Cost Of Living in Perth 2024

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Perth

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Perth

Whether you're living in Perth or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: AUD
520 6,700 67,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $4,400 $44,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: AUD
660 4,700 31,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430 $3,000 $20,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: AUD
2,600 7,800 41,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,700 $5,000 $27,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: AUD
3,600 10,000 67,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,400 $6,700 $44,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: AUD
520 3,300 22,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $2,200 $14,000
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Perth is 4,700 AUD. Expenses can range from 660 AUD at the minimum level to 31,000 AUD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Perth is 7,800 AUD. Expenditure can range from 2,600 AUD to 41,000 AUD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Perth is 10,000 AUD per month. Families spend anywhere from 3,600 AUD to 67,000 AUD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Perth is 3,300 AUD. Students spend from 520 AUD to 22,000 AUD per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in Perth


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Perth

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

7.1 AUD 14 AUD 24 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $9.2 $15

Restaurant meal for one

24 AUD 36 AUD 72 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $23 $47

Fine dining meal for one

48 AUD 72 AUD 290 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $47 $190

Cappuccino or latte

5.9 AUD 9.4 AUD 14 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $6.1 $9.2

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

4.7 AUD 5.6 AUD 7.1 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.1 $3.7 $4.6

12 eggs

3.5 AUD 4.7 AUD 7.1 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.1 $4.6

Fresh whole chicken

8 AUD 10 AUD 15 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $6.7 $9.5

Pack of beef

9.4 AUD 14 AUD 28 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.1 $9.2 $18

Medium bag of rice

3.8 AUD 5.2 AUD 7.3 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.4 $4.8

Bag of tomatos

1.4 AUD 1.9 AUD 3.5 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.92 $1.2 $2.3

Bag of apples

2.5 AUD 3.3 AUD 5.4 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.5
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Perth

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

6 AUD 7.2 AUD 14 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.9 $4.7 $9.3

Average car full tank

35 AUD 47 AUD 94 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $31 $61

Average car 1-day rental

37 AUD 49 AUD 73 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $32 $48

Average car price

18,000 AUD 35,000 AUD 47,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11,000 $23,000 $31,000

Bus ticket one way

1.2 AUD 1.8 AUD 3.7 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $1.2 $2.4

Car Service

49 AUD 73 AUD 150 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $48 $95
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Perth

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

40 AUD 280 AUD 1,900 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $180 $1,200

Utility Bill - Couple

100 AUD 350 AUD 2,300 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$67 $230 $1,500

Utility Bill - Family

180 AUD 520 AUD 3,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $340 $2,200

Internet and cable

35 AUD 71 AUD 94 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $46 $61

Mobile phone charges

28 AUD 47 AUD 140 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $31 $92

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

18 AUD 24 AUD 35 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $23

One month gym membership

59 AUD 73 AUD 150 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38 $48 $95
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Perth

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

43 AUD 61 AUD 92 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $40 $59

Woman dress

41 AUD 56 AUD 180 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $37 $120

Woman shoes

39 AUD 52 AUD 120 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $34 $79

Men's shoes

33 AUD 41 AUD 81 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $26 $53

Men suit

37 AUD 46 AUD 240 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $30 $160

Regular t-shirt

18 AUD 24 AUD 73 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $48
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Perth

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

610 AUD 920 AUD 2,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $590 $1,600

1-bedroom apartment

920 AUD 1,500 AUD 3,700 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590 $950 $2,400

2-bedroom apartment

1,200 AUD 1,800 AUD 4,900 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $1,200 $3,200

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

120,000 AUD 180,000 AUD 370,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $120,000 $240,000

1-bedroom apartment

150,000 AUD 240,000 AUD 920,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95,000 $160,000 $590,000

2-bedroom apartment

240,000 AUD 730,000 AUD 1.5M AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $480,000 $950,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Perth

