City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Australia
COL index 70.2
Australia
COL index 82.4
Perth vs Sydney — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Perth is 14.8% cheaper than Sydney for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Perth | Metric | Sydney | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70.2 | Cost of living index | 82.4 | +17.4% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €43,283 | Net at €50,000 gross | €43,283 | 0.0% |
| €1,780 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,480 | +39.3% |
| €2,583 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,421 | +32.4% |
| €61,657 | PPP — net / COL | €52,528 | -14.8% |
| 13.4% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 13.4% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Australia = €3,607 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Sydney, you would need roughly €61,144 gross in Australia (≈ €4,234 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
Affiliate disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. WorthOf may earn a commission if you sign up. This does not affect our data, our methodology, or our editorial independence.
Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,780)
- +Favourable tax rate (13.4%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (49.3%)
- −High cost of living (index 82)
- +Favourable tax rate (13.4%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (68.8%)
The verdict
Across the data, Perth carries a lower cost-of-living index; Perth wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Perth edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Perth cheaper than Sydney?+
Perth is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Perth 70.2, Sydney 82.4 — a 14.8% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Perth and Sydney?+
Perth sits at 70.2 on our COL index, Sydney at 82.4. That works out to roughly 14.8% — Perth being the cheaper of the two.
Is Perth a good place to live compared to Sydney?+
It depends on priorities. Perth delivers €43,283 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 13.4% effective tax rate. Sydney delivers €43,283 at 13.4%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,780 vs €2,480.
How do salaries compare in Perth vs Sydney?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €43,283/year (€3,607/month) in Perth and €43,283/year (€3,607/month) in Sydney.
Which city has lower taxes, Perth or Sydney?+
Australia has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Australia 13.4%, Australia 13.4%.
More Perth comparisons
Add more pairs to see related ones here.