How are we? Seven years ago, I landed in Perth with two suitcases and a craving for familiar foods from home. Today, I’m writing this guide to help you navigate Western Australia’s incredible food scene, something I wish I’d had when I first arrived. From discovering the best Asian grocers in Northbridge to finding the freshest seafood at the Fremantle Markets, I’ll share all my hard-earned secrets that have helped countless other newcomers feel at home in WA’s food paradise.
Overview of Living Expenses in Perth
Perth, the sunniest capital city in Western Australia, is known for its high cost of living, but it also offers a fantastic quality of life. The city’s remote location and limited job market can drive up living expenses, but the vibrant lifestyle and amenities make it worthwhile. Here’s a quick overview of the estimated monthly costs you can expect when living in Perth:
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Housing: For a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, budget around AUD 1,500 – 2,500 per month.
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Food: Basic groceries and dining out will cost approximately AUD 800 – 1,200 per month.
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Transportation: Public transport and fuel costs typically range from AUD 200 – 300 per month.
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Utilities: Expect to pay around AUD 150 – 200 per month for electricity, water, and gas.
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Entertainment: Leisure activities and travel can cost between AUD 500 – 1,000 per month.
Living in Perth means balancing these costs with the benefits of a relaxed lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and a thriving cultural scene.
1. Accommodation Costs
First and foremost, you’ll need a place to live. Whether you’re renting or staying in temporary housing, here’s what you need to know:
For students, finding the right student accommodation is crucial, with options ranging from homestays to shared rentals.
Average Costs:
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Rent:
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City Centre: AUD 2,000 – 3,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
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Suburbs: AUD 1,500 – 2,500 per month for a one-bedroom space.
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Shared Housing: AUD 1,100 – 1,600 per month for a room in a shared house.
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Temporary Housing: AUD 100 – 180 per night for a hotel or Airbnb.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to save money, consider the suburbs or shared housing. You’ll still be close to the city centre without the high price tag. Check out the suburbs for more budget-friendly options.
2. Food and Groceries
Perth’s food scene is excellent, but you don’t need to spend a fortune on meals every night.
Average Costs:
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Groceries: AUD 100–150 per week for one person.
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Eating Out:
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Casual dining: AUD 15–25 per person.
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Mid-range restaurant: AUD 40–80 for two.
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Coffee: AUD 4–6 per cup (essential for your daily flat white).
Pro Tip: Visit local supermarkets like Coles or Woolworths, and don’t miss the farmers’ markets for fresh, affordable produce.
Public Transport
Getting around Perth is easy, but you’ll need to budget for it.
Pro Tip: Taxi services in Perth operate on a normal tariff, with initial costs, costs per kilometer, and waiting fees clearly defined.
Average Costs:
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Transperth SmartRider Card: AUD 10 (initial cost) + Min. AUD 10 top-up.
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Public Transport Fares:
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Single trip: AUD 2–5 depending on zones.
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Monthly pass: AUD 100–150.
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Fuel: AUD 1.70–2.00 per litre (as of 2025). Cheapest fuel is available on Tuesdays.
Pro Tip: Download the Transperth app to plan your trips and get off-peak discounts.
4. Utilities and Internet
You’ll need power, water, and Wi-Fi to keep things running smoothly. When budgeting for your monthly expenses, don’t forget to include utility bills, which can significantly impact your overall costs.
Pro Tip: For internet, consider plans that offer unlimited data to avoid overage charges.
Average Costs:
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Electricity and Gas: AUD 150–250 per month (for a small apartment).
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Water: AUD 50–100 per month.
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Internet: AUD 60–80 per month for unlimited broadband.
Pro Tip: Compare providers like Telstra, Optus, or TPG to find the best deals.
5. Healthcare
Staying healthy is essential, so here’s what you’ll need to know about healthcare costs.
Average Costs:
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Private Health Insurance: AUD 80–200 per month (depending on coverage).
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Doctor’s Visit: AUD 100 average for a GP consultation.
Pro Tip: If you’re on a temporary visa, ensure you have Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
6. Entertainment and Lifestyle
Perth offers plenty of fun activities, and you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy them.
Pro Tip: To save money, take advantage of free activities like beach outings and park visits.
Average Costs:
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Cinema Ticket: AUD 15–20.
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Gym Membership: AUD 50–80 per month.
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Beach Activities: Free (e.g., swimming, hiking, or picnics).
Pro Tip: Take advantage of Perth’s natural beauty – visit the beach, explore Kings Park, or go for a bushwalk.
7. Miscellaneous Expenses
Don’t forget the small expenses that add up.
Pro Tip: Students can take advantage of student discounts on various services and products to manage their expenses better.
Average Costs:
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Mobile Plan: AUD 30–50 per month.
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Clothing: AUD 50–100 per item (depending on brand).
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Personal Care: AUD 20–50 per month (toiletries, haircuts, etc.).
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for sales and discounts at local shops to save some cash.
7. Childcare and Education
If you’re moving to Perth with children, it’s essential to factor in the costs of childcare and education. Childcare can be expensive, ranging from AUD 80 – 120 per day. However, there are options for international students and families, including centres and schools that offer discounts and scholarships. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated monthly costs:
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Childcare: Full-time care will cost around AUD 800 – 1,200 per month.
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Primary School: Public schools charge about AUD 5,000 – 10,000 per year, while private schools can range from AUD 10,000 – 20,000 per year.
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High School: Similar to primary schools, public high schools cost AUD 5,000 – 10,000 per year, and private high schools range from AUD 10,000 – 20,000 per year.
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University: Undergraduate programs typically cost AUD 15,000 – 30,000 per year, and postgraduate programs range from AUD 20,000 – 40,000 per year.
These costs can add up, so it’s crucial to plan your budget accordingly, especially if you’re an international student or have a family.
Sample Budget for Your First Month
Here’s a rough idea of what your first month in Perth might cost:
Creating a realistic monthly budget is essential to manage your monthly expenses effectively.
| Category | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1,500–2,000 |
| Food and Groceries | 400–500 |
| Transportation | 100–150 |
| Utilities and Internet | 200–300 |
| Healthcare | 100–200 |
| Entertainment | 100–200 |
| Miscellaneous | 100–200 |
| Total | 2,500–3,550 |
Salary Requirements
To live comfortably in Perth, you’ll need a decent salary to cover your living expenses. While individual circumstances and lifestyle choices can vary, here are some estimated monthly salary requirements for different lifestyles:
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Single Person: To cover your monthly costs, you’ll need around AUD 4,000 – 6,000.
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Couple: A combined monthly income of AUD 6,000 – 10,000 should suffice.
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Family: For a family, aim for a monthly income of AUD 8,000 – 15,000.
These figures are just estimates and can vary.