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

710 AUD 880 AUD 1,200 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460 $570 $760

Double Bed

470 AUD 710 AUD 880 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $460 $570

Single Bed

410 AUD 540 AUD 710 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $350 $460

Living Room

780 AUD 1,000 AUD 3,500 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$510 $650 $2,300

Dining Table

350 AUD 470 AUD 880 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $310 $570

Sofa or Couch

470 AUD 640 AUD 1,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $420 $920
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Perth

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

470 AUD 710 AUD 1,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $460 $920

Fridge or Freezer

410 AUD 640 AUD 880 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $420 $570

Washing Machine

540 AUD 780 AUD 1,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $510 $920

Stove or Cooker

500 AUD 640 AUD 880 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $420 $570

Mobile Phone

590 AUD 710 AUD 1,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $460 $650

Laptop or Computer

640 AUD 780 AUD 1,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420 $510 $920

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Perth

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Perth

Spending to Income Ratio

90%

80% to 100%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%7%
50% - 60%12%
60% - 70%19%
70% - 80%27%
80% - 90%14%
90% - 100%8%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%1%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Perth is 90% This means that on average, people spend around 90% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 19% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
81%
Spending-Income-Ratio
72%
90%

Couple
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
76%
95%

Family
95%
Spending-Income-Ratio
84%
100%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Perth

How do people spend their money in Perth?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure28%

28% of total expenses on average (17% to 36%)

LOW$100   160 AUD
AVERAGE$1,300   2,000 AUD
HIGH$13,000   20,000 AUD
Per Month

People living in Perth typically spend from 17% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 28% being the average. The average spend on housing is 2,000 AUD with expenditure ranging from 160 AUD to 20,000 AUD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$17   26 AUD
AVERAGE$220   340 AUD
HIGH$2,200   3,400 AUD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Perth ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 340 AUD with 26 AUD and 3,400 AUD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$34   52 AUD
AVERAGE$440   670 AUD
HIGH$4,400   6,700 AUD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 52 AUD to 6,700 AUD on commuting with 670 AUD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 13%.

Food and Groceries Cost26%

26% of total expenses on average (18% to 32%)

LOW$84   130 AUD
AVERAGE$1,100   1,700 AUD
HIGH$11,000   17,000 AUD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Perth is 1,700 AUD. The cost of groceries can range between 130 AUD to 17,000 AUD. People spend on average about 26% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 32% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services8%

8% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$24   36 AUD
AVERAGE$310   470 AUD
HIGH$3,100   4,700 AUD
Per Month

People in Perth allocate 3% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 36 AUD to 4,700 AUD with 470 AUD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$13   21 AUD
AVERAGE$170   270 AUD
HIGH$1,700   2,700 AUD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 21 AUD to 2,700 AUD with 270 AUD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$20   31 AUD
AVERAGE$260   400 AUD
HIGH$2,600   4,000 AUD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 400 AUD per month with 31 AUD being the minimum spent amount and 4,000 AUD being the maximum.

Other Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW$44   67 AUD
AVERAGE$570   870 AUD
HIGH$5,700   8,700 AUD
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Perth

How much money can you save in Perth every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Perth manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
73%
Not Saving
27%

Almost 73% of the surveyed people in Perth said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 27% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Perth

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles80%20%
Couples75%25%
Families69%31%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Savings to income ratio in Perth

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 20% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

220 AUD
$140
2,800 AUD
$1,800
28,000 AUD
$18,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 33% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 20% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,800 AUD on average with savings ranging from 220 AUD to 28,000 AUD.

80% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 75% of couples said the same. 69% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Perth?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 24% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

220 AUD
$140
1,900 AUD
$1,300
13,000 AUD
$8,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%28%
10% - 20%22%
20% - 30%15%
30% - 40%17%
40% - 50%13%
> 50%5%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 35% of their monthly income to savings, with 24% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,900 AUD with 220 AUD and 13,000 AUD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 22% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,100 AUD
$700
3,200 AUD
$2,100
17,000 AUD
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%18%
30% - 40%12%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 34% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 3,200 AUD with 1,100 AUD and 17,000 AUD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 18% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,500 AUD
$980
4,300 AUD
$2,800
28,000 AUD
$18,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Perth can save anywhere between 11% to 30% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 4,300 AUD with 1,500 AUD and 28,000 AUD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Perth

Saving Challenges in Perth

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Perth. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans20%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later16%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure4%
Market Instability3%

Around 7% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 20% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 16% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 10% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 4% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Perth

Typical saving choices for people in Perth

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold9%
Savings Accounts18%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings14%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks7%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit4%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Perth

Affordable living in Perth

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Perth?


Yes
85%
No
15%

Around 85% of surveyed residents think that living in Perth is affordable with proper budgeting while 15% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Perth

Low-cost alternatives in Perth

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options66%

Few low-cost options34%


Based on the survey, 66% of the people living in Perth have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 34% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Perth whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes81%

No19%


Based on the survey, 19% of the people living in Perth said that they don't have an emergency fund while 81% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Perth

Financial Literacy in Australia

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy73%


We asked residents of Australia whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 27% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 73% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Australia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 27% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 73% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance27%

Easily manages finances73%

Financial goals and targets of people living in Perth

Financial goals of people in Perth

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Perth, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund6%
Debt Reduction30%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle12%
Healthcare Expenses7%
Financial Independence9%

Around 6% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 30% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 12% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 7% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Perth

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Perth and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Australia is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Perth:
AgeAmount
2519,000 AUD
3038,000 AUD
3567,000 AUD
4095,000 AUD
45140,000 AUD
50200,000 AUD
55240,000 AUD
60300,000 AUD
65350,000 AUD

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Perth about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions14%
Savings21%
Investments14%
Social Security9%
Annuities9%
Part-time Job8%
Real Estate16%
Dividends and Interest9%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Perth

370 AUD
$240
3,300 AUD
$2,200
22,000 AUD
$14,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Perth

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Perth


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
30%
Debt Free
70%

According to the survey, 30% of the people in Perth have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 70% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Perth

Debt-to-income ratio in Perth

Debt to income ratio

30%

21% to 40%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 30% of the people's monthly income in Perth goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%2%
50% - 60%10%
40% - 50%10%
30% - 40%12%
20% - 30%17%
10% - 20%20%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 2% of the debtors in Perth pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 10% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 10% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 12% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 17% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Perth

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage15%
Auto Loan25%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card23%
Personal Loan35%

15% of debtors in Perth confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 23% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 25% of people and personal loans rose at 35%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Perth.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Perth

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Perth how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never57%
Once a year21%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year3%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Perth

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Perth

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Perth

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

610 AUD 920 AUD 2,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $590 $1,600

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

920 AUD 1,500 AUD 3,700 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590 $950 $2,400

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,200 AUD 1,800 AUD 4,900 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $1,200 $3,200

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,500 AUD 2,400 AUD 6,700 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$950 $1,600 $4,300

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

2,900 AUD 7,300 AUD 15,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,900 $4,800 $9,500

Townhouse monthly rent cost

2,400 AUD 3,700 AUD 10,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $2,400 $6,800

House monthly rent cost

2,900 AUD 7,300 AUD 15,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,900 $4,800 $9,500

Villa monthly rent cost

3,700 AUD 9,200 AUD 15,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,400 $5,900 $9,500

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Perth ranges between 610 AUD and 2,400 AUD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 920 AUD to 3,700 AUD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,200 AUD and 4,900 AUD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,500 AUD to 6,700 AUD. The average rent of a townhouse in Perth is around 3,700 AUD while house rental costs can be as high as 7,300 AUD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,700 AUD to 15,000 AUD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Perth

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

120,000 AUD 180,000 AUD 370,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $120,000 $240,000

1-bedroom apartment price

150,000 AUD 240,000 AUD 920,000 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95,000 $160,000 $590,000

2-bedroom apartment price

240,000 AUD 730,000 AUD 1.5M AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $480,000 $950,000

