Perth vs Singapore
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Perth is ~28% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Perth
Australia
COL+Rent
55.7
Rent Index
39.5
Groceries
74
Restaurant
63.3
Singapore
Singapore
COL+Rent
77.4
Rent Index
73.1
Groceries
75.3
Restaurant
50.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Perth | Singapore | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,758 | $3,120 | $1,362 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,311 | $2,280 | $969 |
| Groceries | $412 | $410 | +$2 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $11 | +$11 |
| Transit Pass | $97 | $86 | +$11 |
| Utilities | $146 | $166 | $20 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Perth | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,930/mo | $2,863/mo |
| Typical | $2,743/mo | $3,947/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,419/mo | $4,662/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Perth | ≈ in Singapore | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,084/mo | +$584 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,779/mo | +$779 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,169/mo | +$1,169 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Perth vs Singapore for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Perth is approximately 28% more affordable than Singapore when combining rent and daily living costs. Perth's COL+Rent Index of 55.7 vs Singapore's 77.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Perth costs $1,758/month versus $3,120/month in Singapore — giving Perth a $1,362/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $16,344 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Perth ($412/mo) vs Singapore ($410/mo) reflect Perth's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $11 show Singapore offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Perth offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,743 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.