Perth 6000
Central Perth may suit a household that wants city services and a shorter trip to a CBD workplace.
Everyday Life: City apartments can put shops and offices close by; space and street noise vary from building to building.
Plan Your Move
Western Australia covers very different places to live. Perth, the South-West and the Mid-West each offer different housing and travel choices. Start with where you need to work, study and get care. At the 2021 Census, the state had 2,660,026 residents (ABS).
Moving From Overseas
If you are moving from overseas, check your visa and work conditions, Medicare eligibility, school enrolment and overseas-licence rules. Budget for temporary housing and the weeks before income begins.
Moving From Interstate
If you are moving interstate, check WA rental and vehicle requirements, including the licence deadline. Try the journeys to work and school from the homes you are considering.
Where To Live In Western Australia
Perth has a very different daily rhythm from the South-West and Mid-West. Start with the places you need to reach regularly, then compare homes and travel from each address.
| Place | When It May Suit | Everyday Life |
|---|---|---|
| Perth 6000 | Central Perth may suit a household that wants city services and a shorter trip to a CBD workplace. | City apartments can put shops and offices close by; space and street noise vary from building to building. |
| Fremantle 6160 | Fremantle offers a different coastal and town-centre routine from central Perth. | The town centre and waterfront bring activity, while a Perth commute can take more time. |
| Joondalup 6027 | Joondalup is a northern metro option for households comparing homes near a northern workplace. | The northern town centre has shopping and rail; the station may still be a bus or car trip from a particular home. |
| Rockingham 6168 | Rockingham offers a southern metro and coastal option. | The coast and southern rail link offer different routines; the station and services may be some distance from a home. |
| Bunbury 6230 | Bunbury is a South-West regional centre with its own work and service area. | As a regional centre, Bunbury has its own jobs and services; some specialist appointments may mean extra travel. |
| Geraldton 6530 | Geraldton is a Mid-West regional centre for households interested in regional life. | The Mid-West coast brings a regional pace, with a different range of jobs and services from Perth. |
| Mandurah 6210 | Mandurah offers a southern coastal base with rail links toward Perth. | The coast and train connection can suit different routines; reaching the station is part of a regular Perth commute. |
Fremantle 6160
Fremantle offers a different coastal and town-centre routine from central Perth.
Everyday Life: The town centre and waterfront bring activity, while a Perth commute can take more time.
Joondalup 6027
Joondalup is a northern metro option for households comparing homes near a northern workplace.
Everyday Life: The northern town centre has shopping and rail; the station may still be a bus or car trip from a particular home.
Rockingham 6168
Rockingham offers a southern metro and coastal option.
Everyday Life: The coast and southern rail link offer different routines; the station and services may be some distance from a home.
Bunbury 6230
Bunbury is a South-West regional centre with its own work and service area.
Everyday Life: As a regional centre, Bunbury has its own jobs and services; some specialist appointments may mean extra travel.
Geraldton 6530
Geraldton is a Mid-West regional centre for households interested in regional life.
Everyday Life: The Mid-West coast brings a regional pace, with a different range of jobs and services from Perth.
Mandurah 6210
Mandurah offers a southern coastal base with rail links toward Perth.
Everyday Life: The coast and train connection can suit different routines; reaching the station is part of a regular Perth commute.
If you can, make the journeys to work, school and care from homes on your shortlist at the times you would normally travel.
Location Maps
These maps help place the towns and suburbs in context. Open a street map for travel from a particular home.
Western Australia · South-West And Mid-West
- Geraldton
- Perth
- Mandurah
- Bunbury
Perth · Metropolitan
- Joondalup
- Perth
- Fremantle
- Rockingham
- Mandurah
Housing And Cost Of Living In Western Australia
The rental chart offers a starting point for comparing locations. Check homes currently advertised in the size and type you need before setting your budget.
