🇦🇺 Perth vs 🇳🇿 Wellington

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇦🇺

Perth

Australia

$2,462–$3,897/mo

A$3,788 – A$5,995 / month (local)

🇳🇿

Wellington

New Zealand

$2,338–$3,703/mo

NZ$4,031 – NZ$6,384 / month (local)

Perth is 5% more expensive

Wellington wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryPerth (USD)Wellington (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,846–$2,872$1,754–$2,728🟢 Wellington
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$974–$1,538$926–$1,462🟢 Wellington
Utilities$77–$149$73–$141🟢 Wellington
Groceries$390–$585$370–$555🟢 Wellington
Eating out (mid-range meal)$51–$92$49–$88🟢 Wellington
Public transport (monthly)$97–$118$93–$112🟢 Wellington
Internet & Mobile$31–$51$29–$49🟢 Wellington
Gym membership$36–$67$34–$63🟢 Wellington
Cinema ticket$14–$18$14–$18Tie
Monthly total (single)$2,462–$3,897$2,338–$3,703🟢 Wellington

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 · 4.9 / 10
Perth
Wellington▲ better
Safety8.6 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Perth
Wellington▲ better
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Perth
Wellington▲ better
Education8.2 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Perth
Wellington▲ better
Environment9.0 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Perth
Wellington▲ better
Economy7.3 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Perth
Wellington▲ better
Culture7.9 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Perth
Wellington▲ better
Internet8.3 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Perth
Wellington▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Perth if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Perth offers vs Wellington
  • ✓Mining wealth
  • ✓Beaches
  • ✓Sun
  • ✓Mining

Choose Wellington if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Perth
  • ✓Coffee
  • ✓Government
  • ✓Windy creative scene
  • ✓Policy

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Full Perth guide

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Full Wellington guide

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Explore Wellington →