🇦🇺 Perth vs 🇦🇺 Sydney
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇦🇺
Perth
Australia
$2,462–$3,897/mo
A$3,788 – A$5,995 / month (local)
🇦🇺
Sydney
Australia
$2,831–$4,482/mo
A$4,355 – A$6,895 / month (local)
Sydney is 15% more expensive
Perth wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Perth (USD) | Sydney (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,846–$2,872 | $2,123–$3,303 | 🟢 Perth |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $974–$1,538 | $1,121–$1,769 | 🟢 Perth |
| Utilities | $77–$149 | $88–$171 | 🟢 Perth |
| Groceries | $390–$585 | $448–$672 | 🟢 Perth |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $51–$92 | $59–$106 | 🟢 Perth |
| Public transport (monthly) | $97–$118 | $112–$136 | 🟢 Perth |
| Internet & Mobile | $31–$51 | $35–$59 | 🟢 Perth |
| Gym membership | $36–$67 | $41–$77 | 🟢 Perth |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $17–$21 | 🟢 Perth |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,462–$3,897 | $2,831–$4,482 | 🟢 Perth |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.5 / 10 · 3.5 / 10
Perth▲ better
Sydney
Safety8.6 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Perth▲ better
Sydney
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Perth▲ better
Sydney
Education8.2 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Perth▲ better
Sydney
Environment9.0 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Perth▲ better
Sydney
Economy7.3 / 10 · 7.1 / 10
Perth▲ better
Sydney
Culture7.9 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Perth▲ better
Sydney
Internet8.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Perth▲ better
Sydney
Who should choose which city?
Choose Perth if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Sydney
- ✓Mining wealth
- ✓Beaches
- ✓Sun
- ✓Mining
Choose Sydney if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Sydney offers vs Perth
- ✓Harbor
- ✓Beaches
- ✓Jobs
- ✓Finance
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Full Perth guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Perth →📊
Full Sydney guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Sydney →