Perth is the capital city of Western Australia; a vibrant metropolis paired with stunning landscapes, a booming economy, and great quality of life. With this coastline of enchanting beauty and pristine beaches, Perth offers a unique lifestyle that combines urban and natural environments.
This guide has been written to give insight into what it’s like to live and work in Perth as an expat.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Living in Perth
- Job Opportunities in Perth
- Benefits of Living in Perth
- Disadvantages of Living in Perth
- Practical Tips for Moving to Perth
- How John Mason International Can Help
- FAQs
Living in Perth
Quality of Life
With its excellent quality of life, Perth actually ranks in the top 15 cities of global liveability index 2024. Modern infrastructure, clean environment, and a plethora of facilities would suit not only individuals and families but also cultural connoisseurs. Residents have a leisurely lifestyle with great importance placed on work-life balance, backed by acres of green space, recreational centres, and community centres for people to retreat into.
Climate and Weather
One of the things that makes Perth so attractive to expats is its climate, with very hot summers and milder winters. There is an average of 3,200 hours each year of sunshine in this city, making it one of the sunniest capitals in Australia. This fine weather makes room for innumerable activities outside—going out to the beach, arranging barbecues, or indulging in outdoor sports.
The weather can get quite hot in summer (December to February), with the mercury climbing on many days to over 30°C (86°F) in Perth. It is great for all beach and water activity fans who want to make the most of Perth’s beautiful coastline. The summer nights are warm and pleasant, wonderful for alfresco dining and outdoor festivals.
Winters (June to August) are mild and wet, with average temperatures of 18°C (64°F). These months are usually characterised by some extra rainfall, but the weather remains relatively mild in nature in such a way that one can enjoy the outdoors with good clothing. For this reason, it is also when landscapes are at their best, making it green and perfect for hiking and enjoying the natural beauties of the region.
Spring and autumn boast moderate temperatures and reduced humidity. These times are ideal for enjoying the many green spaces and gardens across Perth, along with numerous outdoor festivals. Consistent sunshine and clear skies for the best part of the year give reason to the city’s vivid outdoor culture and a life full of activity.
Recreational Activities
Perth offers a variety of sporting activities for those who love an outdoor and active lifestyle. The beautiful surroundings of the Swan River will keep every water sport enthusiast busy with activities like kayaking, sailing, and fishing. Broad parklands of the city like Kings Park and Botanic Garden offer great spots for picnics, hiking, and cycling. If a person is attached so much to the arts and culture, then Perth should be the ideal location with its various art galleries, theatres, and live music venues.
Beaches around Perth, some of them ranking as the most beautiful in the country, include Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach, and Trigg Beach. These beaches are well known for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The clear waters and abundance of marine life make Perth a perfect destination for snorkelling and scuba diving as well.
Right next to Perth lies the Darling Range, with beautiful hiking trails and campsites. A short ferry ride away, Rottnest Island boasts stunning beaches, peculiar wildlife, and bike routes.
Sport is important to Perth’s culture with a wide range of facilities and clubs to choose from. There are also a variety of professional events for sport lovers to spectate at first-class sporting venues including Optus Stadium and Perth Arena.
For those who love the arts, Perth is home to the International Arts Festival, Fringe World Festival, and Sculpture by the Sea. There are also numerous galleries, event venues and theatres.
Housing in Perth
Perth has accommodation available within all budget categories and taste inclinations. With numerous options to buy or rent, you can choose from modern flats in the city centre to large family houses in suburbs
The cost of housing in Perth is relatively cheap compared to other major Australian cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne. Which neighbourhood is right for you will of course depend on your priorities such as proximity to work, schools, amenities, and lifestyle preferences.
Popular Perth Suburbs
Each of Perth’s suburbs has its own character and facilities to suit different lifestyles and tastes. Here are a few popular suburbs to consider when moving to Perth:
- Subiaco: With its energetic atmosphere, Subiaco combines chic cafés, boutique shops, and cultural attractions. It is a great suburb for young professionals and families who want a lively area but still has a community feel to it.
