Overview
Perth is generally more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne but more expensive than Adelaide and Brisbane. Housing is the biggest expense, though wagesarticularly in mining and resources: tend to be higher than the national average. A single person can live comfortably on $60,000 — $75,000/year; a family of four needs around $100,000 — $130,000/year.
Housing Costs
Rent (per week)
- 1-bed apartment in CBD: $450 — $650
- 1-bed apartment outside CBD: $350 — $500
- 3-bed house in middle suburb: $550 — $800
- 3-bed house in premium suburb: $800 — $1,500
Home Purchase (median prices, 2025 — 26)
- Perth metro median house: ~$670,000
- Perth metro unit/apartment: ~$450,000
- Premium suburbs (Cottesloe, Peppermint Grove): $2M — $5M+
- Outer suburbs (Armadale, Midland): $400,000 — $550,000
Utilities
- Electricity (Synergy / Horizon Power): $150 — $250/quarter for an apartment, $300 — $500/quarter for a house
- Gas (ATCO): $60 — $150/quarter
- Water (Water Corporation): $200 — $350/quarter
- Internet (NBN broadband 50Mbps): $70 — $90/month
- Mobile plan (Telstra/Optus/Vodafone): $30 — $60/month
Food & Groceries
Major supermarkets are Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi. Independent grocers (IGA Spudshed, Farmer Jacks) offer cheaper produce. Weekly costs:
- Single person: $80 — $120/week
- Couple: $140 — $200/week
- Family of 4: $200 — $350/week
- Loaf of bread: $3.50
- Milk (2L): $3.20
- Eggs (12): $6.00
- Chicken breast (1kg): $12 — $16
- Beer (6-pack premium): $22 — $30
- Bottle of wine (entry-level): $12 — $18
Transport
- SmartRider daily cap: $10.80
- SmartRider concession daily cap: $5.40
- Monthly train pass (full fare): ~$180
- Petrol (91 RON): ~$1.70 — $2.20/L
- Car registration (annual): ~$500 — $800
- Comprehensive car insurance: $600 — $1,200/year
- Uber from CBD to airport: $25 — $35
Healthcare
- GP visit (bulk billed): Free with Medicare
- GP visit (private): $60 — $90 (Medicare rebate ~$42)
- Private health insurance (hospital + extras): $120 — $250/month
- Ambulance cover: ~$85/year via St John WA
- Prescriptions (PBS): ~$30 per item (general)
Education
- Public school: Free (voluntary contributions ~$60 — $250/year)
- Catholic primary school: $2,000 — $5,000/year
- Private school: $10,000 — $25,000+/year
- University (domestic, CSP): $4,000 — $14,000/year
- University (international): $30,000 — $50,000/year
Entertainment & Lifestyle
- Cinema ticket: $16 — $22
- Gym membership: $40 — $80/month
- Restaurant meal (mid-range, 2 courses): $50 — $80 per person
- Coffee: $5.00–$6.00
- Beer in a pub: $10 — $14 per pint
- Wine in a restaurant: $10 — $16 per glass
- National park entry: $15 — $17 per vehicle
Salary Expectations
- Average full-time salary (WA): ~$100,000/year
- Minimum wage (2025 — 26): $24.10/hour
- Mining industry average: $130,000 — $180,000/year
- Healthcare professional: $80,000 — $120,000/year
- Hospitality worker: $55,000 — $70,000/year
Tax Summary
Australia uses a progressive tax system. WA has no state payroll or land tax for primary residences. The GST is included in prices (10%). Medicare Levy is 2% of taxable income.