Perth is a beautiful city located on the west coast of Australia. It is rich in cultural and recreational activities and a business and economic centre full of opportunities and dynamism. Here, you can experience unique Australian culture and explore the natural beauty of Western Australia, such as the famous Margaret River and Perth beaches. So, if you want to study at the University of Western Australia, what is the spending level in Perth? Next, we want to provide details on Perth’s consumption and price level.
Cost of Living in Perth: Daily Life
Supermarkets
| Markets | Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 2.56 A$ |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 3.60 A$ |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 3.46 A$ |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 6.37 A$ |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 15.32 A$ |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 14.06 A$ |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 21.78 A$ |
| Apples (1kg) | 5.19 A$ |
| Banana (1kg) | 4.10 A$ |
| Oranges (1kg) | 4.86 A$ |
| Tomato (1kg) | 6.22 A$ |
| Potato (1kg) | 3.74 A$ |
| Onion (1kg) | 3.04 A$ |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 3.62 A$ |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 2.72 A$ |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 16.00 A$ |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 7.53 A$ |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 8.85 A$ |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 45.00 A$ |
Supermarkets are an integral part of daily life in Perth. Whether you want to buy food, daily necessities or other groceries, supermarkets are the first choice. In Perth, the leading supermarket brands are Woolworths, Coles and IGA. The price levels in these supermarkets are relatively reasonable but can vary depending on the brand, location and season.
Generally speaking, the monthly expenses for purchasing daily food such as vegetables, fruits, meat and dairy products in Perth supermarkets are around AUD$200-400. In addition, you also need to buy some daily necessities, such as shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, etc., and this part of the expenditure is about AUD 50-100.
Restaurant Spending
| Restaurants | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 20.00 A$ |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 150.00 A$ |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 16.00 A$ |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 12.00 A$ |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 12.00 A$ |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 5.53 A$ |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 3.93 A$ |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 3.36 A$ |
In Perth, there are many types of restaurants, from fast food to high-end. Spending in restaurants varies depending on the kind of restaurant, food quality and level of service.
If you like to taste local food, visiting some unique restaurants or food stalls is a good idea. The cost of these restaurants is relatively low, usually between AUD 20-50 per meal. Of course, if you want to enjoy a high-class culinary experience, then go to some high-end restaurants is also a good choice, but the price will be relatively high, each meal may cost more than AUD 100.
Entertainment
| Sports And Leisure | Price |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 72.36 A$ |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 25.32 A$ |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 25.00 A$ |
Perth is a vibrant and entertaining city with many worthwhile attractions and activities. Entertainment spending varies according to individual interests and types of activities.
If you like outdoor activities, going to the beach to swim, surf, or walk in the park are all good choices, and these activities cost a little extra. Of course, if you enjoy indoor activities such as going to the cinema, concerts or visiting museums, you must buy tickets or pay for them. Generally speaking, entertainment spending is between AUD 50-200 per month.
Clothing
| Clothing And Shoes | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | 130.37 A$ |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) | 106.05 A$ |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 177.96 A$ |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | 214.13 A$ |
Clothing spending is also an essential part of daily life. In Perth, you can buy clothes at local shopping malls, branded shops or online.
Shopping malls and branded shops usually offer a more comprehensive selection, but the prices are relatively high. These places are good choices for buying high-quality clothes or fashionable pieces. However, if you are more price-sensitive, consider buying clothes during discount seasons or promotions or choosing brands that offer better value for money. In addition, online shopping is also an excellent option to compare prices and styles from different merchants easily.
Overall, clothing spending varies from person to person, but you may generally spend between AUD$100-300 per month.
Cost of Living in Perth: Internet
| Public Utility (Monthly) | Average Price (AUD) | Price Range (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Local Prepaid Mobile Phone Call Charge for 1 Minute (No Discounts or Packages) | 1.03 | 0.75 – 1.20 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or Faster, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 89.62 | 70.00 – 117.00 |
In Perth, the cost of phone packages and internet services varies depending on the operator and the package chosen. Below is a general overview of some common carriers and the phone package and internet costs they offer. Please note that these costs may change over time, and the exact costs should be based on the most up-to-date information provided by the carrier’s official website or brick-and-mortar storefront.
Telstra
Pre-paid packages: Different rates can be purchased according to the user’s needs. The cost ranges from tens of Australian dollars to a few hundred Australian dollars, depending on the number of calls, call duration and number of text messages of the chosen package.
Sign-up packages usually include a certain amount of talk time, SMS, and traffic, with monthly fees ranging from tens to hundreds of Australian dollars, depending on the package level and the services included.
Optus
Prepaid packages: Similar to Telstra, they offer flexible tariff levels with fees based on the package selected.
Sign-up packages: Monthly rates are comparable to Telstra, but specific offers and services may vary.
Vodafone
Prepaid packages: Similar to the above two operators, tariff levels are available.
Sign-up packages: Monthly rates are similar to those of Telstra and Optus, but specific offers and services may vary.
Cost of Living in Perth: Transport
| Transportation | Price |
|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 4.70 A$ |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 168.00 A$ |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 7.00 A$ |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 2.75 A$ |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 80.00 A$ |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.90 A$ |
Several modes of transport are available to citizens and visitors in Perth to get around quickly. Below is an overview of the specific costs for each mode of transport in Perth:
Buses and Trains
Bus and train services in Perth are provided by the Perth Public Transport Authority (PTA). Riders with a SmartRider card are entitled to discounted rides at the following costs:
SmartRider cards are sold for $10. 10% off when using a transport card, or 20% off when you set up Auto Reload.
