Perth is becoming a popular choice for international students and migrants moving to Australia. Many people choose Perth because it offers a quieter lifestyle, good weather, and lower living costs compared to cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Over the last few years, more Indian and Punjabi students have started moving to Perth because of affordable housing and growing job opportunities.
But before moving, many students still ask the same thing.
“How much does it actually cost to live in Perth?”
The answer depends on your lifestyle, accommodation, spending habits, and location.
In this guide, i’ll explain the real cost of living in Perth in 2026, including rent, groceries, transport, utility bills, and student expenses.
If you are planning to study or work in Western Australia, this guide from Rana at Sanjhi Awaaz Media will help you understand what your monthly budget may look like.
Average Cost of Living in Perth
Perth is generally more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne, especially when it comes to rent.
Your monthly expenses depend on:
- accommodation type
- suburb
- transport usage
- lifestyle
- food spending
| Lifestyle | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Single student | AUD 1,400 to AUD 2,500 |
| Working professional | AUD 2,500 to AUD 4,000 |
| Couple | AUD 3,500 to AUD 5,500 |
| Family of 4 | AUD 5,000 to AUD 7,500 |
These costs usually include:
- rent
- groceries
- transport
- utility bills
- internet
- mobile recharge
- entertainment
Students living in shared accommodation usually save much more money every month.
Rent Prices in Perth
Rent is the biggest monthly expense for most people living in Perth. But compared to Sydney and Melbourne, Perth still offers more affordable housing options.
Prices depend on:
- location
- room type
- public transport access
- distance from city centre
| Accommodation Type | Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| Shared room | AUD 150 to 280 |
| Private room | AUD 240 to 400 |
| Studio apartment | AUD 400 to 650 |
| One bedroom apartment | AUD 500+ |
Popular Areas for Students in Perth
East Perth
Close to the city and popular among students.
Bentley
Many Curtin University students live here.
Cannington
Affordable area with good transport access.
Victoria Park
Popular because of restaurants, cafes, and student accommodation.
Joondalup
Known for Edith Cowan University and quieter lifestyle.
Students living outside Perth CBD usually pay lower rent.
Grocery Costs in Perth
Groceries in Perth are manageable if you cook meals at home regularly.
Most students and families shop from:
- Woolworths
- Coles
- Aldi
- Spudshed
- Indian grocery stores
| Person Type | Monthly Grocery Cost |
|---|---|
| Single student | AUD 250 to 450 |
| Couple | AUD 500 to 750 |
| Family | AUD 900+ |
Indian grocery stores are available in many Perth suburbs now, especially in areas with growing Indian communities.
Students who order food regularly usually spend much more.
Transport Costs in Perth
Perth has a reliable public transport system that includes:
- trains
- buses
- ferries
The city uses the SmartRider Card for transport payments.
| Transport Type | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Student travel | AUD 80 to 140 |
| Regular commuter | AUD 120 to 200 |
Perth transport costs are usually lower than Sydney and Melbourne.
Students living near universities often save money by walking or cycling.
Utility Bills in Perth
If bills are not included in rent, you may need to pay separately for:
- electricity
- gas
- water
- internet
- mobile recharge
| Utility | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity & Gas | AUD 80 to 160 |
| Internet | AUD 60 to 90 |
| Mobile Plan | AUD 20 to 50 |
Electricity bills may increase during summer because Perth can get very hot.
Cost of Living in Perth for International Students
Perth is becoming more attractive for international students because living costs are slightly lower compared to bigger Australian cities.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | AUD 650 to 1,300 |
| Food | AUD 250 to 450 |
| Transport | AUD 80 to 140 |
| Internet & Mobile | AUD 50 to 100 |
| Entertainment | AUD 100 to 250 |
Many students also work part time to manage daily expenses.
From what i’ve seen, students who:
- share accommodation
- budget carefully
- cook at home
- avoid unnecessary spending
usually manage Perth comfortably.
Cheapest Areas to Live in Perth
Living in Perth CBD can cost more, so many students choose outer suburbs to save money.
Affordable Areas in Perth
- Bentley
- Armadale
- Cannington
- Balga
- Thornlie
- Gosnells
These areas often offer:
- lower rent
- larger shared houses
- public transport access
- affordable grocery stores
How to Save Money in Perth
Even though Perth is more affordable than Sydney, expenses can still add up quickly.
Here are simple ways students save money:
- share accommodation
- cook meals at home
- use student discounts
- avoid daily food delivery
- buy second hand furniture
- use public transport
- track monthly spending
Many students also join local Indian and Punjabi Facebook groups to find affordable rooms and part time jobs.
Perth vs Sydney Living Costs
| Expense | Perth | Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | Lower | Higher |
| Transport | Lower | Expensive |
| Groceries | Slightly Lower | Higher |
| Entertainment | Moderate | Expensive |
Perth is usually considered more affordable than Sydney for students and working professionals.
Is Perth Expensive for Indian Students?
Honestly, Perth is still expensive compared to India. But compared to Sydney and Melbourne, many students feel Perth is easier to manage financially.
The lower rent and transport costs help students save more money every month.
That’s one reason why more Indian students are now considering Perth for study and work opportunities.
