Moving to Perth: A Relocation Guide

by Katie Katie May 26, 2025

Compare Perth removalist costs from 100+ verified operators across Australia. Get instant quotes for Sydney to Perth, Melbourne to Perth & more. Save up to 50% with backloading. Free moving coordination & local relocation tips for your move to Western Australia's sunny capital.

Considering a move to Perth? You're making an excellent choice! As Australia's sunniest capital city with pristine beaches, a booming economy, and a relaxed lifestyle, Perth offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty that's attracting more Australians than ever before.

Whether you're relocating from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or anywhere else across Australia, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate your move to Western Australia's vibrant capital with confidence and ease.

Why Choose Perth?

Perth has become increasingly popular for Australians seeking a change, and for good reason:

  • 3,000+ hours of sunshine annually
  • Stunning beaches and outdoor lifestyle
  • Strong economy with excellent job opportunities
  • Lower cost of living than eastern capitals
  • Less traffic congestion and shorter commutes
  • World-class education and healthcare
  • Unique blend of city amenities and relaxed atmosphere

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Cost of Living in Perth

Perth offers excellent value compared to Sydney and Melbourne:

Expense Category Average Monthly Cost (AUD)
Rent (2-bedroom unit) $1,600 - $2,000
Rent (3-bedroom house) $1,900 - $2,800
Electricity $150 - $250
Water $80 - $120
Internet $60 - $100
Groceries (couple) $450 - $650
Dining out (per meal) $25 - $45
Public transport $120 - $180

Interstate Transport Costs to Perth

Moving your belongings to Perth varies based on distance, volume, and service type. Here's a comprehensive pricing guide:

Moving From Small Move (1-2BR) Medium Move (3BR) Large Move (4BR+) Container (20ft)
Sydney $3,500 - $5,000 $5,200 - $7,500 $7,800 - $11,000 $4,000 - $5,800
Melbourne $3,200 - $4,800 $4,800 - $7,000 $7,200 - $10,500 $3,800 - $5,500
Brisbane $3,800 - $5,500 $5,500 - $8,000 $8,500 - $12,000 $4,500 - $6,500
Adelaide $3,000 - $4,500 $4,500 - $6,500 $6,800 - $9,500 $3,500 - $5,000
Hobart $4,000 - $5,800 $6,000 - $8,500 $9,000 - $13,000 $4,800 - $7,000
Darwin $3,800 - $5,500 $5,500 - $8,000 $8,500 - $12,000 $4,500 - $6,500
Canberra $3,500 - $5,000 $5,200 - $7,500 $7,800 - $11,000 $4,000 - $5,800

Prices are estimates as of May 2025. For an exact quote tailored to your specific needs, get a quote with no obligation.

Backloading Options: Save Up to 50%

Backloading (sharing truck space) can significantly reduce your moving costs:

Moving From Potential Savings with Backloading
Sydney 35-50%
Melbourne 35-50%
Brisbane 40-50%
Adelaide 30-45%
Hobart 40-50%
Darwin 35-50%
Canberra 35-50%

Perth Housing Market

Buying Property

  • Median house price: $600,000 - $750,000
  • Median unit price: $380,000 - $480,000
  • Most affordable areas: Armadale, Balga, Midland
  • Premium areas: Cottesloe, Claremont, Nedlands, Applecross

Renting Property

  • Average weekly rent (2BR unit): $380 - $500
  • Average weekly rent (3BR house): $450 - $650
  • Popular rental suburbs: Subiaco, Victoria Park, Scarborough, Maylands

Best Perth Suburbs by Lifestyle

For Families

  • Joondalup: Great schools, parks, family-friendly infrastructure
  • Canning Vale: Modern facilities, excellent schools
  • Willetton: Top public schools, safe environment

For Young Professionals

  • Subiaco: Trendy cafes, boutiques, close to CBD
  • Leederville: Vibrant nightlife, dining scene
  • South Perth: Riverside living with city views

For Retirees

  • Mandurah: Coastal lifestyle, relaxed pace
  • Karrinyup: Good amenities, medical facilities
  • South Perth: Flat terrain, good transport links

For Beach Lovers

  • Scarborough: Vibrant beach culture, redeveloped foreshore
  • Cottesloe: Iconic beach, upmarket lifestyle
  • City Beach: Family-friendly beaches, spacious properties

Employment Opportunities in Perth

Perth's job market is diverse with strong opportunities in:

  • Mining and Resources: Major companies like BHP, Rio Tinto, Woodside
  • Healthcare: Growing sector with new hospitals and facilities
  • Construction and Infrastructure: Ongoing development projects
  • Education: Universities and international education
  • Technology: Emerging tech hub with startup ecosystem
  • Tourism and Hospitality: Year-round visitor economy

Climate and Weather

Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate:

  • Hot, dry summers (December-February): 18-32°C
  • Mild, wet winters (June-August): 8-19°C
  • Spring and autumn: Pleasant temperatures, minimal rainfall
  • Average annual rainfall: 880mm, mostly in winter months
  • 3,000+ hours of sunshine annually

