Cost of Living in Perth, Australia
Australia · Oceania
$2,700
Monthly Cost
avg/person
74
Cost Index
NYC=100
70
Rent Index
NYC=100
86
Quality of Life
Excellent
80
Safety Index
Excellent
2.1M
Population
AUD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $16 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $70 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $11 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $7 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $8 |
| Cappuccino | $4 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.3 |
| Bread (500g) | $2.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $8 |
| Beef (1kg) | $13 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $3.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $120 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.7 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $32000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $175 |
| Mobile Plan | $38 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $60 |
| Fitness Club/month | $58 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,700/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,200/mo |
| 3BR Center | $3,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,300/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $8,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $5,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $4200 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 6.1% |
View Cost of Living in Australia
Cost of Living in Perth — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Perth, Australia is approximately $2,700 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Perth has a cost index of 74, making it around 26% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Perth costs around $1,200/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,700/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $3,500/month. The rent index is 70 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Perth scores 86/100 on the quality of life index and 80/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 84/100. The climate index is 82/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Perth is approximately $4,200/month. With a purchasing power index of 82/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is AUD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Perth
The average monthly salary in Perth is approximately $4,200. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,700, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 82/100.
Healthcare Costs in Perth
Healthcare quality in Perth is rated 84/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Perth
Perth has a quality of life score of 86/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Perth
Students living in Perth should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Perth
Expats moving to Perth often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Perth, Australia is approximately $2,700 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 74 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Perth
Living in Perth offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 74 and a quality of life score of 86/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $4,200 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Perth provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Australia and around the world.
Key Facts About Perth
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,700
- Cost Index: 74
- Rent Index: 70
- Average Salary: $4,200
- Quality of Life: 86/100
- Safety Score: 80/100
- Country: Australia
- Currency: AUD
Is Perth Expensive?
Perth has a cost index of 74 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Perth compare to other cities?
Perth is located in Oceania with a population of approximately 2.1M. At a cost index of 74 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Perth stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Perth?
The average cost of living in Perth, Australia is approximately $2,700 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 74 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Perth?
Rent in Perth varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 70 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Perth alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Perth expensive to live in?
Perth has a cost index of 74 compared to New York City (100). At 74, Perth is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,700.
What is the quality of life in Perth?
Perth has a quality of life index of 86/100 and a safety index of 80/100. The city is located in Oceania and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Perth compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Perth with any city worldwide. Perth's cost index is 74 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Perth?
Many residents live comfortably in Perth with a monthly budget of around $2,700 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Perth good for expats?
Perth is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Perth?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,700 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Perth.
Is Perth cheaper than New York?
Yes, Perth has a cost index of 74 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Perth?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Perth.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Perth
Cheapest Ways to Live in Perth
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Perth typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,200/month compared to $1,700/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Perth, Australia.
Is Perth Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 82/100 and a quality of life score of 86/100, Perth is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 74 relative to New York City, Perth remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Australia has to offer against other destinations in Oceania.
Perth Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Perth", "Perth monthly expenses 2026", and "is Perth affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,700, a safety score of 80/100, and healthcare rated 84/100, Perth offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Australia.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026