Is Perth cheaper than Melbourne for cost of living?

Generally, yes — Perth is usually cheaper than Melbourne for cost of living, especially on housing. A practical rule of thumb is that a similar lifestyle in Perth often costs about 5%–15% less overall than in Melbourne, but that gap can narrow a lot depending on suburb, rent vs. buying, commute, and car ownership.

• Renting: Perth is often about $50–$150 per week cheaper for comparable homes in many areas.
• Buying: Melbourne usually has higher median prices in more neighborhoods, though specific suburbs can flip the comparison.
• Transport: Perth can be cheaper if you have a simple commute, but car-heavy living can add $100+ per week in fuel, parking, and maintenance.
• Everyday spending: Groceries, utilities, and dining out can be similar, with small local differences rather than a huge city-wide gap.

If you want to compare accurately, check current rents and sold listings for the exact suburbs and household type you’d live in, because city averages can hide big differences and prices change over time.