All dwelling types pooled · median on new bond lodgements · July–September 2026
Perth 60001,070 new bonds
A$525
Fremantle 6160100 new bonds
A$750
Joondalup 6027105 new bonds
A$640
Rockingham 6168163 new bonds
A$600
Bunbury 623063 new bonds
A$550
Geraldton 653035 new bonds
A$500
Mandurah 6210204 new bonds
A$545
See The Rental Figures
| Locality and postcode | Dwelling definition | Median weekly new-bond rent | New bonds | Approx. calendar month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perth 6000 | All dwelling types | A$525 | 1,070 | A$2,275 |
| Fremantle 6160 | All dwelling types | A$750 | 100 | A$3,250 |
| Joondalup 6027 | All dwelling types | A$640 | 105 | A$2,773 |
| Rockingham 6168 | All dwelling types | A$600 | 163 | A$2,600 |
| Bunbury 6230 | All dwelling types | A$550 | 63 | A$2,383 |
| Geraldton 6530 | All dwelling types | A$500 | 35 | A$2,167 |
| Mandurah 6210 | All dwelling types | A$545 | 204 | A$2,362 |
Perth 6000
All dwelling types · new bond lodgements
- Median weekly rent
- A$525
- New bonds
- 1,070
- Approx. calendar month
- A$2,275
Fremantle 6160
All dwelling types · new bond lodgements
- Median weekly rent
- A$750
- New bonds
- 100
- Approx. calendar month
- A$3,250
Joondalup 6027
All dwelling types · new bond lodgements
- Median weekly rent
- A$640
- New bonds
- 105
- Approx. calendar month
- A$2,773
Rockingham 6168
All dwelling types · new bond lodgements
- Median weekly rent
- A$600
- New bonds
- 163
- Approx. calendar month
- A$2,600
Bunbury 6230
All dwelling types · new bond lodgements
- Median weekly rent
- A$550
- New bonds
- 63
- Approx. calendar month
- A$2,383
Geraldton 6530
All dwelling types · new bond lodgements
- Median weekly rent
- A$500
- New bonds
- 35
- Approx. calendar month
- A$2,167
Mandurah 6210
All dwelling types · new bond lodgements
- Median weekly rent
- A$545
- New bonds
- 204
- Approx. calendar month
- A$2,362
How Much Rent Should You Budget For?
The Perth 6000 median of A$525 a week works out to about A$2,275 per calendar month (weekly × 52 ÷ 12, rounded). It includes different dwelling types, so compare it with current listings for the home you want.
For WA homes renting at A$1,200 a week or less, the bond is generally capped at four weeks of rent and initial rent at two weeks in advance. Exceptions and pet-bond rules can apply. Check the terms in your lease. Read WA Consumer Protection.
Other Costs To Allow For
Before You Move In
- Temporary accommodation and inspections
- Flights, removals, utilities and furnishing
- Any applicable pet bond and insurance
Once You Arrive
- Food, transport and childcare
- Healthcare and other out-of-pocket costs
- Cash until regular income begins
Arrival Budget Examples
These four examples show the bond and first rent payment for different households. They cover housing entry costs only; the Perth example uses a pooled locality median, while the others use separate house and bedroom figures.
A Couple Renting In Central Perth
Perth 6000 rent example · all dwelling types
- Weekly new-bond median (all dwellings)
- A$525
- Illustrative four-week bond
- A$2,100
- Assumed two-week initial rent
- A$1,050
Rental move-in subtotal: A$3,150
About A$2,275 per calendar month. For six weeks before income begins, allow A$5,250 for the bond and rent, including the first two weeks. After move-in, another A$2,100 covers four weeks of rent.
One Parent And One Child
2-bedroom house · Joondalup suburb
- Weekly reported-lease median
- A$700
- Illustrative four-week bond
- A$2,800
- Assumed two-week initial rent
- A$1,400
Rental move-in subtotal: A$4,200
About A$3,033 per calendar month. For six weeks before income begins, allow A$7,000 for the bond and rent, including the first two weeks. After move-in, another A$2,800 covers four weeks of rent.
