How Much to Earn to Live in Perth? (2026)

Figuring out the cost of living is tough because everything changes, but we’ve crunched the numbers for 2026. Generally, to live comfortably in Perth, you’re looking at significantly different salaries depending on your household size. For a single person, aiming for a minimum gross salary of around $65,000 to $75,000 puts you in a much safer spot. For a couple, expect to need closer to $110,000 to $125,000. If you are planning for a family, budgeting for $160,000 or more will give you the breathing room you need. This estimate covers essentials like rent, groceries, utilities, and basic transport. If you want a personalized breakdown, use our cost of living calculator. Remember, these figures are estimates, but they give you a realistic starting point for your financial planning.

Let’s look at the core expenses. Housing is usually the biggest hit. In 2026, you can expect median rents to look something like this: a one-bedroom apartment will cost roughly $500-$550 per week; a two-bedroom apartment around $700-$800 per week; and a house will easily exceed $900 per week. We recommend using our rent affordability calculator to ensure your rent doesn't take up more than 30% of your take-home pay—that’s the golden rule! Beyond rent, groceries for a small family are averaging around $1,100 to $1,300 per month. Utilities (electricity, gas, internet) will add another $300 to $400 monthly, and transport costs (whether owning a car or using public transport) should be budgeted at $350 to $500. It’s these recurring costs that make detailed budgeting so important. Start mapping out your spending now with our budget planner.

Bringing kids into the equation changes everything, primarily because of childcare. Assuming you need full-time care, budget at least $2,200 to $2,800 per month for one child, which is a huge expense. When comparing Perth to other major Australian cities, you’ll find that while Perth is generally more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne, those cities often require a higher income to maintain a similar lifestyle due to skyrocketing central city rents. If you want to compare costs across the board, check out our detailed guide on the cost of living by city across Australia. To manage these large expenses, we highly recommend checking our cost of living calculator before making any big life decisions.

Good news: living in Perth allows for some smart savings! One major cost-saver is taking advantage of the fantastic outdoor lifestyle; instead of paying for expensive indoor entertainment, plan for local parks and beaches. For groceries, focus on seasonal local produce at farmers' markets rather than expensive supermarket pre-cut items. When it comes to transport, consider carpooling or cycling for shorter trips to drastically cut down on fuel and parking costs. When budgeting, always factor in a 'sinking fund' for unexpected costs. If you are struggling to budget, don't hesitate to use our comprehensive budget planner. By being proactive and careful with your spending, you can make your salary stretch much further than you might think.

Q: Is $70,000 enough to live in Perth in 2026?

A: It can be tight. It covers a single person's essentials, but you would need to be extremely careful with rent and build in a decent emergency savings buffer. It won't leave much room for travel or major purchases.

Q: Do I need to pay for council rates in my budget?

A: Yes, if you own a home, council rates are a mandatory annual expense that must be factored into your overall budget. Don't forget this when budgeting for home ownership.

Q: How much does childcare cost per week?

A: This varies wildly based on the centre and your income, but budgeting $450-$550 per week is a safe estimate for full-time, quality care in 2026.