Compare the cost of living in Adelaide and Perth in 2025—housing, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare, and lifestyle insights for informed relocation choices.
Introduction
Choosing between Adelaide and Perth in 2025 means weighing lifestyle and affordability carefully. While both cities offer excellent quality of life, understanding the differences in living expenses, housing, and salaries can help you decide which city suits your financial and lifestyle needs best.
Housing Costs and Rental Prices: Affordability Edge in Adelaide
Housing is a major factor in cost of living differences between Adelaide and Perth. Adelaide is generally more affordable, with median rents for one-bedroom apartments downtown averaging about AUD 1,335 monthly, compared to Perth’s AUD 1,429. For families, three-bedroom rentals are also cheaper in Adelaide (around AUD 1,884) versus Perth (approximately AUD 2,388). Property buying costs follow similar trends; suburban house prices in Adelaide are higher per square meter but the overall market is more accessible. Perth offers more recent housing developments and some cheaper land prices, but overall rental and mortgage expenses remain higher. This makes Adelaide a more feasible option for renters and first home buyers seeking affordability.
Living Expenses: Groceries, Utilities, Transportation, and Healthcare
Day-to-day costs favor Adelaide by a small margin. Grocery prices such as milk, bread, and vegetables are largely comparable with slight variations; for example, eggs and fruits tend to cost less in Adelaide. Utilities, including electricity, heating, and water, are slightly higher in Adelaide, with average monthly bills for a single person around AUD 120 compared to Perth’s AUD 96. Internet plans and local public transport costs are similar, though Perth has a marginally higher transport expense (about AUD 77 monthly vs. Adelaide’s AUD 76). Healthcare out-of-pocket costs are slightly higher in Perth, particularly for private services and medical visits, but both cities provide strong public health systems. Overall, Adelaide edges out Perth in smaller living costs, easing monthly budgets.
Salaries, Lifestyle, and Quality of Life: Balancing Income and Comfort
Perth offers a higher average after-tax salary (around AUD 3,814 monthly) compared to Adelaide (AUD 3,332). Higher salaries in Perth reflect demand in resource-driven industries, while Adelaide’s economy is broader with strengths in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Quality of life scores are close, with Perth rated slightly higher, benefiting from coastal living, outdoor recreation, and a larger population. Adelaide boasts a slower pace, excellent cultural scenes, and lower population density, appealing to those seeking a relaxed yet connected lifestyle. Both cities rank highly for air quality and livability, but your choice may hinge on priorities such as career prospects versus cost savings.
Conclusion
In 2025, Adelaide offers a more affordable cost of living mainly due to cheaper rental and grocery costs, while Perth compensates with higher salaries and vibrant coastal lifestyle benefits. Prospective residents can choose Adelaide for affordability and cultural charm or Perth for better income potential and dynamic growth sectors. Careful consideration of housing expenses, everyday costs, and lifestyle preferences will guide the best city decision.