Hobart vs Perth
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Hobart | Perth |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 255,000 | 2.3 million |
| State | Tasmania | Western Australia |
| Median house price2 | $680k | $800k |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $550 | $680 |
| Average summer day3 | 22°C | 31°C |
| Average winter day3 | 12°C | 19°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 600 mm | 730 mm |
| Time zone4 | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving | AWST (UTC+8) |
| Main industries5 | Tourism, health, Antarctic science, aquaculture | Mining and resources, construction, health |
Hobart is 2 hours ahead of Perth in winter. Hobart 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: Hobart and Perth beyond the numbers
What each city is known for
Hobart. MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art), Salamanca Market, the Dark Mofo winter festival, fresh seafood, and kunanyi/Mt Wellington rising behind the harbour.
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
Hobart. Metro Tasmania buses and a ferry service on the Derwent. There is no passenger rail. The city is compact but most people drive, and the Tasman Bridge is the main bottleneck.
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
Hobart. AFL is the main code, and a Tasmanian AFL team is in development with a new stadium planned at Macquarie Point. Cricket is played at Blundstone Arena.
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
Hobart. Small-city calm, close to wilderness and wineries. It is cooler than the mainland. Housing has become much less affordable relative to local wages.
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: Metro Tasmania · Discover Tasmania · Transperth · Tourism Western Australia