Cost of Living: Perth vs Sydney (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Perth and Sydney, Australia.
The Verdict
Perth is $6,184/year cheaper than Sydney. You need to earn approximately $11,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Perth compared to Sydney.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Perth | Sydney | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $530 | $620 | Perth |
| Rent (2br/week) | $700 | $850 | Perth |
| Groceries/week | $125 | $135 | Perth |
| Utilities/month | $250 | $280 | Perth |
| Transport/month | $175 | $220 | Perth |
| Internet & Phone/month | $108 | $115 | Perth |
| Petrol/litre | $1.92 | $2.05 | Perth |
| Median house price | $780,000 | $1,420,000 | Perth |
| Median unit price | $470,000 | $830,000 | Perth |
| Cost of living index | 85 | 100 | 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 $6,184 per year compared to Sydney. That is $515/month or $119/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perth or Sydney cheaper to live in?
Perth is cheaper to live in than Sydney by approximately $6,184 per year. Perth has a cost of living index of 85 compared to 100 for Sydney (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Sydney compared to Perth?
You need to earn approximately $11,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Sydney compared to Perth.
Is rent cheaper in Perth or Sydney?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $530/week in Perth and $620/week in Sydney. Perth is cheaper for rent by $90/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Perth or Sydney?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $125 in Perth and $135 in Sydney. Perth is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Perth or Sydney?
The median house price in Perth is $780,000 compared to $1,420,000 in Sydney. Perth has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.