Canberra vs Perth
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Canberra | Perth |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 470,000 | 2.3 million |
| State | ACT | Western Australia |
| Median house price2 | $980k | $800k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $680 | $680 |
| Average summer day3 | 28°C | 31°C |
| Average winter day3 | 12°C | 19°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 620 mm | 730 mm |
| Time zone4 | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving | AWST (UTC+8) |
| Main industries5 | Federal public service, defence, education | Mining and resources, construction, health |
Canberra is 2 hours ahead of Perth in winter. Canberra 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: Canberra and Perth beyond the numbers
What each city is known for
Canberra. Parliament House, national museums and galleries, Lake Burley Griffin, and a city built around bush 'nature reserves'. It is the home of the federal public service.
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
Canberra. Buses plus a light rail line from Gungahlin to the city, being extended south. Roads are wide and congestion is light compared with the big capitals, and there are no tolls.
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
Canberra. Rugby league (Raiders) and rugby union (Brumbies) are the biggest codes. Manuka Oval hosts cricket and some AFL games for the GWS Giants.
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
Canberra. Quiet, green and family-friendly, with some of the highest household incomes in Australia. Winters are frosty and summers are dry. Many people find the social scene smaller than in other capitals.
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: Transport Canberra · VisitCanberra · Transperth · Tourism Western Australia