Cost of Living in Perth 2026: A Full Breakdown of What You Will Actually Spend

Housing is the dominant cost for Perth residents in 2026 and the figure that has changed most dramatically over the past three years. For renters, a one-bedroom unit in a mid-ring Perth suburb — say Mount Lawley, Victoria Park or Osborne Park — currently costs approximately $460 to $520 per week, while a two-bedroom unit in a similar location runs $530 to $620 per week. A three-bedroom house in suburbs like Morley, Cannington or Midland will typically cost $620 to $730 per week. For buyers, using current median house prices around $780,000 and assuming a 20 per cent deposit with a mortgage at approximately 5.8 per cent over 30 years, monthly repayments would sit around $3,700 to $4,000 — making Perth significantly more affordable than equivalent properties in Sydney but now broadly comparable to Melbourne on a mortgage repayment basis. Stamp duty in WA on an $800,000 purchase adds approximately $31,000 to upfront costs.

Weekly living costs for a couple in Perth in 2026 break down approximately as follows. Groceries at a major supermarket (Coles or Woolworths) typically run $150 to $250 per week for a couple, depending on dietary choices and whether you are buying meat and seafood at premium prices. Utility bills — electricity and gas — average approximately $80 to $150 per month, though Perth's abundant sunshine makes solar panels a viable investment that significantly reduces electricity costs for homeowners. Internet plans in Perth are typically $60 to $80 per month for a standard NBN 100 connection, with higher-speed plans running $80 to $110. Streaming subscriptions — typically two or three services — add another $30 to $50 per month. Phone plans run $30 to $80 per month depending on data inclusions and whether the plan includes a device payment.

Transport costs in Perth depend heavily on whether you own and operate a car, as the city's sprawling suburban layout makes car ownership close to essential for most households outside the inner ring. Annual car running costs — including registration (approximately $600 to $700 per year for a standard vehicle in WA), comprehensive insurance ($1,200 to $2,000 per year), petrol at current prices of approximately $2.00 to $2.20 per litre for unleaded 91, and servicing — typically amount to $6,000 to $10,000 per year for a single vehicle. Public transport in Perth — the Transperth network of trains, buses and ferries — is priced by zone, with most inner and middle-ring Perth commuters paying $4 to $6 per return trip. A SmartRider card provides a 10 per cent discount on fares. Cycling is viable for some Perth commuters given the city's relatively flat terrain and expanding bike lane network.

Beyond the essentials, Perth compares favourably to Sydney and Melbourne on lifestyle affordability in 2026. Dining out at a mid-range Perth restaurant costs approximately $30 to $55 per person for a main and a drink — meaningfully cheaper than equivalent Sydney venues. A domestic flight from Perth to Sydney or Melbourne costs $200 to $450 return on Qantas or Virgin for advance purchases, though last-minute prices are significantly higher. Perth's entertainment and cultural offerings — many of which are free, including the Art Gallery of WA, the WA Museum, and Kings Park — reduce the cost of a rich lifestyle compared to cities where comparable experiences carry high admission prices. The overall cost-of-living picture for Perth in 2026 is that while housing costs have risen sharply, the city remains materially more affordable than Sydney on a like-for-like lifestyle comparison, and is increasingly competitive with Melbourne as well.

This article was compiled by AI from the sources linked above and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.