Is Perth expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Perth is expensive by global standards, though slightly cheaper than Sydney for hotels. A budget day is about A$140 per person and a mid-range day about A$305; eating out, alcohol and day trips such as Rottnest Island cost more than in most of Europe.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | A$60 | A$130 | A$260 |
| Food & drink | A$50 | A$90 | A$170 |
| Sights & tickets | A$20 | A$60 | A$120 |
| Local transport | A$10 | A$25 | A$50 |
| Per person, per day | A$140 | A$305 | A$600 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Perth day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Flat white | about A$5–6 |
| Pint of beer in a pub | about A$12–15 |
| Main at a Northbridge restaurant | about A$20–40 |
| Transperth train or bus ride | about A$3–5 |
| Free CAT bus in the city centre | free |
| Fremantle Prison tour | about A$25–30 |
| Rottnest Island ferry with admission, return | about A$80–120 |
| Northbridge hostel private double | about A$80–140 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Beds and meals take most of the budget: Northbridge hostels cost about A$80–140 for a double, central hotels A$200–320 and beachfront hotels A$350–700. Restaurant meals and drinks are expensive, so self-catering makes a big difference. Day trips are the other major cost: Rottnest's ferry and admission (about A$80–120) plus bike hire, or a rental car (about A$60–100 a day) for the Pinnacles, Swan Valley and Margaret River. City transport is cheap, and many top sights (Kings Park, WA Museum Boola Bardip, the beaches) are free.
When it is cheaper
June to August, the mild, wet winter, usually brings lower hotel rates and fewer crowds; December–January (summer holidays) and school holidays are the most expensive.
How to spend less
- Use the free CAT buses that loop around the city centre.
- Visit the free attractions: Kings Park, WA Museum Boola Bardip, Elizabeth Quay and the beaches.
- Cook in hostel or apartment kitchens and shop at supermarkets.
- Book Rottnest ferries online in advance and look for off-peak or combined deals.
- Split a rental car for the Pinnacles or Swan Valley rather than joining separate tours.
- Drink at happy hours or buy from bottle shops; bar prices are high.
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Common questions
Is Perth expensive?
Yes by global standards, especially for eating out and alcohol: about A$140 a day on a budget and A$305 mid-range.
How much does a Rottnest day trip cost?
About A$80–120 for the ferry with island admission, plus about A$30–40 for bike hire.
Does Western Australia have a tourist tax?
No, there is no tourist tax in Western Australia.