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Moving to a New Home in Brisbane? Here's Your Complete Address Update Guide!

Moving house is exciting, but updating your address can be overwhelming. To help you move smoothly, we made a simple moving address change checklist. This way, you won’t miss any important updates. If you are moving within Brisbane or to another state, this guide will help you. It will assist you in updating your records with important organizations.

Government and Legal Moving Address Updates

Ensure your new moving address is registered with these key government agencies:
✔ Australian Electoral Commission
✔ Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
✔ Medicare
✔ Centrelink (if applicable)
✔ MyGov account
✔ Driver's license and vehicle registration (Queensland Transport)
✔ Passport
✔ Local council (for rates and bin collection)
✔ State Revenue Office (land tax, if applicable)
✔ Jury duty registration
✔ Voter registration

Financial Institutions to Update After Moving

Notify your banks, credit providers, and financial services to prevent any disruptions:
✔ Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac, ANZ, or other banks
✔ Credit card companies
✔ Superannuation funds
✔ Insurance providers (home, contents, car, health, life)
✔ PayPal, Afterpay, and other online payment systems
✔ Investment platforms (CommSec, eToro, Stake)
✔ Mortgage provider
✔ Rental bond authority (if renting in Queensland)

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 out of home for the first time? Congratulations! This is not just a new address—it’s your step into independence. With all the excitement and chaos, it’s easy to forget the important things. Don’t worry—we’re here to help. Here’s your moving out of home checklist to make your transition stress-free and settle in like a pro.

Handle the Logistics (Yes, It’s Boring—But Do It First)

• - Utilities: The Lifelines You Can’t Ignore

• Electricity & Gas: Contact providers at least two weeks ahead. Pro tip: Compare plans online—new customer deals can save money.
• - Internet & TV: Book installation as soon as possible. If you wait until move-in day, expect delays.
• - Water: Usually managed by the landlord, but check your lease. In NSW, tenants often pay usage charges only.
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Paperwork: Adulting 101

• - Update Your Address: Notify banks, Medicare, ATO, and even Netflix. Use Australia Post’s mail redirection service (3–12 months) to catch stray mail.
• - Insurance: Update your contents insurance—your Xbox and laptop aren’t covered at Mum’s.

Apartment Essentials—Start Smart, Not Overwhelmed

Your first apartment checklist should cover the essentials before you worry about decorations. Here’s what you’ll need:

Living Room Essentials

• - Must-Haves: A couch (even secondhand), a coffee table, and a TV tray for dining.
  - Nice-to-Haves: Indoor plants, art, or a cozy rug to make it feel like home.

Kitchen Essentials

• - Basics Only: One pan, two plates, a mug, and a good knife. Skip the avocado slicer—for now.
  - Appliances: A microwave and kettle are apartment essentials you’ll use daily.

Bedroom Essentials

• - Must-Haves: A mattress, sheets, and a pillow. If you don’t have a bed frame, put it on the floor—the look can wait.

Bathroom Essentials

• - Immediate Needs: Toilet paper, shower curtain, and a plunger (trust us).
  Pro Tip: Prepare a “Day 1” toiletry kit, including a toothbrush, soap, and towel.

Cleaning Supplies

• - Starter Pack: All-purpose spray, garbage bags, and a broom. Add a vacuum later.

The “Fix-It” Kit

Duct tape, a screwdriver, lightbulbs, and a step stool. You’ll use these more than you think.