Two Adults And Two Children
3-bedroom house · Rockingham suburb
- Weekly reported-lease median
- A$630
- Illustrative four-week bond
- A$2,520
- Assumed two-week initial rent
- A$1,260
Rental move-in subtotal: A$3,780
About A$2,730 per calendar month. For six weeks before income begins, allow A$6,300 for the bond and rent, including the first two weeks. After move-in, another A$2,520 covers four weeks of rent.
A Family Choosing A Regional House
3-bedroom house · Bunbury suburb
- Weekly reported-lease median
- A$620
- Illustrative four-week bond
- A$2,480
- Assumed two-week initial rent
- A$1,240
Rental move-in subtotal: A$3,720
About A$2,687 per calendar month. For six weeks before income begins, allow A$6,200 for the bond and rent, including the first two weeks. After move-in, another A$2,480 covers four weeks of rent.
If income takes six weeks to begin, allow for the bond and six weeks of rent. The first two weeks are already part of that six-week total. Add your other moving and living costs separately.
If You Are Thinking Of Buying
WA Treasury reported a Perth median house sale price of A$950,000 for the 12 months to July 2026. That gives a broad market reference; check current homes, deposits, duties and other buying costs for your budget.
Finding Work In Western Australia
Start with the jobs you could apply for and where you would work. Western Australia has a range of industries, including resources, but opportunities depend on your occupation and location.
Compare the trip from each possible home with your work hours and any school or care commitments. Check work rights and professional registration before applying.
2021 Census Income Figures
| Measure | Western Australia | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Median weekly household income | A$1,815 | A$1,746 |
Household Income, Weekly
- WA, 2021
- A$1,815
- Australia, 2021
- A$1,746
These are 2021 household income figures. A current job offer and your own household costs will tell you more about what you can afford.
Schools, Childcare And Study
Search for a school alongside a home. In WA, the local intake area, places and possible fees can depend on your child’s circumstances and visa. Start with the WA education enrolment framework.
Before signing a lease, ask the school or education department about the address, your child’s year level and visa, enrolment documents and any charges. For application steps, see WA enrolment steps.
Ask childcare providers about places, hours and fees near your proposed home. Check Child Care Subsidy eligibility with Services Australia. For further study, compare course costs and travel to campus.
Healthcare And Insurance
Look for routine care near homes on your shortlist. If you need specialist services, compare travel from Perth and regional centres.
Moving From Overseas
Medicare eligibility depends on your circumstances, including residency or visa status; some visitors may be covered under a reciprocal health care agreement. Check who is eligible and how to register, then confirm your own enrolment requirements with Services Australia before relying on cover. Care can have out-of-pocket costs.
Finding Care
WA Health’s service search links to the National Health Services Directory. Contact providers to ask about appointments, fees and travel from your proposed home. Find care through WA Health services search.
Transport And Driving
Try the work, school and care journeys at the hours you would travel, including connections and the trip home.
Could You Manage Without A Car?
For a Perth home, compare the walk or bus to a station with the full train journey. The Yanchep and Mandurah line timetables can help. From 1 January 2026, the standard Go Anywhere cash or contactless fare is A$3.50 for up to three hours of network travel; SmartRider discounts depend on eligibility. Check different transport options for Bunbury and Geraldton.
Bringing A Car Or Transferring A Licence
If you become a WA resident after moving interstate, apply for a WA licence within three months. Overseas-licence rules differ. Check WA Transport guidance and any vehicle-registration steps.
Weather And What To Look For In A Home
At an inspection, look at shade, ventilation, insulation and signs of winter damp. Conditions in the South-West and Mid-West differ from Perth.
At the Perth Metro station, the Bureau of Meteorology reports a January mean maximum of 31.4°C and July mean maximum of 18.5°C. Mean rainfall is 15.9 mm in January and 144.3 mm in July. The BOM table was prepared 9 October 2026; use a local forecast for your move.
People And Community
Statewide figures offer context, but your everyday community will depend on the neighbourhood you choose. Explore nearby shops, groups, sport and family support.
England
7.4%
New Zealand
2.8%
India
2.3%
The chart shows selected 2021 Census birthplace responses; 62.0% of residents were born in Australia.