Public transport is accessible on the first Sunday of every month. Students at WA universities can purchase a Student Card ($5) or convert their regular card to a concessionary status card. You do not need to swipe your card or pay for a bus ride that starts and ends at a stop within the City’s free transport zone. For journeys of less than 3.2 kilometres, a ‘2 Section’ ticket can be purchased, valid for a single trip with no interchanges. Single and multi-zone tickets can be purchased and are valid for transfers for the duration of the trip.
In addition, the WA Government has recently introduced new incentives for children to travel free on buses and trains to and from school. Perth students with a valid SmartRider card can also travel free on buses and trains from Monday to Friday.
Taxis
Taxi fares in Perth are based on mileage and time travelled. The starting fare is usually AUD$5 and then AUD$2 per kilometre, while if passengers have to wait, there is a waiting charge of AUD$48.10 per hour of travel. A taxi from Perth Airport to the city will cost around AUD 40~60, which may vary due to traffic congestion and other factors.
Bicycle Sharing
Bike sharing has also become an emerging mode of travelling in Perth. Charges may vary from one bike-sharing operator to another, but in general, a deposit or registration fee is required to use a shared bike, and you will be billed according to the time or mileage you ride. For example, some bike-share bikes may start at A$1.99 for half an hour, while others may cost from A$3 for a one-way ride. Using a shared bike is not only environmentally friendly and energy efficient, but it can also be convenient for people to commute to and from work.
Cost of Living in Perth: Education
As the capital of Western Australia, Perth is home to several world-renowned universities that offer international students a wealth of academic resources and a quality educational environment. Below is some information about the education costs and bonuses at Perth’s prestigious universities:
The University of Western Australia
Undergraduate programme tuition fees: about AUD27,000~33,000 (about RMB130,000~150,000) per year, depending on the chosen major.
Postgraduate tuition fees: approximately AUD 28,000 to AUD 38,000 per year (approximately RMB 130,000 to RMB 180,000), depending on specialisation.
Curtin University
Tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are also broadly within the above ranges, but the exact costs may vary depending on the major and programme.
Murdoch University
Murdoch University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with relatively affordable tuition fees. Please refer to the university’s official information for details.
Awards and Scholarships
Universities in Perth usually have a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to attract outstanding students. These scholarships may be for international students, students with exceptional academic performance, students with excellent research skills, or students with unique talents. Scholarships range from partial tuition fee reductions to full scholarships, and the exact amount and eligibility criteria vary depending on the school and type of scholarship.
Cost of Living in Perth: Accommodation
| Property Type | Average Monthly Rent Price (AUD) | Price Range (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment in City Center | 2,410.03 | 1,600.00 – 2,960.00 |
| Studio Apartment Outside City Center | 1,804.04 | 1,500.00 – 2,160.00 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment in the City Center | 3,725.40 | 3,000.00 – 4,160.00 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment Outside City Center | 2,676.62 | 2,000.00 – 3,050.00 |
Perth has many types of flats, ranging from budget student flats to luxury high-end flats.
Student Apartments
Student flats are usually an affordable and convenient option for international students. These flats are generally equipped with basic amenities such as beds, desks, wardrobes, etc., and are often located near schools or conveniently. Monthly rents usually range from A$600 to A$1000, depending on the flat’s location, size, and facilities.
For utilities, student flats are usually either pre-paid or post-paid. Prepayment involves paying a deposit before you move in, while postpayment is based on actual usage. The specific utility charges vary from flat to flat but are usually included in the monthly rent or payable separately.
Economy Apartments
Budget flats are the choice of many working people and young families.
These flats are usually medium-sized, well-furnished, and relatively affordable. Monthly rents range from A$1,000 to A$2,000, depending on the location and furnishings of the flat.
Electricity and water costs are also generally based on usage in budget flats. Some flats will provide estimates of utility costs to help tenants better plan their budgets.
Upscale Apartments
Upscale flats are usually located in the city centre or scenic locations. They have luxurious finishes and first-class facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, private parking, etc. Monthly rents for these flats are usually higher, maybe AUD 2500 and above or even higher.
FAQ
What is the average cost of renting a flat in Perth?
The average cost of renting a flat varies significantly depending on the location and size of the property. In central areas, a one-bedroom flat can range from AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,000 per month, while in the suburbs, prices may start from AUD 900.
How much should I budget for utilities in Perth?
Monthly utilities for a standard flat, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and waste services, can range between AUD 150 to AUD 250, depending on usage and provider.
What is the average cost of a meal in a mid-range restaurant in Perth?
Dining out in a mid-range restaurant in Perth can offer diverse culinary experiences, with average costs reflecting the city’s vibrant food scene.
What is the average monthly cost of internet service in Perth?
The cost of internet service in Perth can vary by speed and provider, with competitive options available to suit different needs and budgets.
How does the cost of living in Perth compare to other major Australian cities?
Perth’s cost of living can be compared to other major Australian cities; however, specific costs might be lower or higher based on local economic factors and lifestyle choices.
