Cost of Living in Perth

Good news for larger families, small business owners and everybody else: Costco has a second location in Perth, it is Casuarina (Thomas Road and Kwinana Freeway). Keep on saving !

I live in Perth Metro area in Alkimos. It was a struggle to find rent under 400 per week for rent i now pay 400 per week.

These are the changes i would like to share

Before 2021-2022 financial Period

- $265 rent for a 2x1 right next to the train station
- $45 - $50 for a full tank of fuel per week
- $200 - $300 for a month of shopping
- $65 - $70 every 2 months for Gas

During 2021-2022

- $350 - $400 rent on a 3x2 with no bus stops or train station nearby, expensive internet and low phone reception.
- $65 - $80 for a Full tank of fuel per week
- $450 for a month of shopping
- $75 - $100 for gas every 2 months.

other utilities stayed about the same

Pros:
- Good climate
- Nice beaches
- Low unemployment rate
- Good public healthcare system
- Not a lot of poverty due to welfare system
- Lots of parks, sporting facilities and playgrounds in good condition

Cons:
- Too many politicians and layers of government
- Isolated
- Sense of entitlement
- Expensive

Your experience of any place will be shaped by your own interaction with it.

I can't say I've noticed the Xenophobic outbursts. I don't even know what an Eshay is.

I have young children and feel comfortable and safe in Perth.

People seem to forget that Perthites still harbour very deep resentment and feel humiliated by WA’s history and how they (or the Brits) obtained their homeland. Moreso among the older generations, but the same attitudes are passed down, to the point that the youngsters don’t really know why they hate outsiders but ‘they just do’. They believe that other nations are judging them or looking down on them, so they’re extremely defensive of their history / culture and will insult your country before you ‘get in there first’. The trouble is most people weren’t even thinking about ‘getting in there first’, which makes the random Xenophobic outbursts so shocking and bizarre.

The lack of positive, meaningful second nation culture or identity is a huge issue. The Aussie culture claims to be to ‘be a good bloke’ and ‘look after your mates’ - but it isn’t executed in the right way unfortunately. The end result is just pure nepotism. Generally speaking the only way for West Aussies to really establish an identity is via their wealth/status/postcode and people lose their minds trying to achieve that. You’ll find there is no relatively deep, ‘meaning of life’, alternative thinking from anybody. The mantra is Capitalise, buy property and die. To the detriment of who the f cares! I need my identity! My pool and my pick up truck! You’ll also notice Aussies are obsessed with ‘buying a piece of land’ - in other cultures we might say we’re building a home or developing a property but for Aussies the emphasis is always on buying a piece of land. Interesting wording I always think.

In such a new (second nation) country there are no deep rooted traditions, few extensive Australian family trees, little inherited religious/spiritual ideology to live by. Other cultures garner an identity via their social class, their place in history or even their ideology. These structures don’t really exist in Perth - wealth and status is King/God. The lack of morality when it comes to attaining that wealth and status is nasty and jaw dropping but only confirms this desperate scramble for a wealthy identity. There’s a feeling of ‘I’ll show the world what a bunch of supposed criminals can do’.

People mention that Perth has a boring ‘monoculture’. There is little creativity, expression, willingness to be unique, to step outside of the Perth prototype of a human existence. But why? Nobody can understand why nothing diverse or interesting ever takes off? Because to be different is a cardinal sin in Perth. Because anybody who doesn’t fit the mould is a threat to that slowly developing Aussie identity and must be targeted and bullied into submission. You can almost see the cogs turning when they encounter something new. ‘This isn’t what we know, I don’t understand this, this is a threat to us. Time to ostracise, bully and belittle.’

On the topic of racism, the easiest (yet most lethal) way to build bonds and allegiances with one another is via collective hatred of something or someone else. The lack of interest/fear of the wider world means that certain Perthites are fairly uncultured and often use Xenophobia and racism as a social bonding exercise. Not all - but many. Second Nation Western Australians are so effing lucky they are white. They love to dog whistle bad behaviour from the indigenous/black community - an unimaginative attempt to then justify their racism towards them. Reinforcing the idea that it’s okay to ostracise them. Oldest trick in the book. The emphasis on division further strengthens their supreme bonds to one another. You’ll note that for obvious reasons Western Australians tend to direct their Xenophobia/Racism towards the nations with the strongest sense of identity (Brits/Asians/Africans). This conveniently diverts attention away from their own. Again... old tricks. Many immigrants have experienced tribalism, bullying and Xenophobia from insecure Aussies.

