What a Family Really Spends Living in Perth (2026)

If you're planning a move to Perth, one of the biggest questions you'll probably have is:

"How much money do we actually need?"

When we were planning our move from the UK, I searched everywhere for realistic answers.

Most websites either gave huge ranges or listed averages that didn't really help.

The truth is, every family is different.

Some people are happy living very simply, while others want to eat out every weekend, travel regularly and enjoy everything Perth has to offer.

This isn't a budgeting lecture.

It's simply an honest look at what everyday life can cost — and where your money is likely to go.

Your biggest expense will almost certainly be rent

For most families, housing is by far the largest monthly cost.

Perth's rental market has been incredibly competitive in recent years, with rents increasing significantly since 2020.

The amount you'll pay depends on:

• The suburb
• Size of the property
• Distance from the CBD
• Age of the home
• Local demand

Our advice?

Don't choose a suburb based solely on Instagram photos.

Choose somewhere that suits your lifestyle, commute and budget.

If you're still deciding where to live, have a read of "Alkimos vs Yanchep: Which One Suits Your Family?"

Groceries

One thing that surprised us was how quickly grocery shopping became routine.

Within a couple of weeks we knew exactly where everything was in Woolworths.

For many families, groceries are one of the easiest areas to control.

Shopping at Aldi where possible, buying home brands and meal planning can make a noticeable difference. Average grocery spending varies widely, but many Perth households spend hundreds of dollars each week depending on family size and eating habits.

Utilities

Don't forget to budget for:

• Electricity
• Water
• Gas (if applicable)
• Internet
• Mobile phones

These are easy to overlook when you're focused on finding somewhere to live.

Transport

Perth is a very car-friendly city.

Many families choose to have at least one vehicle, particularly if they're living in the northern suburbs.

Fuel, registration, insurance and servicing should all be factored into your budget.

If you're close to one of the train lines, public transport can also be an excellent option.

Children

If you're relocating with children, there are lots of little costs that don't always make it into online calculators.

• Swimming lessons
• Activities
• Birthday parties
• Clothes
• Nappies
• Snacks

They all add up — but they're also part of building your new life here.

Pets

We moved with our English Bulldog, Tassie.

Like children, pets come with ongoing costs too.

• Food
• Vet visits
• Insurance if you choose it
• Council registration

They're all worth considering before you move.

Coffee, weekends and enjoying Perth

One thing I don't think people should cut out completely is enjoying where they live.

Some of our favourite memories have been simple ones.

• Walking along the coast.
• Taking Margot to the park.
• Grabbing a coffee.
• Watching the sunset.

Budget for life — not just bills.

After all, moving to Perth is about creating a lifestyle, not simply paying expenses.

So... what salary is enough?

There isn't one magic number.

Your lifestyle, family size and housing costs will all influence what's comfortable.

What I would recommend is building a realistic budget before you move.

Allow a buffer.

Unexpected expenses always happen during relocation.

Having that financial breathing room makes the transition far less stressful.

Final thoughts

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this:

Don't compare your first few months in Perth with someone who's lived here for ten years.

Your first year is different.

You're buying things you don't already own. You're setting up utilities. You're finding your feet.

That's normal.

And remember — you're building a life, not just a budget.