Living in Perth: the ultimate expat guide

Perth's economy is driven by Western Australia's vast natural resources, making it a hub for mining, oil and gas, and related industries. The city also has growing sectors in technology, healthcare, education, and professional services. For skilled workers, Perth offers competitive salaries and excellent career prospects, particularly in engineering, IT, and healthcare roles.

Key Industries and Employment

The mining and resources sector remains the backbone of Perth's economy, with major companies like BHP, Rio Tinto, and Woodside headquartered in the city. The technology sector is expanding rapidly, with Perth positioning itself as a hub for cybersecurity and renewable energy innovation. Healthcare and aged care services are also experiencing significant growth due to an ageing population.

Work Permits and Visas

To work in Perth, most expats require a valid work visa. The Skills in Demand (SID) visa (Subclass 482), introduced in December 2024, replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa. This visa requires employer sponsorship and offers pathways to permanent residency after two years. The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) allows skilled workers to live and work permanently without employer sponsorship, based on a points-based system. The minimum salary threshold for the SID visa is AUD 73,150 annually.

The following table provides key employment indicators for Perth:

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Department of Home Affairs

Perth is home to several internationally recognised universities offering diverse programs across all disciplines. With a strong focus on research and industry partnerships, Perth's universities provide excellent pathways to employment in Australia's growing sectors. International students benefit from post-study work rights, with Perth's regional city status offering extended visa options.

Leading Universities

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is Perth's flagship institution, ranked 77th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. As a member of the prestigious Group of Eight research universities, UWA excels in medicine, engineering, and environmental sciences. Curtin University, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, is known for its strong industry connections and practical learning approach, particularly in engineering, business, and health sciences.

Admission and Fees

Murdoch University offers five-star ratings for teaching quality and has been rated "above world standard" in 15 research areas by the Australian Research Council. Edith Cowan University (ECU) has received five stars for teaching quality for 17 consecutive years and offers programs in cybersecurity, performing arts, and nursing. International students typically require an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent for admission. Tuition fees range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 50,000 per year depending on the program.

Sources: University of Western Australia, Study Perth

Perth offers excellent educational options for expat families, from high-quality public schools to prestigious private institutions and international schools. Western Australia follows the Australian Curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 10, with students completing either the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) in senior years.

Public and Private Schools

Western Australian government schools provide free education for Australian citizens and permanent residents. International students on temporary visas must pay tuition fees, currently around AUD 5,000 to AUD 16,000 per year depending on the year level. Private schools in Perth offer excellent facilities and smaller class sizes, with annual fees ranging from AUD 15,000 to AUD 35,000 for day students. Top private schools include Scotch College, Presbyterian Ladies' College, Christ Church Grammar School, and Methodist Ladies' College.

International Schools

For families seeking international curricula, the International School of Western Australia (ISWA) offers the full International Baccalaureate programme from Primary Years through to the Diploma. Located in City Beach, ISWA caters specifically to the expat community. Several Perth schools also offer the IB alongside the Australian curriculum, including St Brigid's College and John Wollaston Anglican Community School. School terms run from late January to mid-December, divided into four terms with breaks for Easter, winter, and spring.

Sources: WA Department of Education, Good Schools Guide

Perth's housing market offers diverse options, from beachside apartments to suburban family homes. While rental prices have increased in recent years, Perth remains more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne. The city is divided by the Swan River, with distinct communities "north of the river" and "south of the river," each offering unique lifestyle options.

Popular Neighbourhoods for Expats

Subiaco is a vibrant inner-city suburb just 5 minutes from the CBD, offering trendy cafés, boutique shops, and excellent public transport. Median house prices sit around AUD 1.8 million with weekly rentals averaging AUD 900. Cottesloe is Perth's most iconic beachside suburb, known for its stunning ocean views and relaxed lifestyle, though property prices are premium. Fremantle offers a bohemian atmosphere with colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and a strong arts scene, with more affordable housing options around AUD 1.2 million median price. South Perth provides stunning city skyline views across the river, while Mount Lawley and Leederville attract young professionals with their café culture and nightlife.