- Fremantle: Famous for its arts scene and heritage buildings, along with busy markets, it’s known for its laid-back vibe and coastal charm. Fremantle is an escape for creatives and those looking for a more relaxed way of life.
- Cottesloe: Known for its beautiful beach, Cottesloe is the perfect place for those who love to be by the sea. Housing options range from luxurious ocean front homes to small flats, all within a few footsteps from the ocean.
- Mount Lawley: A prized suburb, boasting leafy streets, a vibrant nightlife, and quality schools. Its smorgasbord of dining options and eclectic array of cultural events crank up its cool factor.
- Leederville : An inner-city suburb known for its trendy cafés, bars, and shops. This suburb offers all the benefits that young professionals and students could want in a dynamic urban lifestyle with its central location and lively atmosphere.
- South Perth: This is one of the inner-suburban areas with brilliant views over the Perth skyline. Perfect for families, it has beautiful parks, riverside walks and lots of other family-friendly amenities.
Transport Systems in Perth
Perth has a well-developed transport system, with numerous options for moving around the city and its suburbs. Whichever your preference is—public transport, driving, cycling, or walking—Perth’s infrastructure makes it very easy to get around.
The Transperth public transport network includes buses, trains and ferries that link the city’s different parts and surrounding areas. There are five main lines to the northern, southern, eastern, and western suburbs. Buses cover areas trains do not go, whilst ferries operate on the Swan River, offering a scenic and leisurely mode of transport between areas.
Perth’s public transport system is reliable and relatively inexpensive. SmartRider cards can be used to pay for travel and frequent travellers can benefit from reduced fares. There are also plans to expand the public transport network further to extend coverage and reduce travel times.
Job Opportunities in Perth
Perth offers some fantastic work opportunities. The building trade has always been big in Western Australia with many new suburbs, properties and developments being built. However, due to the current economic climate this industry has slowed down slightly with many trades being taken off the skills’ shortage list. If you are looking to up-skill in the industry or looking for a change of career when you arrive, check out Trainwest who offer qualifications in Health & Safety, Management and Training & Assessment.
There are many occupations listed on Western Australia’s skilled migration list, many of which fall in the healthcare industry. Contact a visa and recruitment specialist such as ISA Group, who have offices in the UK and Perth, so will be able to give you all the advice you need.
You can also view the current skills shortage list here: isagroupuk.co.uk/australian-life/western-Australia
Key Industries
The economy of Perth is robust and diversified, with some key industries at the core of its functioning. It is based on a strong mining and resources sector, which provides a number of global mining companies with their headquarters. Other significant industries include health care, education, technology, and tourism. Its geographical position further makes it a gateway for business and trade in the Asia-Pacific region.
Perth is just one of the most renowned mining cities in the world, and Western Australia happens to be the largest producer of minerals and resources in the globe. Large companies, such as BHP and Rio Tinto, together with the Fortescue Metals Group, are headquartered in Perth. The city provides an expansive variety of job opportunities in engineering, geology, project management, and environmental science. These further give rise to ancillary services in the form of legal, financial, and logistic services.
Another important industry is health care, with most of the country’s premier hospitals and institutions based in Perth. This industry has seen continuous growth due to the increased population and unending changes in medical technology, which calls for more health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and other allied health workers. The commitment to health innovation within this city is deeply manifested by the many state-of-the-art facilities and current research underway.
Education is a very critical sector in Perth’s economy, whereby great emphasis has been put on primary and secondary schooling and higher education. Key institutions here are the University of Western Australia and Curtin University, hence a large cosmopolitan student body, vibrant academia, and plenty of jobs teaching, administering, and researching.
The initiatives being put in place to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship mean the technology sector of Perth is booming. This means that tech startups and established companies are improving greatly in software development, artificial intelligence, and renewable energies. Resulting from this, there will be a great demand for skilled IT professionals, data scientists, and engineers.
