Table of Contents
The cost of living in Perth is a critical consideration for students and residents alike, as it can significantly impact their overall experience in the city. As the capital of Western Australia, Perth offers a lively lifestyle with access to beautiful beaches, parks, and a happening cultural scene. On average, a single person can expect to spend around AU$1,658.70 per month excluding accommodation. For students, the average monthly living expenses are estimated at about AU$2,000, which includes essential costs such as food, transportation, and utilities.
While Perth is considered one of the more expensive cities in Australia, its high quality of life and numerous educational opportunities make it an attractive option for students and families looking to relocate.
Cost Of Living Calculator
| Description | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Accommodation | 100 |
| Total Cost of Transport | 50 |
| Total Cost of Utilities | 30 |
| Total Cost of Food | 70 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 250 |
Average Living Expenses In Perth: An Overview
Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major Australian cities. For students and residents alike, understanding the average living expenses is essential for effective budgeting. A single person can expect to spend around AU$1,659 per month (excluding accommodation), while a family of four may require approximately AU$5,868 monthly to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Here’s a detailed overview of typical living expenses in Perth:
| Expense Category | Price Range (AUD) |
| Rent for 1-bedroom inner-city apartment | 1,800 – 3,000 |
| Rent for a 1-bedroom suburban apartment | 1,300 – 2,200 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, garbage) | 150 – 500 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan (10GB+ data) | 30 – 80 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more) | 60 – 100 |
| Public Transport One-Way Ticket | 3 – 6 |
Cost Of Groceries In Perth
The cost of groceries in Perth is an important consideration for residents and students, as it impacts monthly living expenses. Overall, grocery prices in Perth are relatively moderate compared to other major Australian cities. Below is a summary of average grocery prices for common food items, providing insight into the typical costs associated with shopping in the city:
| Grocery Item | Price Range (AUD) |
| Milk (regular, 1 liter) | 1 – 4 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 2 – 6 |
| Rice (white, 1kg) | 2 – 5 |
| Eggs (regular, 12) | 4 – 8 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 10 – 30 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 8 – 17 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 12 – 31 |
| Apples (1kg) | 3 – 7 |
| Banana (1kg) | 3 – 6 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 2 – 8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 2 – 9 |
| Potato (1kg) | 2 – 5 |
| Onion (1kg) | 2 – 4 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 2 – 4 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 1 – 5 |
Cost Of Transportation
The cost of transportation in Perth is an essential factor for residents and students, as it influences daily commuting and overall living expenses. The city consists of a well-connected public transport system, including buses, trains, and ferries, making it convenient for users to navigate the area. Below is a summary of average transportation costs in Perth, providing insights into typical fares and pricing:
| Transportation Item | Price Range (AUD) |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 2 – 6 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 100 – 217 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 6 – 12 |
| Taxi per km (Normal Tariff) | 2 – 5 |
Cost Of Entertainment and Leisure In Perth
The cost of entertainment and leisure activities in Perth is an important aspect of the overall living expenses for residents and students. The city offers a variety of options for fitness, sports, and cultural experiences, allowing individuals to enjoy their free time without excessive financial strain. Below is a summary of average costs associated with popular entertainment and leisure activities in Perth:
| Entertainment and Leisure Item | Price Range (AUD) |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 30 – 100 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 15 – 37 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 20 – 28 |
Cost Of Education In Perth
The cost of education in Perth varies significantly depending on the type of institution and level of study. For international students, tuition fees can range widely, with public universities generally being more affordable than private institutions. In addition to tuition, students must also consider ancillary costs such as textbooks, accommodation, transportation, and other living expenses. Below is a breakdown of the average costs associated with education in Perth for both primary and secondary schooling, as well as higher education.
