Perth vs Wellington
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Wellington is ~9% 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
Wellington
New Zealand
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
32
Groceries
72.8
Restaurant
56.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Perth | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,758 | $1,478 | +$280 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,311 | $1,179 | +$132 |
| Groceries | $412 | $404 | +$8 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $18 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $97 | $111 | $14 |
| Utilities | $146 | $141 | +$5 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Perth | Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,930/mo | $1,786/mo |
| Typical | $2,743/mo | $2,404/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,419/mo | $2,977/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Perth | ≈ in Wellington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,371/mo | -$129 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,828/mo | -$172 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,741/mo | -$259 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Perth vs Wellington for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Wellington is approximately 9% more affordable than Perth when combining rent and daily living costs. Perth's COL+Rent Index of 55.7 vs Wellington's 50.9 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Perth costs $1,758/month versus $1,478/month in Wellington — giving Wellington a $280/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $3,360 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Perth ($412/mo) vs Wellington ($404/mo) reflect Wellington's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $18 show Wellington 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, Wellington offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,404 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.