Tourism has been an integral part of Perth’s economy, with its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and unique wildlife drawing millions of visitors every year from all over the world. Tourism provides jobs to a spate of job providers, from hospitality to tour guiding to event management, marketing…the list goes on. Promotion of Perth as a key tourist destination is unabated, with new developments and attractions constantly adding variety and interest to the visitor experience.
In-Demand Jobs
The job market in Perth is quite strong and demands more professional skills in different fields. It has some of the strongest sectors in the economy, such as healthcare, engineering, information technology, and education. There is an abundance of mining and resource-related jobs available for geologists, engineers, and project managers. Growth in the tech sector also means there is more requirement for software developers, data analysts, and IT specialists.
In the health sector, the most in-demand roles are registered nurses, general practitioners and specialised medical practitioners.
Some of the most in-demand roles in Perth are engineering professionals to work in the mining and construction trades. Those with expertise in civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering are likely to find work. Professionals within the field of project management, particularly those that involve mega projects relating to infrastructure, are also in high demand.
For those with teaching experience, the education sector provides stable demand for professionals from pre-school/nursery level, right up to opportunities in higher education.
For information on how to find work in Perth, read our blog on Working in Australia.
Benefits of Living in Perth
Cost of Living
Cost of living is a crucial factor to consider when contemplating a move abroad. Perth stands out as a more budget-friendly option compared to cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Perth is also considerably cheaper than some UK cities such as London.
Living Cost statistics from December 2023 reveal that the cost of living in London is approximately 32% higher than in Perth. London and Perth are ranked 97th and 924th, respectively, in the list of the most expensive cities globally, and 2nd and 5th in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Numbeo’s cost-of-living calculator further highlights the disparities between the two cities. Consumer prices in London are slightly lower than in Perth (excluding rent), but when rent is factored in, London becomes 23.3% more expensive. Rent in London is a staggering 75.7% higher than in Perth, while restaurant prices are 2.3% higher.
On the other hand, groceries are 21.2% cheaper in London. Local purchasing power in London is 4.3% lower than in Perth. While living in Australia may not always be inexpensive, it generally offers a more favourable comparison to the UK in terms of cost of living.
Multicultural Demographic
For those who are interested in other cultures, Perth is the perfect place to call home. With a very active multicultural demographic you can experience festivals, events and food from a range of countries and meet people from all walks of life. The diversity of cultures makes Perth a welcoming and accepting place, bringing people together.
Safe Environment for Students
One of the best cities to study in, Perth is also known to be very safe. The crime rate here is low, and due to community policing initiatives, the atmosphere is very secure for students to focus on studies and enjoy their social life without an undue feeling of insecurity. This sense of security will be especially reassuring for international students and their families.
Student safety and well-being are among the highest priorities of educational institutions within universities or colleges in Perth. Security measures on campus are myriad: 24/7 security patrols, emergency response systems, and secure accommodation facilities ensure that students are safe at all times. In addition, most institutions have orientation programs and support services that enable students to adapt to the new environment and deal with problems.
The safe environment, however, extends far beyond the campus in Perth, with well-lit streets, efficient public transport, and vigilant communities all combining to create a general feeling of security. Students can have confidence exploring the city’s many attractions, including parks, beaches, and cultural venues. Student discounts on public transport also give easy and economical ways for students to move around the city safely.
Large Expat Community
Perth has a large number of expatriate communities which can help you to feel at home on arrival. Expats include people from all backgrounds including those who moved for work, those who moved with families and those who moved for the lifestyle. By connecting with these groups you can learn more about the place in which you are living, make friends and support one another. After all, it can be very comforting to know people who have been through similar experiences to yourself.
Disadvantages of Living in Perth
Though Perth has a myriad of benefits, as with anywhere there may be some downsides to settling in Perth.
