Adelaide vs Perth
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Adelaide | Perth |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 1.4 million | 2.3 million |
| State | South Australia | Western Australia |
| Median house price2 | $820k | $800k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $570 | $680 |
| Average summer day3 | 29°C | 31°C |
| Average winter day3 | 15°C | 19°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 540 mm | 730 mm |
| Time zone4 | ACST (UTC+9.5), daylight saving | AWST (UTC+8) |
| Main industries5 | Defence, health, education, wine and food | Mining and resources, construction, health |
Adelaide is 1.5 hours ahead of Perth in winter. Adelaide uses daylight saving, so the gap changes by an hour from October to April. Figures are rounded, indicative values and are a guide only.
What it's really like: Adelaide and Perth beyond the numbers
What each city is known for
Adelaide. The festival city: the Adelaide Fringe, Festival and WOMADelaide each March. It is also close to the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills wine regions.
Perth. Long white-sand beaches, Kings Park, Rottnest Island and its quokkas, and some of the sunniest weather of any Australian capital. It is one of the most isolated big cities in the world.
Getting around
Adelaide. Buses, trains and a single tram line through the city to Glenelg beach. The grid layout and short commutes make driving easy, and there are no toll roads.
Perth. Transperth runs trains, buses and ferries, and the network has expanded with Metronet. Perth has no toll roads, and freeways make driving the norm.
Sport
Adelaide. AFL leads, with the Crows and Port Adelaide playing at Adelaide Oval, one of the country's best-loved grounds. It also hosts cricket and the AFL Gather Round.
Perth. AFL dominates, with the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers sharing Optus Stadium (60,000 seats). Cricket and the Western Force (rugby union) also have strong followings.
Day-to-day life
Adelaide. Short commutes, an easy pace and a strong food and wine scene. It is among the cheaper mainland capitals, though prices have climbed quickly in recent years.
Perth. Beach-and-backyard living with a slower pace. Mining work, including fly-in fly-out jobs, shapes the economy. Being three hours behind the east coast in winter takes some getting used to.
Sources: Adelaide Metro · South Australian Tourism Commission · Transperth · Tourism Western Australia