I am willing to bet money that if Claire isn’t from the tourist board, she is a white Western boomer. I’ve no doubt that Claire may have had a good experience in Perth for those reasons. I myself fall into that category and was treated fairly well (when not being randomly verbally abused) but unfortunately I can’t ignore the treatment of ‘outsiders’ and don’t want to be part of the club so to speak. If you can’t bear the obsession with money, a superior race etc, don’t live in Perth or please just accept that it is what it is - it’s all far too deep rooted and won’t change for generations yet, if ever.

Who would of thought that if i can compare the cost of living for Mount Lawley, Maylands, Margaret River and Rottnest with

"BEACH" + "SUN" = "AMAZING" + "BEAUTIFUL" + "GREAT" + "WONDERFUL" which concludes to "LITTLE BIT OF A SET BACK" and "UNBEATABLE!"

Well, with people like that, I'm convinced! Totally not prejudice at all. With that data, I'm all set and ready to move to Perth.

Thanks to anyone else for sharing useful data in terms of cost of living. Keep it up!

Costco has finally arrived in Perth !
This City and this state urgently needs it: more competition, lower prices and more variety in retail sector !
Although Costco does not have everything cheapest and many items come in larger packages, it is definitely worth $60/year membership fee (especially if you have a larger family or small business). Besides, with petrol and diesel prices (members only) having the lowest price in W.A, becoming a member was a no brainer to me !

I have lived in WA since 2001. Rural for the last 4 yrs. WA has the worst drivers ive ever seen. Be ready for anything and defensive driving is a must as there is no such thing as common sense. They cant even merge without causing highway traffic to stop. If you get lost just drive till youre on the next main hwy and you will then find your way back home pretty easily. Its a sunny state, and after it rains the roads are slick like sleet so beware. Theres lots to see and do, but picnic trips cost way less and i think are more fun. Food is reasonably priced. You just need to know where to go and dont stick to one shop. Spending a couple dollars extra in fuel can save many more in groceries. As a state, i find the ppl warm and welcoming but lying is very common and truth is considered confrontational in my experience; but i dont sugar coat things. There are a lot more “uninhabitable” houses here as there are an astonishing number of ppl that dont clean their own homes to the point where its a health hazard. A large number of todays younger generation have no respect , no pride, no interest in working and no motivation. If you intend to live here you need to be motivated. Since perth and lower WA is isolated from the rest of the world, the first 6mths here can be daunting and lonely. Socialising locally is a must if you wish to combat it. If youre thing of moving here be very sure you can make it cause a lot of ppl give up and go home, wasting thousands of dollars. If you find your niche here, you wont regret it. For all its frustrations and faults, WA is a beautiful place to live.

I am amazed at the negative comments about Perth, having lived all over the world I find Perth an extremely clean place, transport amazing, people friendly the young very helpful towards older folk. The drivers curious and sensible. Yes prices for food or eating out is expensive but not unreasonable when you consider city in Europe. I am very impressed with Perth and area.

Grew up in Perth and then moved to the USA.. those saying that Perth is backwards have clearly never lived in the US. Everything is backwards here. Need a new car or loan, maybe you are wanting to rent or buy a home? You better have debt or will not be approved. Need to visit the doctor for a recurring issue? hope you have $600 for unnecessary blood work, on top of the $150 for the 10 minute appointment (prices after insurance applied). Oh and don't forget you are already paying $45+ every paycheck (fortnightly) for health insurance if you are lucky. Never went to college/university because you wanted to break into the workforce and gain some experience? good luck getting anything more than a Barista position. Perth is not perfect, nowhere is. I cannot wait to move back to Perth. Things will be more expensive like food, fuel and travel but there is beauty in Perth and a sense of "freedom" that does not compare to any other place. Thinking of moving to Perth? do not let some of these comments deter you from making the decision. Weigh your options. Make a list of the things you value most. Inexpensive healthcare, public transport, nature? Perth may be for you. Cheap shopping, cheap fuel or easy travel to various places, then maybe Perth (or any Aussie city really) is not for you. I hate hearing/reading what I am about to say but.. If you don't like it then leave. May be a matter of "trial and error" but regardless of how you feel about your decision to move to Perth, it is an experience nonetheless and isn't that what life is all about? No experience is invaluable. Give it a chance. Perth is visually beautiful, but it is also what you make of it.