| University | Course | Duration | Tuition Fees (AUD) |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) | Bachelor of Science | 3 years | 45,500 |
| Master of Biotechnology | 1.5 years | 43,200 | |
| Master of Marketing | 1.5 years | 43,600 | |
| Master of Law | 1 year | 42,500 | |
| Master of Business Administration | 16 months | 54,300 | |
| Master of Business Analytics | 1.5 years | 43,600 | |
| Master of Professional Engineering | 2 years | 43,700 | |
| Curtin University | Bachelor of Commerce | 3 years | Approx 38,000 |
| Master of Engineering | 2 years | Approx 40,000 | |
| Master of Public Health | 1.5 years | Approx 36,000 | |
| Master of Information Technology | 2 years | Approx 38,000 | |
| Edith Cowan University (ECU) | Bachelor of Arts | 3 years | Approx 30,000 |
| Master of Social Work | 2 years | Approx 35,000 | |
| Master of Cyber Security | 2 years | Approx 34,000 |
Perth: Find Your Perfect Student Home – Starts at AUD $224!
Cost Of Utilities In Perth
The cost of utilities in Perth is an essential consideration for residents, as it significantly impacts monthly living expenses. Utilities typically include electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage collection, mobile phone plans, and internet services. Below is a summary of average utility costs in Perth:
| Utility Item | Price Range (AUD) |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m² Apartment | 150 – 380 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 20 – 70 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 70 – 105 |
Minimum Wage In Perth Vs Other Places
The minimum wage in Perth, as part of Australia, was set to increase to AUD $24.10 per hour effective from July 1, 2024. This change reflects a 3.75% rise from the previous rate of AUD $23.23 per hour. The national minimum wage applies to all employees across Australia, including international students working part-time or casually while studying.
| Location | Minimum Wage (AUD per hour) |
| Perth, Australia (National Minimum Wage) | 24.10 |
| Sydney, Australia | 24.10 |
| Melbourne, Australia | 24.10 |
| Brisbane, Australia | 24.10 |
| Adelaide, Australia | 24.10 |
Visa Costs For International Students
The cost of obtaining a visa for international students in Australia has seen significant changes recently. Effective July 1, 2024, the application fee for a student visa (subclass 500) will increase to AUD $1,600, marking a 125% increase from the previous fee of AUD $710. This substantial rise reflects the government’s efforts to enhance the integrity of the international education sector and fund various educational initiatives.
Breakdown of Visa Costs
| Visa Type | Application Fee (AUD) | Additional Fees for Family Members (AUD) |
| Student Visa (Subclass 500) | 1,600 | 1,445 (18 and over), 390 (under 18) |
The cost of living in Perth is relatively high, with an average monthly expense of approximately AUD 3,620 for a single person. While housing costs are significant, the city offers a strong job market and higher average salaries that help balance these expenses. Overall, individuals should budget around AUD 45,000 annually for a comfortable lifestyle in Perth.
FAQs
Is it expensive to live in Perth?
Yes, living in Perth is considered expensive, with average monthly costs around AUD 3,620 for a single person. While it ranks among the more costly cities in Australia, higher average salaries help offset these living expenses.
What salary do you need to live in Perth?
To live comfortably in Perth, an annual salary of approximately AUD 70,000 is recommended. This amount allows individuals to cover living expenses, including housing, utilities, and daily necessities, while maintaining a reasonable standard of living.
What is a good salary in Perth, Australia?
A good salary in Perth is generally considered to be around AUD 70,000 to AUD 80,000 per year, which allows for a comfortable lifestyle while covering living expenses. This range aligns with the average salaries across various sectors and supports a reasonable standard of living in the city.
How much is food in Perth, Australia?
Food costs in Perth vary widely, with dining out at inexpensive restaurants averaging around AUD 20 to AUD 60 per meal. Grocery prices for common items include AUD 3.66 for a loaf of bread, AUD 6.40 for a dozen eggs, and AUD 2.55 for a liter of milk, making monthly grocery expenses typically range from AUD 200 to AUD 300 for an individual.
Is Sydney cheaper than Perth?
No, Sydney is not cheaper than Perth. The cost of living in Perth is approximately 16% lower than in Sydney, with average monthly expenses for a single person being AUD 2,345 in Perth compared to AUD 2,801 in Sydney. Additionally, housing and rent costs are significantly more affordable in Perth, making it the less expensive option.
We hope you liked reading this blog! For more content like this, check out the links below.
Cost of Living In Australia for Students [Updated Prices 2024]
0 Comments