Remoteness of the City
Perth is a very remote city; closer to Singapore than it is to Sydney. The remoteness of the city might be a relief for some, however it can make travelling between places tricky. It may also be more difficult for people to come and visit you from other parts of the world.
Whilst public transport is generally good within the city centre, there may also be some areas of the city that are harder to reach without access to your own car.
Competitive Job Market
The job market in Perth can be competitive, however to secure a visa it is usually essential that you have a job lined up. To ensure that you put yourself in the best position possible, you will need to demonstrate that you have in demand skills needed in Perth.
Extended Delays for Hospital Services
Whilst the health infrastructure in Perth is good, with numerous private and public hospitals, being as remote as it is means that demand often outweighs supply. This can result in delays and longer wait times for non-urgent procedures and specialist consultations.
For those who private health care is an option for, wait times are significantly shorter however, there are naturally higher costs associated with this route. Most people in Perth have private health insurance which can help to alleviate some of the cost concerns associated.
Practical Tips for Moving to Perth
Moving to Perth will require substantial planning. We share our practical tips for making the move as pain free as possible.
Planning Your Move
Proper planning can allow for a successful move to Perth. First of all, study the requirements that have to be met in terms of obtaining a visa and other relevant documents.
It’s also advisable to visit Perth beforehand to get a feel for the city and its neighbourhoods. Make a checklist of what needs to be done: house hunting, setting up utilities, and schools to place children in.
Visa application
Research what kind of visa you will need. This depends on the purpose of your move. Typical categories for a visa include skilled migration visas, student visas, and family visas. You can find detailed information on visa classes, eligibility, and procedures to apply for a visa on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. You may also want to visit our visa support page to make sure your application is correct and complete.
Settling In
Put some effort into properly settling down when you arrive; set up with local health providers, open a bank account, and learn the city’s public transport system.
Get involved in the community through local events and organisations. Perth is full of friendly residents and groups; getting involved in the community can help you to settle in faster and feel at home.
How John Mason International Can Help
At John Mason International, we have over 100 years experience in helping people move abroad. We offer removals services to Perth, offering a range of affordable shipping options to help your belongings arrive safely. We also provide a range of relocation services from storage, packing, visa support and pet relocation.
We offer an end-to-end and completely bespoke service, expertly managing your move. We will take care of all the necessary documentation and customs requirements, as well as unloading and unpacking all of your personal items. We aim to make your move as stress-free as possible so you can concentrate on building your new life.
Take the next step today and use our instant quote tool, or if you’d like customised relocation assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
FAQs
Perth has all the ingredients of a good quality of life: excellent weather conditions and strong economy. The city provides opportunities for work-life balance and varied job opportunities in a wide range of sectors and a rich cultural scene. With its modern infrastructure, beautiful natural surroundings, and friendly community, it is an attractive place to live and work.
British expats seem to be more inclined to reside in some of Perth’s better-known suburbs, like Joondalup, Rockingham, and Fremantle. All these suburbs have good amenities, schools, and community. Other suburbs with high percentages of British people include Clarkson, Baldivis, and Ellenbrook. What these suburbs can offer, of course, is a mixture between more affordable types of housing, proximity to the coastline, and better access to the city centre.
The best place to live in Perth really depends on personal taste and lifestyle needs. Subiaco, Mount Lawley: Perfect for those who are into vibrant urban living with plenty of amenities, entertainment, and other activities. Families may go to suburbs like South Perth or Leederville for its good schools and parks. For beach lovers, the coastal living of Cottesloe and Scarborough is hard to pass up. Ultimately, the best place ought to be a function of factors such as proximity to work, budget, and lifestyle.
Many Brits come to Perth for the great lifestyle that encompasses warm weather, beautiful beaches, and, certainly, uncomplicated outdoor living. That’s also a great destination because of its solid job market, especially in the mining, health, and educational sectors. In addition, the cultural similarities, English-speaking residents, and well-established expat communities make moving much easier for Brits.
