Moving to Australia — Relocation Made Simple
Perth
WA | Updated June 2026

Moving to Perth

Australia's Sunniest Capital

Quick Answer:

Median rent $730/week. Avg salary $92k (highest outside Sydney). Best for mining, engineering, healthcare. WA has easiest state nomination. Isolated but stunning beaches and lifestyle.

2.1 million
$730/week median rent
Mediterranean

Perth is Australia's most isolated major city, but offers stunning beaches, a Mediterranean climate, and a strong resources-driven economy. The city has a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and is closer to Asia than to eastern Australia.

Visa Pathways for Perth

Available Visa Types

190491494 (Employer Sponsored Regional)

Priority Occupations for WA

Mining EngineerMechanical EngineerRegistered NurseChefMotor Mechanic

State Nomination Requirements

WA actively seeking skilled workers. Lower barriers than eastern states.

Processing Advantage

WA has fastest 190 processing (often under 4 weeks) and lowest competition

Learn About Skilled Visas

Expat Community Insights

Largest Expat Communities

BritishSouth AfricanNew ZealandIndianMalaysian

Time to Settle

1-3 months to feel settled (friendly community)

Best Time to Arrive

March-May or September-November (perfect weather)

Expat Groups to Join

  • British Expats Perth
  • Poms in Perth
  • South Africans in WA
Perth suburbs ordered by commute, with their asking price bandNorthbridge, Entertainment hub, $$$, 5 min to CBD. Subiaco, Village atmosphere, $$$, 10 min to CBD. Cottesloe, Beach lifestyle, $$$$, 15 min to CBD. Scarborough, Beach suburb, $$$, 20 min to CBD. Fremantle, Historic port town, $$$, 25 min to CBD. Joondalup, Northern suburbs, $$, 30 min to CBD. Ordered by travel time, the price bands do not ascend or descend with it.Cheaper does not mean further outPerth, ordered by commute — the bands do not followtravel timeasking bandNorthbridge5$$$Subiaco10$$$Cottesloe15$$$$Scarborough20$$$Fremantle25$$$Joondalup30$$Minutes to CBD. Cottesloe is the one that breaks the pattern.
The assumption worth dropping before you start looking. Price band and travel time do not track each other in Perth: the dearest suburbs here are not the closest in, and the cheapest are not the furthest out. What you are paying for is character — water, nightlife, heritage streets — not minutes saved. Pick the commute you can live with, then choose within it.

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