Palmers Guide to Moving to Perth
Why Move to Perth?
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, offers the perfect balance of sunshine, opportunity, and relaxed living. Known for its rich gold rush history and thriving mining and resources sector, Perth has transformed into a cosmopolitan city with a strong economy and a friendly, outdoorsy culture.
Whether you’re drawn to its pristine beaches, great weather, or strong job market, moving to Perth means enjoying a slower pace of life without sacrificing big-city convenience.
Living in Perth: What to Expect
Like most Australian capitals, Perth’s city centre is more of a business hub than a residential one. Most people settle in the surrounding suburbs, each offering its own unique character:
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Western Suburbs: Once working-class, now home to leafy streets, trendy cafés, and modern family homes.
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Northern Perth: Historically a hub for European immigrants, still rich in Italian, Greek, and Macedonian culture, now buzzing with new eateries and urban renewal.
No matter where you live, you’ll find easy access to open spaces, coastal walks, and friendly communities.
Climate in Perth
Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate — hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. With more sunny days than any other Australian capital (around 186 clear days per year!), you’ll spend plenty of time outdoors. Beach trips, barbecues, and after-work swims are just part of daily life here.
Cost of Living
Compared to Sydney or Melbourne, Perth offers excellent value for money. Rent prices are around 40% lower than Sydney’s, while overall consumer costs are slightly cheaper. Purchasing power is strong, thanks to competitive salaries in the mining, construction, and technology sectors.
Groceries and dining out can be a bit pricier, but overall, most newcomers find Perth a financially sound choice — especially for families seeking space and lifestyle balance.
Getting Around Perth
Traffic in Perth is noticeably lighter than in Australia’s eastern capitals. The city’s layout, with three freeways and nine highways, keeps commuting relatively smooth.
Public transport is efficient too — Transperth operates trains, buses, and ferries, including free transit zones within the city centre. Many locals take advantage of these for quick, cost-free trips around the CBD.
Infrastructure and Services
Perth offers strong infrastructure, including ten major hospitals and expanding healthcare facilities to meet population growth. Families have access to excellent schools, and retirees appreciate the city’s clean, well-managed neighbourhoods.
The city also boasts Kings Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, plus a wide range of cultural and entertainment attractions — from the Perth Zoo and Scitech Discovery Centre to museums, national parks, and waterfront dining.
Culture and Lifestyle
Perth’s relative isolation has helped shape a distinct local identity. It’s a place that values creativity, community, and the outdoors. From its white-sand beaches and surf culture to the Swan Valley wine region and iconic music scene (think Tame Impala and Birds of Tokyo), Perth has its own rhythm and warmth that quickly make newcomers feel at home.
3 Tips for Moving to Perth
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Take advantage of free city transport and less congestion — driving here is refreshingly easy.
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Explore local flavours — from craft beer to world-class wines and fresh seafood.
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Respect the waves — Perth’s beaches are stunning, but ocean conditions can change quickly.
Start Planning Your Move
Moving to Perth can be an exciting new chapter — and with the right support, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Palmers Relocations has helped thousands of families and professionals relocate to Western Australia with ease. From expert packing to secure transport and storage, we make your move simple and seamless.
Get in touch today for a free quote, and let’s start planning your move to Perth.