How does Perth's cost of living compare to other major Australian cities

 Perth's cost of living is generally more affordable compared to other major Australian cities, making it an attractive option for many. Here’s a detailed comparison of Perth's cost of living with Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Cost of Living Comparison

1. Overall Monthly Expenses

• Perth: Approximately AUD 4,500 for a single person and AUD 7,500 for a family of four.
• Sydney: Estimated at AUD 4,196 for a single person and AUD 6,455 for a family of four.
• Melbourne: Around AUD 3,185 for a single person and AUD 6,251 for a family of four.
• Brisbane: Roughly AUD 2,959 for a single person and AUD 6,251 for a family of four.

2. Housing Costs

• Perth:
  • 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: AUD 2,500.
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: AUD 1,800.
• Sydney:
  • 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: Approximately AUD 3,261.
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: Around AUD 2,600.
• Melbourne:
  • 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: About AUD 2,500.
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: AUD 1,800.
• Brisbane:
  • 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: Approximately AUD 2,500.
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: Around AUD 1,600.

3. Utilities and Transportation

• Perth: Utilities average around AUD 332 per month. Public transport is affordable, with fares ranging from AUD 3.50 to AUD 5.
• Sydney: Utilities are higher, averaging AUD 327. Public transport is also more expensive, with average fares around AUD 4.50.
• Melbourne: Utilities are similar to Perth, but public transport fares can be slightly higher.
• Brisbane: Utilities are generally lower, averaging AUD 300, and public transport is more affordable than in Sydney.

4. Groceries and Dining

• Perth: Grocery prices are competitive, often slightly lower than in Sydney and Melbourne.
• Sydney: Higher grocery prices; dining out is notably more expensive.
• Melbourne: Similar to Sydney, with slightly lower dining costs.
• Brisbane: Generally lower grocery prices compared to Sydney and Melbourne.

5. Employment and Wages

• Perth: Average hourly wage is AUD 25.78, which is higher than Sydney and Melbourne.
• Sydney: Average hourly wage is AUD 25.46.
• Melbourne: Average hourly wage is AUD 25.18.
• Brisbane: Average hourly wage is AUD 25.08.

Summary

Overall, Perth is approximately 19% cheaper than Sydney, 11% cheaper than Melbourne, and 8% cheaper than Brisbane in terms of living costs. This affordability, combined with a high quality of life, makes Perth an appealing choice for relocation within Australia.