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Transport Options in Perth

Public Transport

  • Extensive bus network
  • Train lines connecting suburbs to the city
  • Free CAT buses within CBD
  • SmartRider card for all public transport

Cycling

  • Extensive bike lanes and paths
  • Relatively flat terrain ideal for cycling
  • Growing cycling culture

Driving

  • Well-planned road network
  • Less congestion than eastern capitals
  • Ample parking in most areas

Essential Services and Amenities

Healthcare

  • Public hospitals: Royal Perth Hospital, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
  • Private hospitals: St John of God, Hollywood Private Hospital
  • Numerous medical centres and specialists

Education

  • Top public schools: Perth Modern, Willetton Senior High School
  • Private schools: Christ Church Grammar, Methodist Ladies' College
  • Universities: UWA, Curtin University, Murdoch University, ECU

Shopping

  • Perth CBD (Murray Street Mall, Hay Street Mall)
  • Westfield Carousel
  • Karrinyup Shopping Centre
  • Fremantle Markets

8-Week Moving Checklist

  1. 8 Weeks Before

    • Research and book your transport provider
    • Begin decluttering and sorting belongings
    • Research Perth suburbs that suit your lifestyle
  2. 6 Weeks Before

    • Arrange property sale/end of lease
    • Begin packing non-essential items
    • Transfer school records if applicable
  3. 4 Weeks Before

    • Notify important services of address change
    • Arrange utility disconnections and connections
    • Book temporary accommodation if needed
  4. 2 Weeks Before

    • Confirm transport arrangements
    • Pack majority of household items
    • Arrange mail redirection
  5. 1 Week Before

    • Pack essentials bag for first few days
    • Clean current property
    • Confirm arrival details with new property
  6. Moving Day

    • Final property inspection
    • Hand over keys
    • Ensure inventory matches loaded items
  7. Arrival in Perth

    • Property condition check
    • Unpack essentials
    • Set up utilities and internet
  8. First Week

    • Register with local services
    • Explore neighbourhood
    • Update address with remaining services

FAQ: Moving to Perth

What's the cost of moving from Sydney to Perth?

Moving a 3-bedroom home from Sydney to Perth typically costs between $5,200-$7,500. Backloading options can reduce this by 35-50%, potentially bringing costs down to $2,600-$4,875. For a tailored quote based on your specific inventory, get an instant quote.

How much does it cost to move from Melbourne to Perth?

Relocating a 3-bedroom home from Melbourne to Perth ranges from $4,800-$7,000. Backloading can save you 35-50%, potentially reducing costs to $2,400-$4,550. For larger homes or specific requirements, contact our team for a customised quote.

What's the cost of moving from Brisbane to Perth?

Moving from Brisbane to Perth for a 3-bedroom home typically costs $5,500-$8,000. With backloading options, you can save 40-50%, bringing the cost down to $2,750-$4,800. Get an instant quote for your specific needs.

How long does transport take from Adelaide to Perth?

Transport from Adelaide to Perth typically takes 4-6 days for dedicated moves and 6-9 days for backloading options. Factors affecting delivery time include weather conditions, road closures, and seasonal demand.

Can I move my car to Perth?

Yes, we specialise in vehicle transport including cars, boats, and trailers. Car transport to Perth costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 from Adelaide, $1,500-$2,500 from Melbourne, and $1,800-$3,000 from Sydney, depending on vehicle size and transport method.

Are there storage options in Perth?

Yes, numerous storage facilities across Perth offer various unit sizes and security levels. Prices range from $150-$350 monthly depending on size and location. We can arrange combined transport and storage solutions if needed.

What's the best time of year to move to Perth?

Autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November) offer the most comfortable moving conditions with mild temperatures. Summer moves (December-February) can be challenging due to heat, while winter (June-August) may involve rain but generally mild temperatures.

How do I transport plants to Perth?

Western Australia has the strictest biosecurity regulations in Australia to protect its agricultural industry. Most plants cannot be transported into WA without inspection and certification. Contact the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for specific requirements before transporting plants.

Perth's Unique Lifestyle

Beaches and Outdoor Activities

  • 19 stunning beaches within the metropolitan area
  • Kings Park (larger than New York's Central Park)
  • Swan River for water activities
  • Numerous hiking and cycling trails

Food and Wine

  • Margaret River wine region (3 hours south)
  • Vibrant restaurant scene
  • Fremantle food markets
  • Growing craft brewery culture

Day Trips from Perth

  • Rottnest Island (quokka selfies!)
  • Swan Valley wineries
  • Pinnacles Desert
  • Penguin Island

Conclusion

Moving to Perth offers an exciting lifestyle change with sunshine, space, and a quality of life that's hard to match elsewhere in Australia. While the relocation process may seem daunting, proper planning and partnering with experienced transport providers like Best Rated Transport can make your move smooth and stress-free.

Ready to start planning your move to Perth? Get a free quote today with no obligation, or call our friendly team at 1300 339 140 for personalised assistance with your relocation needs.

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