What it really costs to move to Perth.
Two numbers matter: what it costs to get here, and what it costs to live here once you arrive. Here are honest ranges for both, in Australian dollars.
What it costs to move to Perth in 2026
Getting a couple to Perth and set up.
The same for a family of four with pets and a container.
Typical family living costs once you're settled.
One-off costs to get here
The costs you pay once, spread over roughly 12-18 months from visa application to being settled in a rental.
- Visa applicationSkilled or employer-sponsored, including dependantsCoupleA$5,000 – A$8,000Family of fourA$9,000 – A$14,000
- Skills assessment & English testCoupleA$800 – A$1,600Family of fourA$800 – A$2,000
- Medicals & police checksCoupleA$700 – A$1,200Family of fourA$1,200 – A$2,000
- One-way flightsFrom the UK, with baggage allowanceCoupleA$2,000 – A$4,000Family of fourA$4,000 – A$8,000
- Shipping / sea freightPart-load vs full 20ft containerCoupleA$4,000 – A$9,000Family of fourA$9,000 – A$15,000
- Pet relocationPer animal, if applicableCoupleA$5,000 – A$10,000Family of fourA$5,000 – A$10,000
- Temporary accommodation4-6 weeks while you secure a rentalCoupleA$3,000 – A$5,000Family of fourA$4,000 – A$8,000
- Bond + rent in advanceFour weeks bond plus two weeks rent is standard in WACoupleA$3,500 – A$5,500Family of fourA$4,000 – A$7,000
- Car purchasePerth is a driving city — one car per working adult is commonCoupleA$12,000 – A$25,000Family of fourA$18,000 – A$35,000
- Furniture, whitegoods, setupCoupleA$5,000 – A$12,000Family of fourA$8,000 – A$20,000
Monthly cost of living in Perth
Groceries and utilities run higher than the UK; fuel, housing space and outdoor life generally run cheaper. Wages usually close the gap.
- RentMedian house rents vary hugely by suburbCoupleA$2,200 – A$3,000Family of fourA$2,600 – A$4,000
- GroceriesCoupleA$800 – A$1,200Family of fourA$1,400 – A$2,200
- Electricity, gas, waterCoupleA$200 – A$350Family of fourA$300 – A$500
- Internet & mobileCoupleA$120 – A$180Family of fourA$150 – A$230
- Car running costsFuel, insurance, rego, servicingCoupleA$350 – A$650Family of fourA$600 – A$1,100
- Private health coverCoupleA$200 – A$350Family of fourA$350 – A$600
- SchoolingPublic is largely free for residents; private varies widelyCouple—Family of fourA$0 – A$2,500
- ChildcareBefore any subsidy you may be eligible forCouple—Family of fourA$800 – A$2,600
The number people forget
A landing buffer. Between temporary accommodation, bond, a car and furnishing an empty house, most families spend A$25,000-A$40,000 in their first eight weeks — before a single pay cheque lands. Budget it deliberately and the first month feels calm instead of frantic.
Run your own numbers
Our calculator takes your family size, shipping choice and suburb budget and gives you a personalised estimate, including the landing buffer.
Figures are indicative ranges drawn from recent market data and our own clients' moves, and change quickly. Always confirm current visa fees, rents and quotes before budgeting.
Want these numbers built around your actual move?
Tell us your family size, timeline and visa route and we'll map a realistic budget, then help you spend it well.