average Cost of Dining Out in Perth:

• - Inexpensive Restaurant – $20.00 per person

• - Mid-Range Restaurant (3-course meal for two) – $150.00

• - McDonald's Combo Meal – $17.00

• - Domestic Beer (500ml, licensed venue) – $11.00

• - Imported Beer (0.33L, liquor store) – $11.00

• - Soft Drink (0.33L bottle) – $3.75

• - Cappuccino (regular) – $5.38

• - Bottled Water (0.33L) – $3.29

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• Clothing Costs in Perth

Fashion is personal, and while high-end trends can be costly, everyday essentials remain fairly affordable in Perth.

Average Clothing Prices:

• Running Shoes (Nike or comparable brand) – $156.52

• Men’s Leather Shoes – $169.88

• - Jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) – $122.81

• - Summer Dress (chain store) – $80.31

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Entertainment in Perth

Perth offers a vibrant entertainment scene, from live music to theatre performances. Some clubs and venues may have a cover charge of $15–$20 per person, often including live entertainment.

Live Show Costs:

• - Local band (small venue) – $45.00–$60.00

• - Major concert or sports event (stadium) – $120.00+

• - Theatre or dance performances (premium seating) – $170.00

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Movie Ticket Prices:

• - Standard chain cinema ticket – $24.50 (for an international release)

• - Independent cinemas are usually more affordable than major chains

• - Membership programs – Available at some cinemas for discounts

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Health & Fitness in Perth

Staying active in Perth is easy, whether you prefer gym memberships or outdoor activities.

Average Fitness Costs:

• - Monthly gym membership – $66.78

• - Tennis court hire (weekends, per hour) – $22.88

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Education Costs in Perth

If you have children or plan to study in Perth, here’s an overview of education costs:

• - Childcare (Before Government Subsidies): $2,445.00 per month
• - International School Tuition: $18,100.00 per year
• - University Accommodation: $290 - $325 per week (homestay)
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Moving from Overseas? Watch Out for Hidden Costs

Here’s the thing: Moving to Perth isn’t just about packing boxes—it’s about your wallet playing nice with exchange rates. If you are sending money overseas, it can be expensive. This includes things like buying a house without seeing it or paying university fees. Small fees and bad exchange rates can add up quickly.

Perth’s Isolation: Love It or… Love It?
Yes, Perth feels worlds away from Sydney or Melbourne. Crossing the Nullarbor Plain—whether by road or air—is a trek. But that’s the charm! Once you’re here, you’ll find:

• - A tight-knit community (no big-city anonymity).
• - Everything you need, from beaches to breweries.
• - Space to breathe (no sardine-style living).
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Next Steps
If you’re ready to swap “what ifs” for WA sunsets, let’s chat about your move. Ozwide Movers team can help with their best removalists and answer questions like:

• - How do I ship my stuff without stress?
• - What’s the cheapest way to handle currency swaps?
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One Last Thing
Prices in this guide are in AUD and ballpark figures—your costs might vary. Always double-check what applies to your situation.