Cost of Living in Perth: What You'll Actually Pay in 2025

Perth's cost of living is shaped by the city's isolation (which historically added costs to goods that must be transported from the east) and its resource-sector wage premium (which has driven up services costs in restaurants, trades, and childcare relative to the wages paid). Perth is cheaper than Sydney for housing but more expensive for some services; the overall cost comparison depends heavily on which categories dominate your household budget.

Housing — Perth's housing market has surged over 2023-2025. A one-bedroom apartment in the inner suburbs (Subiaco, Leederville, Northbridge) runs $350-$500 per week. A two-bedroom apartment is $450-$650. The median Perth house price has risen toward $750,000 in the metropolitan area with the surge; the western suburbs (Cottesloe, City Beach) command premiums well above the median. Fremantle and the near south provide better value for character housing.

Petrol and car costs — Perth's low-density suburban geography makes car ownership effectively mandatory for most residents, and petrol costs are a more significant household line item than in Melbourne or Sydney (where public transport alternatives are more viable). Perth's petrol pricing has a weekly cycle that local residents track carefully; filling on Tuesday or Wednesday morning before the Thursday/Friday price rise is standard practice.

Groceries — weekly groceries for a couple run $110-$160. Perth's distance from eastern production centres historically added a modest premium to some fresh goods; this has reduced as supply chains matured, but some imported and specialty goods remain marginally more expensive than their Sydney or Melbourne equivalents.

Dining and services — Perth's restaurant and trades services costs are elevated by the mining sector wage competition that has pushed hospitality and trade wages above the east coast equivalents. A coffee in Perth ($5-$6) is comparable to Sydney; trades callout fees are generally higher.

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