Cost of Living: Newcastle vs Perth (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Newcastle and Perth, Australia.
The Verdict
Newcastle is $4,456/year cheaper than Perth. You need to earn approximately $7,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Newcastle compared to Perth.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Newcastle | Perth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $450 | $530 | Newcastle |
| Rent (2br/week) | $580 | $700 | Newcastle |
| Groceries/week | $120 | $125 | Newcastle |
| Utilities/month | $250 | $250 | Tie |
| Transport/month | $175 | $175 | Tie |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $108 | Newcastle |
| Petrol/litre | $1.98 | $1.92 | Perth |
| Median house price | $850,000 | $780,000 | Perth |
| Median unit price | $620,000 | $470,000 | Perth |
| Cost of living index | 82 | 85 | Newcastle |
How Much More Do You Need to Earn?
Check exactly what you take home with our take-home pay calculator.
Which City is Cheaper — Category by Category
Net Difference in Annual Costs
Living in Newcastle saves you $4,456 per year compared to Perth. That is $371/month or $86/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newcastle or Perth cheaper to live in?
Newcastle is cheaper to live in than Perth by approximately $4,456 per year. Newcastle has a cost of living index of 82 compared to 85 for Perth (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Perth compared to Newcastle?
You need to earn approximately $7,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Perth compared to Newcastle.
Is rent cheaper in Newcastle or Perth?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $450/week in Newcastle and $530/week in Perth. Newcastle is cheaper for rent by $80/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Newcastle or Perth?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $120 in Newcastle and $125 in Perth. Newcastle is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Newcastle or Perth?
The median house price in Newcastle is $850,000 compared to $780,000 in Perth. Perth has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.