3-bedroom apartment price

810,000 AUD 1.2M AUD 3.7M AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$530,000 $790,000 $2.4M

Townhouse price

1M AUD 2.4M AUD 9.2M AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$680,000 $1.6M $5.9M

House price

1.2M AUD 7.3M AUD 10M AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790,000 $4.8M $6.8M

Villa price

1.5M AUD 8.1M AUD 12M AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$950,000 $5.3M $7.9M

The average price of a studio apartment in Perth can range from 120,000 AUD to 370,000 AUD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 150,000 AUD to 920,000 AUD. A villa can cost you 8.1M AUD on average with prices ranging from 1.5M AUD to 12M AUD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Perth will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


46 x133 monthly income 232
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Perth can be x133 to x232 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x133 multiples of the average monthly salary in Perth.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


24% 35% of income 46%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Perth is around 35%. This means that people pay 35% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 46% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
32%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.3%
AVERAGE
3.3%
TO
4.4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


10 AUD 130 AUD 1,300 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Perth

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Perth

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

40 AUD 280 AUD 1,900 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $180 $1,200

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

100 AUD 350 AUD 2,300 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$67 $230 $1,500

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

180 AUD 520 AUD 3,400 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $340 $2,200

Internet and cable cost

35 AUD 71 AUD 94 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $46 $61

Mobile phone bill and charges

28 AUD 47 AUD 140 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $31 $92

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Perth ranges between 40 AUD and 1,900 AUD with average being 280 AUD, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 350 AUD with 100 AUD and 2,300 AUD being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 520 AUD. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 35 AUD to 94 AUD with 71 AUD being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 47 AUD but can range between 28 AUD and 140 AUD depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2.2% 5.4% of income 9.8%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Perth is around 5.4%. This means that people pay 5.4% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.2% to 9.8% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Perth

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Perth

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

7.1 AUD 14 AUD 24 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $9.2 $15

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Perth is approximatly 14 AUD with meal cost ranging from 7.1 AUD to 24 AUD. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

24 AUD 36 AUD 72 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $23 $47

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 24 AUD and 72 AUD with 36 AUD being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Perth.

Fine dining meal for one price

48 AUD 72 AUD 290 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $47 $190

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 48 AUD to 290 AUD with the average cost being 72 AUD for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Perth.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

5.9 AUD 9.4 AUD 14 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $6.1 $9.2

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Perth is around 9.4 AUD. Price ranges between 5.9 AUD and 14 AUD depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

4.7 AUD 5.6 AUD 7.1 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.1 $3.7 $4.6

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Perth is 5.6 AUD. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 7.1 AUD and the minimum being 4.7 AUD depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

3.5 AUD 4.7 AUD 7.1 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.1 $4.6

A dozen eggs costs around 4.7 AUD on average with 3.5 AUD and 7.1 AUD being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

8 AUD 10 AUD 15 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $6.7 $9.5

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Perth is between 8 AUD and 15 AUD depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 10 AUD.

Pack of beef price

9.4 AUD 14 AUD 28 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.1 $9.2 $18

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 14 AUD. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

3.8 AUD 5.2 AUD 7.3 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.4 $4.8

A bag of rice in Perth costs around 5.2 AUD on average with prices rangeing between 3.8 AUD and 7.3 AUD depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1.4 AUD 1.9 AUD 3.5 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.92 $1.2 $2.3

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.4 AUD to 3.5 AUD. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

2.5 AUD 3.3 AUD 5.4 AUD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.5

A bag of apples costs 3.3 AUD on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


18% 27% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Perth is around 27%. This means that people spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 34% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 740 AUD per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 110 AUD and 5,000 AUD depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 1,100 AUD per month. That number can be get as low as 360 AUD or a high as 5,800 AUD. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 650 AUD to 12,000 AUD with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Perth

Housing cost for a single person34%

34% of total expenses on average (22% to 46%)

