What to know about moving to Perth: The Pros and Considerations

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Perth is Australia’s fastest-growing capital city, with over 81,000 people moving there every year.

With its beautiful beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and booming economy, it’s not difficult to see why so many people are drawn to this part of Western Australia.

However, Perth is one of the more isolated capital cities in the world, with the nearest big city being Adelaide, which is over 2500 km away.

This means that for anyone relocating there from out of state or overseas, they have to seriously weigh up the pros and cons of doing so before committing to the change.

Here are some of the main things you’ll need to consider.

Moving from Overseas

If you are intending to move to Perth from overseas, you’ll first need to be allowed into Australia, and this will mean securing a visa.

There are many different types of visas you can apply for, so it is worth referring to the Australian government’s website to determine the right one for you.

Once you have applied for the visa and been granted one, you will also need to organise your transit over from your home country, and get your finances in place.

Here are some more details about setting up a bank account when moving to Australia.

What are the Pros of Moving to Perth

Once you have organised your visa and finances, or if you are an Aussie who already lives in the country, you can focus more on whether relocating to Perth is right for you.

For those who do decide to make the switch, the ‘City of Light’ has many things going for it. Here are some of the main pros of moving there.

Relaxed and Outdoor-Oriented Lifestyle

Perth offers a fantastic quality of life, particularly for seniors, with a warm Mediterranean climate and plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy all year round.

The city is home to several stunning beaches, including Cottesloe and Scarborough, which are great for swimming, surfing, or simply soaking up the sun, while Kings Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world.

There are also plenty of picturesque trails that offer breathtaking views of the coast and skyline, which are great for walking groups and exercising.

Plenty of Job Opportunities

Largely driven by the mining and resources sector, Perth enjoys a booming economy.

It is also experiencing rapid growth in health, education, technology, and hospitality, so if you are skilled in these industries, you may find plenty of job opportunities.

Unlike some of the more competitive job markets in Sydney or Melbourne, Perth’s employment scene is less saturated. Therefore, you might find it easier to secure interviews and work for skilled professions due to there being a smaller talent pool.

Lower Population Density

For many people, one of Perth’s biggest pulls is that it doesn’t suffer from the overcrowding that many of Australia’s east coast cities do.

As it only has a population of just over 2.1 million, it’s much easier to get around than in Sydney or Melbourne, where peak-hour traffic can be horrendously congested.

This makes commuting to work or running errands much less stressful and also results in fewer queues at restaurants, shops or entertainment venues and fewer people walking the streets.

More Affordable Housing

The average house price in Australia currently stands at 985,900, according to the ABS, but in Perth, that figure is closer to $900,000.

This means that the city is one of the more affordable ones to buy a home in Australia, which makes it a much more attractive option for those who want to get on the property ladder.

Renting is also more affordable, with many suburbs offering better value for money than their east coast counterparts.

Excellent Schools and Universities

If you are moving with children, you’ll be pleased to read that Perth has a strong education system, with several public and private schools within the city being regarded as having a high standard.

At the same time, for those wanting to pursue higher education, The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, and Murdoch University are all well thought of and offer a wide range of courses.

Considerations When Moving to Perth

While there are many reasons to move to Perth, there are some things you’ll need to think about before doing so.

They aren’t necessarily cons, per se, but rather considerations that you should bear in mind. They include the following:

Isolation from Other Cities

As mentioned, Perth is very isolated from other cities in Australia. You might think that it is ok if you want to live there, but it does mean that travelling to other parts of Australia can be expensive and take a long time.

If you have family in the eastern states, you may need to plan visits carefully. Additionally, if you are relocating from overseas, your family and friends might not be able to fly directly into the city but rather have to take a transit flight from Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.

Potentially Higher Cost of Living

Although housing may be more affordable, you might find some aspects of life in Perth to be more expensive than you are used to.

For example, groceries, dining out, and utilities can be dearer compared to the eastern states due to the transportation costs of bringing food and other provisions to Perth’s remote location.

You’ll need to factor this into your weekly budget when preparing for the move.

Limitation of Public Transport

Unlike Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne, Perth’s public transport system is a lot more limited, and while the city does have buses, trains, and ferries, most people rely on a car.

If you can’t drive or don’t have a vehicle, it is advisable to pass your test as soon as possible and buy one soon after arriving in the city.