Moving to Perth

What’s it like to live in Perth?

Perth, Western Australia’s capital city, is located on the Swan River, lying between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Scarp Ranges, making it one of the most isolated cities in the world. Yet, it is the fourth largest city in Australia, home to over 2.2 million people, with over 33,000 of these locals being Kiwis. Perth has earned itself the title of sunniest city in Australia, with temperatures in summer averaging 25 oc. It’s also home to some of Australia’s best botanical gardens, parks, and the famous Cottesloe Beach.

If that isn’t reason enough to cross the ditch, here are a few more reasons people are moving from NZ to Perth.

Reasons to Move to Perth

In Perth, people prioritise work-life balance, the locals are friendly, and there is an overall laidback lifestyle. With shorter commutes due to less traffic, flexible workdays, and a lower crime rate, it is no wonder Perth has been voted one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Perth is also an incredibly affordable city, with the average cost for a single person estimated to be $1,431 a month without rent and for a family of four, around $5,146 a month excluding rent.

Affordable Housing

If you’re looking to buy a home in Perth, your dollar goes a long way. With a median house price of roughly $525,000, it is the cheapest capital city in Australia. Compared to Melbourne at $1.125 million and $1.6 million in Sydney.

If you’re looking at moving from NZ to Perth, the average monthly cost of a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre is $2,829 compared to $3,664 in Auckland – that is 29.55% lower!

Popular Suburbs in Perth:

Dalkeith – Perth’s most affluent suburb, is popular with families and people looking for larger homes. Located on the peninsula of the Swan River, it is a low-traffic area with quiet, leafy streets. With 8 parks and many reserves, all within walking distance, Dalkeith is a beautiful suburb the whole family can enjoy.

Swanbourne – Located 10km from the CBD, this beachside suburb is another popular choice for families.  It has an excellent array of schools, parks, walking tracks, cafes, and restaurants, all within easy reach. Popular facilities include Swanbourne Beach, the Cottesloe Golf Club, and Allen Park, which has tennis, football, and cricket facilities.

Northbridge – This vibrant suburb is perfect for millennials and is located only one kilometre from the CBD, making it an easy commute to work.

There is an array of bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and clubs right at your doorstep, and Northbridge is home to the Perth Cultural Centre and the annual Fringe Festival.

Quality Education Options

If you’re an international student looking at moving from NZ to Perth, you’re in luck with five world-class universities to choose from.

Notre Dame University is a popular choice with international students as it ranks number one for the best international student experience.

The University of Western Australia is popular with students interested in Medicine, Science, Nutrition, Psychology, and Communications and is ranked 86th in the world.

Other universities include Curtin University, Murdoch University, and Edith Cowan University.

Relocating to Perth with kids? Perth also has a fantastic range of public and private schools to choose from. Popular schools with ex-pats include All Saints College and Guildford Grammar School, which are co-ed schools that teach from age four to age 18 (primary to secondary school).

Jobs in Perth

If you are interested in a career in resources, energy, mining, or technology, then Perth is the perfect place for you. It is recognised internationally for its expertise in these fields and is home to eight of the world’s top international energy companies.

What’s more, Perth currently has a skills shortage and is after an additional 40,000 skilled labour workers. Other popular industries include agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, professional services, and education.

Vibrant Arts & Entertainment Scene

While Melbourne might be the cultural capital of Australia, Perth isn’t far behind. Perth has an abundance of cultural experiences and attractions to explore. If you are moving from NZ to Perth and you love live music, theatre, comedy, dance, or visual arts, you can experience it all here.

Popular attractions include the Art Gallery of Western Australia, which showcases artwork from the 1800s to now, and the Boola Bardip Museum, which tells the stories of the local Whadjuk Nyooar tribe who have occupied western Australia for over 40,000 years.