Home is where the heart is, right? But when life moves you from city to city—whether for a dream job, a partner, the weather, or simply a change—home doesn’t always feel like home. It takes more than a new address change checklist to truly make a place your own.
And it all begins with the bittersweet feeling of packing up everything you own so you can unpack your old memories and make new ones in the new city.
Of course, it’s not going to be easy. We’re going to have to be practical here. Relocating and setting up can take a toll on you mentally, physically and most importantly financially. And we can prepare you for the later one.
Understanding the average cost of living and home relocation in Western Australia (WA) is essential for anyone planning to move to or within the region.
Below is a home relocation checklist to help you navigate these expenses effectively:
- Housing and Property Prices
As of June 2024, the median house price across WA’s capital cities is approximately AUD 975,592.
- Renting Costs in Perth: Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around AUD 2,300-2,700 per month.
- Renting Costs in Regional Areas: More affordable options with rents often below AUD 1,500 per month.
- Buying a Home in Australia
- House Prices in Perth: Median house price around AUD 550,000.
- House Prices in Regional Towns: Homes can be found for significantly less, sometimes around AUD 300,000 or lower.
Here’s How You Can Save on Housing:
- Refinance Your Mortgage: Contact your bank annually for better interest rates or consider switching lenders.
- Downsize: Reduce your home size to lower mortgage or rent payments.
- Extend Loan Terms: Discuss options with your lender to make payments more manageable.
- Education Costs
- School Fees: Public Primary Schools: Annual fees around AUD 158.
- Independent Secondary Schools: Annual fees averaging up to AUD 12,860.
- Government Funding: Students pay a portion ranging from AUD 8,500 to AUD 94,000 per year.
Here’s How You Can Save on Education:
- Consider Alternatives: Opt for public universities or TAFE institutions with lower fees.
- Seek Scholarships and Grants: Research available scholarships based on merit, need, or specific fields.
3. Child Care Costs
Average Daily Costs: National Average: Approximately AUD 130 per day.
Major Cities:
- Brisbane: AUD 150.22
- Melbourne: AUD 162.28
- Perth: AUD 157.18
- Regional Areas: More affordable options like Cairns (AUD 115) and Broome (AUD 121) per day.
Here’s How You Can You Save on Child Care:
- Child Care Subsidy (CCS): Apply for financial relief if eligible.
- Family and Friends: Utilise support from relatives to reduce costs.
- Transportation Costs
Public Transport:
- Fares: Single trips range from AUD 2.20 to AUD 8.69 in capital cities.
- Monthly Passes: Around AUD 120-150.
Car Ownership:
- Fuel Prices: Approximately AUD 1.90-2.20 per litre.
- Annual Costs: Car insurance between AUD 600-1,200.
- Average Household Spend: Around AUD 384.86 weekly on car-related expenses.
Here’s How You Can Save on Transportation:
- Use Public Transport: Reduce reliance on cars to save on gas, tolls, and parking.
- Find Cheap Gas: Utilise apps to compare fuel prices.
- Consider Electric Vehicles: Save on long-term fuel costs.
5. Healthcare Costs
Medicare Coverage:
- What’s Covered: General consultations, diagnostic tests, some hospital treatments.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Gap payments, medication co-pays, ambulance fees.
Here’s How You Can Manage Healthcare Costs:
Private Health Insurance: Consider for additional coverage beyond Medicare.
6. Utility Costs
- Electricity: Around AUD 165.
- Gas: Approximately AUD 66.
- Water: Between AUD 75-110.
Here’s How You Can Save on Utilities:
- Switch Providers: Regularly compare and switch to the cheapest provider.
- Reduce Usage: Implement energy-saving measures like turning off electronics and using efficient appliances.
- Invest in Efficiency: Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and consider solar power or insulation improvements.
7. Food & Grocery Costs
- Household of Four: Approximately AUD 752 per month.
- Singles: Around AUD 100 per week.
- Families of Five or More: Up to AUD 200 weekly.
Here’s How You Can Save on Groceries:
- Bulk Buying: Purchase non-perishable items in bulk.
- Choose Cheaper Proteins: Incorporate lentils and other affordable protein sources.
- Cook from Scratch: Save money by preparing meals at home.
8. Cost of Living in Different Areas of Western Australia
Perth:
- Overall Cost: About 3% more expensive than other Australian cities.
- Rent Advantage: Approximately 29.2% cheaper than Sydney.
Monthly Expenses:
- Family of Four: Around AUD 6,455.30 (excluding rent).
- Single Person: Approximately AUD 1,836 (excluding rent).
Regional Areas:
- More Affordable Housing: Lower median house prices and rent.
- Overall Cost: Generally lower living expenses compared to Perth.
9. Home Relocation Costs in Western Australia
Local Moves:
- Average Cost: AUD 800-1,200 for a standard two-bedroom home.
- Hourly Rate: AUD 110-160 for two removalists and a truck.
Interstate Moves:
- Average Cost: AUD 4,000-7,000 for a three-bedroom house.
- Includes: Packing services, transportation, and sometimes temporary storage.
Additional Costs:
- Packing Services: AUD 300-600 depending on the volume.
- Storage Units: AUD 150-350 per month.
- Moving Insurance: Typically 1-3% of the declared value of your items.
Here’s How You Can Save on Relocation:
- Plan Ahead: Book removalists early for better rates.
- Downsize: Reduce belongings to lower moving costs.
- Compare Quotes: Get multiple quotes from removalist companies.
- Self-Pack: Save on packing service costs by packing yourself.
Conclusion
Western Australia (WA) is a diverse and beautiful region, home to some of the most picturesque landscapes and vibrant cities in the country. From the bustling capital city of Perth to quieter coastal towns and rural areas, the cost of living and home relocation can vary significantly. If you’re planning a move to Western Australia, whether for work, family, or lifestyle reasons, it’s important to understand the costs involved in both day-to-day life and the logistics of relocating your home.
At Crusader Removals, we pride ourselves on being your reliable and professional home relocation partners. Whether you’re relocating locally within Perth, to a regional town, or moving interstate, we can help make your move stress-free. Contact us today for a quote and let us handle the heavy lifting!