Cost of Living in Western Australia (2025-2026)
The cost of living in Western Australia is 100% of the national average (Australia average = 100). Housing, utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare costs all contribute to the overall cost of living index.
Quick Answer
The cost of living in Western Australia is 100% of the Australia average. Housing costs 95% of the national average, utilities 105%, food 102%, transportation 105%, and healthcare 93%.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of living in Western Australia is 0% lower than the Australia national average (index: 100 vs. 100).
- Housing in Western Australia is 5% less expensive than the national average.
- A salary of A$90,000 in Western Australia has the purchasing power of about A$90,000 in an average-cost Australia area.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Western Australia Index | Australia Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0% |
| Housing | 95 | 100 | -5% |
| Utilities | 105 | 100 | +5% |
| Food | 102 | 100 | +2% |
| Transportation | 105 | 100 | +5% |
| Healthcare | 93 | 100 | -7% |
Base: Australia average = 100. Values above 100 indicate above-average costs.
Calculate Your Budget in Western Australia
Use our free calculators to estimate your salary, mortgage, and taxes in Western Australia.
Western Australia Cost of Living Overview
The cost of living in Western Australia is 100% of the national average, meaning residents pay approximately 0% lower for goods and services compared to the typical Australia household.
For context, a household earning the Western Australia average salary of A$90,000 per year has an effective purchasing power of about A$90,000 when adjusted for national cost differences.
Housing Costs in Western Australia
Housing is typically the largest expense for households, and in Western Australia it is 5% below the national average (index: 95).
Use our mortgage calculator to estimate monthly payments based on current interest rates and home prices in Western Australia.
Utilities, Food, and Transportation in Western Australia
Beyond housing, the main cost categories in Western Australia are:
Utilities (index: 105): Above the national average by 5%. Food (index: 102): 2% above the national average. Transportation (index: 105): 5% above the national average. Healthcare (index: 93): 7% below the national average.
Salary vs. Cost of Living in Western Australia
The relationship between salary and cost of living is essential for financial planning. The average salary in Western Australia is A$90,000 per year. When adjusted for the cost of living index of 100, this salary provides a standard of living equivalent to earning approximately A$90,000 in a typical Australia city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Western Australia?
The cost of living in Western Australia is 100% of the Australia average, meaning expenses are 0% lower than the typical household.
How much does housing cost in Western Australia?
Housing in Western Australia has a cost index of 95 (national average: 100), making it 5% less expensive than the national average.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Western Australia?
Based on the cost of living index of 100, you would need approximately A$90,000 in Western Australia to maintain the same standard of living as the national average salary.
How does Western Australia cost of living compare to other regions?
Western Australia's cost of living index of 100 places it lower than the Australia national average.
Sources
- Government statistics, Australia
- Cost of living research data, Australia
- National real estate data, Australia
Last updated: June 2026