City Comparison
Perth vs Sydney
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Perth is ~20% 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
Sydney
Australia
COL+Rent
69.7
Rent Index
54.9
Groceries
86.8
Restaurant
78.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Perth | Sydney | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,758 | $2,442 | $684 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,311 | $1,822 | $511 |
| Groceries | $412 | $483 | $71 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $25 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $97 | $114 | $17 |
| Utilities | $146 | $171 | $25 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Perth | Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,930/mo | $2,545/mo |
| Typical | $2,743/mo | $3,585/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,419/mo | $4,423/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Perth | ≈ in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,877/mo | +$377 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,503/mo | +$503 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,754/mo | +$754 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perth or Sydney cheaper to live in?
Perth is approximately 20% cheaper overall. Perth's COL+Rent Index is 55.7 vs Sydney's 69.7 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Perth vs Sydney?
A 1BR in Perth city center costs ~$1,758/mo vs $2,442/mo in Sydney. Outside the center: $1,311 vs $1,822.
What is $2,000/month in Perth worth in Sydney?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Perth has the purchasing power of approximately $2,503/month in Sydney.
Are groceries cheaper in Perth or Sydney?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $412 in Perth vs $483 in Sydney. Groceries Index: 74 vs 86.8 (NYC = 100).