Cost of Living: Perth vs Canberra (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Perth and Canberra, Australia.
The Verdict
Perth is $464/year cheaper than Canberra. You need to earn approximately $1,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Perth compared to Canberra.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Perth | Canberra | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $530 | $530 | Tie |
| Rent (2br/week) | $700 | $680 | Canberra |
| Groceries/week | $125 | $130 | Perth |
| Utilities/month | $250 | $270 | Perth |
| Transport/month | $175 | $170 | Canberra |
| Internet & Phone/month | $108 | $110 | Perth |
| Petrol/litre | $1.92 | $1.95 | Perth |
| Median house price | $780,000 | $1,000,000 | Perth |
| Median unit price | $470,000 | $580,000 | Perth |
| Cost of living index | 85 | 88 | Perth |
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 Perth saves you $464 per year compared to Canberra. That is $39/month or $9/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perth or Canberra cheaper to live in?
Perth is cheaper to live in than Canberra by approximately $464 per year. Perth has a cost of living index of 85 compared to 88 for Canberra (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Canberra compared to Perth?
You need to earn approximately $1,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Canberra compared to Perth.
Is rent cheaper in Perth or Canberra?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $530/week in Perth and $530/week in Canberra. Canberra is cheaper for rent by $0/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Perth or Canberra?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $125 in Perth and $130 in Canberra. Perth is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Perth or Canberra?
The median house price in Perth is $780,000 compared to $1,000,000 in Canberra. Perth has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.