Finding Your Community
Contact groups close to your proposed home and see whether meeting times and travel work for you. Regional and metropolitan choices may offer different routines.
Exploring Western Australia
Days out can help you get a feel for a potential home base. Check access and park conditions before you go.
Perth And Kings Park
Kings Park has trails, gardens and play areas. It is an easy outing to compare from homes on your Perth shortlist. Visitor information: Kings Park.
Rockingham Coast
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is near Rockingham. Look up access and activities, then see how the trip works from a home you like. Visitor information: Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.
South-West Around Bunbury
Kalgulup Regional Park and the Leschenault foreshores are options around Bunbury. Geraldton offers a separate Mid-West base for exploring its region. Visitor information: Kalgulup Regional Park.
Your First Weeks In Western Australia
Make the main decisions about work, school, care and finances before committing to a rental.
Before You Move
Before moving, check work and visa conditions where relevant, school enrolment and fees, health cover, licence steps and your full household budget. Compare available homes and daily routes.
When You Arrive
On arrival, inspect and document the home, read the rent and bond terms, arrange utilities and try your regular journeys.
After You Have Settled In
Once settled, confirm nearby providers and service times. If you moved interstate, keep track of the WA licence deadline and allow for a delay before regular income begins.
Moving To Western Australia: FAQs
Is Perth Rent The Same Everywhere?
No. The chart shows median new bond rents for the named localities and postcodes from July–September 2026. Look at current listings for the size and type of home you need.
How Much Cash Is Needed Just To Enter A Rental?
The four examples use a four-week bond and two weeks of rent paid at move-in. Check your lease terms and add travel, temporary accommodation and other living costs.
Do We Need A Car?
It depends on your home and the trips your household makes. Check public transport at your usual travel times, particularly outside Perth.
Can My Child Enrol At A Local Public School?
WA local-intake entitlement, available places and possible fees depend on circumstances including visa status. Confirm the proposed address, enrolment year and your child’s subclass with the department.
Does My Visa Include Medicare?
Medicare depends on your circumstances and visa. Check eligibility with Services Australia and budget for any cover or out-of-pocket costs you may need.
Is Bunbury A Perth Suburb?
No. Bunbury is a South-West regional centre with its own jobs and services. Plan transport and healthcare around a Bunbury address.
Oz Unpacked Migration Guides
Planning Your Move To Australia?
If Western Australia feels like a place you could call home, plan the practical steps your move requires.
Our self-guided migration resources help you work through requirements for your own occupation and situation.
Find Your Migration Guide →Explore the guides to find the preparation steps relevant to your situation.
Sources And How This Guide Was Prepared
Copy reviewed 18 October 2026. Population, income and community figures use the 2021 ABS Census; Perth weather figures are averages for the Perth Metro station. The three house examples use REIWA bedroom medians for a rolling three months to September 2026, updated 12–13 October. These figures describe past agreements, not today’s listings.
The rent chart groups all dwelling and bedroom types in each named locality. The Perth couple example uses that pooled median, while the other household examples use house and bedroom figures. Compare each with current homes of the kind you need.
The location maps use OpenStreetMap geometry and published locality coordinates to show the places discussed. Joondalup and Rockingham markers represent administrative-suburb centres rather than rail stations. The watercolours illustrate contemporary Western Australian settings; neither the maps nor illustrations show a particular available home or route.
The July–September 2026 WA rent chart is based on a third-party republication of WA government bond-lodgement records. It reports new bond lodgements for the named localities and postcodes, with dwelling and bedroom types pooled.
Reference Links
- Census: 2021 Western Australia Census
- Rent: WA bond-lodgement data, July–September 2026
- Rent: REIWA Joondalup suburb data
- Rent: REIWA Rockingham suburb data
- Rent: REIWA Bunbury suburb data
- Buying: WA Treasury housing-market data
- Census: 2021 Australia Census
- Transport: Transperth fares
- Weather: Bureau of Meteorology station data
- Maps: OpenStreetMap contributors
