Perth vs Sydney
Cost of living, weather, jobs and lifestyle, side by side. Pick any two cities to switch.
| Fact | Perth | Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 2.3 million | 5.5 million |
| State | Western Australia | New South Wales |
| Median house price2 | $800k | $1.5M |
| Median weekly rent (house)2 | $680 | $750 |
| Average summer day3 | 31°C | 26°C |
| Average winter day3 | 19°C | 17°C |
| Annual rainfall3 | 730 mm | 1200 mm |
| Time zone4 | AWST (UTC+8) | AEST (UTC+10), daylight saving |
| Main industries5 | Mining and resources, construction, health | Finance, professional services, tech, tourism |
Sydney is 2 hours ahead of Perth in winter. Sydney 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: Perth and Sydney beyond the numbers
What each city is known for
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.
Sydney. The Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and more than 100 beaches, from Bondi and Manly to quieter northern bays. It is Australia's finance capital and its most international city.
Getting around
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.
Sydney. A large Sydney Trains and Metro network plus ferries on the harbour, but the city is spread out and many people drive. Sydney has the most toll roads in the country, and regular commuters can pay thousands of dollars a year in tolls.
Sport
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.
Sydney. Rugby league is the dominant code (the NRL was born here), with AFL, cricket and the A-League also strong. Major venues include the SCG, Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park and the rebuilt Allianz Stadium.
Day-to-day life
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.
Sydney. Outdoor, beach-centred living with long warm seasons. The trade-off is cost: housing takes a bigger share of income than anywhere else in Australia, so many people live far from where they work.
Sources: Transperth · Tourism Western Australia · Transport for NSW · Destination NSW