Rental Costs and Procedures

Rental agreements in Perth typically require a 4-week bond (security deposit) and 2 weeks rent in advance. Most leases run for 12 months, with periodic (month-to-month) options available. Tenants should register their bond with the Bond Administrator of Western Australia.

Sources: REIWA, Numbeo

Perth offers an exceptional range of leisure activities, from world-class beaches and nature reserves to vibrant cultural institutions and entertainment venues. The city's outdoor lifestyle is complemented by a thriving arts scene, excellent dining options, and unique Australian experiences just a short trip away.

Parks, Beaches and Nature

Kings Park and Botanic Garden was crowned Australia's top attraction in 2024 by Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. This 400-hectare urban oasis offers stunning views over the Perth skyline and Swan River, with the Lotterywest Federation Walkway providing a treetop experience among native bushland. Cottesloe Beach is Perth's most famous beach, perfect for swimming, surfing, or watching spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets. Scarborough Beach offers a more vibrant scene with beachfront bars and restaurants. Rottnest Island, a 25-minute ferry ride from Fremantle, is home to the famous quokkas and pristine snorkelling spots.

Arts, Culture and Nightlife

The WA Museum Boola Bardip (meaning "many stories" in the local Nyoongar language) showcases Western Australia's natural and cultural heritage through interactive exhibits. The Art Gallery of Western Australia houses an impressive collection of Indigenous and contemporary art. Fremantle offers live music venues, craft breweries, and the historic Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For nightlife, Northbridge is the city's entertainment hub, with bars, clubs, and restaurants open late. The Swan Valley wine region, Australia's oldest, provides cellar door experiences and gourmet dining just 30 minutes from the city.

Life in Perth revolves around the outdoors. The city's exceptional climate and stunning natural environment encourage an active, healthy lifestyle. From early morning swims at the beach to evening barbecues in Kings Park, Perth residents make the most of their sunny surroundings while enjoying modern urban amenities.

Getting Around Perth

Transperth operates the city's integrated public transport network, including buses, trains, and ferries. The SmartRider card is the electronic ticketing system, costing AUD 10 to purchase plus a minimum AUD 10 credit. SmartRider users receive a 10% discount on fares. Perth's train network connects major suburbs along six lines, including the new Airport Line linking Perth Airport directly to the CBD. The Free Transit Zone (FTZ) in the city centre allows free travel on buses and trains. Many residents also cycle, with extensive bike paths along the coast and river. For those preferring to drive, Perth's roads are generally uncongested compared to eastern capitals, though a car is essential for exploring outer suburbs and regional areas.

Lifestyle and Culture

Perth's café culture rivals Melbourne's, with specialty coffee shops and brunch spots throughout suburbs like Subiaco, Leederville, and Fremantle. Weekend farmers' markets are popular, including the famous Fremantle Markets operating since 1897. The Swan Valley, just 30 minutes from the city, offers wine tasting, artisan food producers, and scenic countryside. Perth's multi-cultural population brings diverse cuisines, with excellent Asian restaurants in Northbridge and the CBD. Locals embrace a casual dress code, and the pace of life is noticeably more relaxed than in Sydney or Melbourne.

Perth offers a more affordable lifestyle than Australia's eastern capitals while maintaining excellent living standards. Housing represents the largest expense, followed by transport, groceries, and utilities. Understanding these costs will help you plan your budget effectively before relocating.

Monthly Expenses for a Single Person

A single person can expect to spend approximately AUD 3,200 to 3,600 per month in Perth, including rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre. This covers essential living costs while allowing for occasional dining out and entertainment. Utilities are reasonable, with electricity, water, and gas averaging around AUD 200 monthly for an 85m² apartment.

Monthly Expenses for a Family of Four

Families with two children should budget between AUD 7,500 and 9,000 per month, depending on housing choices and schooling options. Private school fees significantly impact the family budget, while choosing public schools can reduce costs considerably.

Sources: Numbeo, Australian Bureau of Statistics