A good salary in Perth for a single person renting independently is generally considered to be $85,000–$100,000 per year gross. Perth has historically had high wages driven by the Western Australian mining sector, and housing costs — while lower than Sydney — have risen sharply since 2022 as population growth has accelerated.
Key Takeaways
- A single person needs approximately $85,000–$100,000 gross to live comfortably in Perth
- Perth median dwelling price is approximately $800,000–$850,000 (Domain, early 2025)
- Median 2-bedroom apartment rent: $600–$750/week in inner/middle suburbs
- Average full-time earnings in Western Australia: $113,500/year — highest of any state outside ACT, driven by the resources sector
- Perth wages are higher than other cities on average, but so are living costs in many categories
Perth Cost of Living — Single Person Budget
| Expense Category | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed apartment, inner/middle) | $2,600–$3,200 | $31,200–$38,400 |
| Groceries | $420–$620 | $5,040–$7,440 |
| Utilities | $200–$280 | $2,400–$3,360 |
| Transport (Transperth or car) | $180–$500 | $2,160–$6,000 |
| Health insurance (basic) | $120–$175 | $1,440–$2,100 |
| Dining / entertainment | $320–$600 | $3,840–$7,200 |
| Personal / clothing | $170–$300 | $2,040–$3,600 |
| Total (mid-range) | $4,000–$5,700 | $48,000–$68,400 |
Mining Sector Salaries: The Perth Premium
Perth’s average salary is substantially elevated by the resources sector. Many Perth residents work either directly in mining or in professional services supporting mining. This skews averages significantly:
| Sector | Typical Annual Salary in Perth/WA |
|---|---|
| Mining operations (FIFO) | $120,000–$200,000+ |
| Resources engineering | $110,000–$180,000 |
| Resources finance / accounting | $95,000–$150,000 |
| Construction (resources related) | $100,000–$160,000 |
| Health / education / retail | $75,000–$105,000 |
If you work outside the resources sector in Perth, you may earn significantly less than the state average of $113,500 despite comparable living costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perth an expensive city to live in?
Perth is broadly comparable to Melbourne and Brisbane in living costs. It is less expensive than Sydney for rent and property, but has caught up significantly since 2022. The high average WA wage ($113,500) reflects the resources sector premium rather than a broadly lower cost of living.
What is the average salary in Perth?
Average full-time earnings in Western Australia are $113,500/year (ABS, November 2024) — the second-highest state average after ACT. However, this is heavily influenced by mining sector salaries. Non-resources workers in Perth typically earn $80,000–$110,000.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Perth?
Yes — $100,000 is a solid salary in Perth, providing comfortable renting, savings capacity, and a realistic path to property ownership given Perth’s more accessible prices compared to Sydney or Melbourne. After tax it is approximately $74,000/year.
Related Guides
- Good Salary in Sydney
- Good Salary in Melbourne
- Good Salary in Brisbane
- What Is a Good Salary in Australia?
- Income Percentile Calculator Australia
Cost of living figures sourced from Domain, REA Group, and ABS. This is general information only.