LOW$160   240 AUD
AVERAGE$1,100   1,700 AUD
HIGH$7,300   11,000 AUD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$26   40 AUD
AVERAGE$180   280 AUD
HIGH$1,200   1,900 AUD
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$34   53 AUD
AVERAGE$240   370 AUD
HIGH$1,600   2,500 AUD
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW$69   110 AUD
AVERAGE$480   740 AUD
HIGH$3,200   5,000 AUD
Per Month

Healthcare Cost10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 14%)

LOW$39   60 AUD
AVERAGE$270   420 AUD
HIGH$1,800   2,800 AUD
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$22   33 AUD
AVERAGE$150   230 AUD
HIGH$1,000   1,600 AUD
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$8.6   13 AUD
AVERAGE$60   93 AUD
HIGH$400   620 AUD
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$78   120 AUD
AVERAGE$540   840 AUD
HIGH$3,600   5,600 AUD
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Perth

Housing cost for a couple31%

31% of total expenses on average (24% to 41%)

LOW$570   880 AUD
AVERAGE$1,700   2,600 AUD
HIGH$9,100   14,000 AUD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$67   100 AUD
AVERAGE$230   350 AUD
HIGH$1,500   2,300 AUD
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 16%)

LOW$200   310 AUD
AVERAGE$600   930 AUD
HIGH$3,200   5,000 AUD
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 20%)

LOW$240   360 AUD
AVERAGE$710   1,100 AUD
HIGH$3,800   5,800 AUD
Per Month

Healthcare Cost12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$180   280 AUD
AVERAGE$550   850 AUD
HIGH$3,000   4,600 AUD
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$100   160 AUD
AVERAGE$300   470 AUD
HIGH$1,600   2,500 AUD
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$34   52 AUD
AVERAGE$100   160 AUD
HIGH$540   830 AUD
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$290   440 AUD
AVERAGE$860   1,300 AUD
HIGH$4,600   7,000 AUD
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Perth

Housing cost for a family30%

30% of total expenses on average (25% to 40%)

LOW$750   1,200 AUD
AVERAGE$2,100   3,300 AUD
HIGH$14,000   22,000 AUD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$120   180 AUD
AVERAGE$340   520 AUD
HIGH$2,200   3,400 AUD
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 9%)

LOW$240   360 AUD
AVERAGE$670   1,000 AUD
HIGH$4,400   6,700 AUD
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 25%)

LOW$420   650 AUD
AVERAGE$1,200   1,900 AUD
HIGH$7,900   12,000 AUD
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$210   330 AUD
AVERAGE$670   1,000 AUD
HIGH$3,500   5,400 AUD
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$120   180 AUD
AVERAGE$340   520 AUD
HIGH$2,200   3,400 AUD
Per Month

Education Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$330   510 AUD
AVERAGE$940   1,400 AUD
HIGH$6,100   9,400 AUD
Per Month

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW$190   290 AUD
AVERAGE$540   830 AUD
HIGH$3,500   5,400 AUD
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Perth

Housing costs for Student22%

22% of total expenses on average (17% to 28%)

LOW$81   120 AUD
AVERAGE$520   800 AUD
HIGH$3,500   5,300 AUD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$13   21 AUD
AVERAGE$87   130 AUD
HIGH$580   890 AUD
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost6%

6% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$24   36 AUD
AVERAGE$150   230 AUD
HIGH$1,000   1,600 AUD
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 25%)

LOW$67   100 AUD
AVERAGE$430   670 AUD
HIGH$2,900   4,500 AUD
Per Month

Healthcare Cost7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$20   31 AUD
AVERAGE$130   200 AUD
HIGH$870   1,300 AUD
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$17   26 AUD
AVERAGE$110   170 AUD
HIGH$720   1,100 AUD
Per Month

Education Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$64   98 AUD
AVERAGE$410   630 AUD
HIGH$2,700   4,200 AUD
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$50   78 AUD
AVERAGE$320   500 AUD
HIGH$2,200   3,300 AUD
Per Month
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