Perth is Western Australia’s capital city, and it ranks as Australia’s sunniest metro area, boasting over 3,200 hours of sunshine each year. With approximately 2.1 million residents and a Mediterranean climate offering hot, dry summers and mild winters, it’s easy to see why this western hub attracts families, young professionals and expats seeking an outdoor lifestyle.
Whether you’re drawn to the amazing beaches dotted along the Indian Ocean, the scenic Swan River foreshore or the vibrant urban precincts full of lively cafes, Perth has something to offer. Below, we’ve taken a look at the best places to live in Perth, comparing suburbs based on the things that really matter when you’re deciding where to call home.
What You Need to Know
- Perth offers a mix of beach, riverside, inner-city and family-friendly suburbs.
- South Perth, Cottesloe and Subiaco are premium areas with higher property prices.
- Joondalup, Victoria Park and Scarborough can offer better value for movers.
- Fremantle and Mount Lawley suit those wanting culture, cafés and a stronger local feel.
- Budget, commute, schools and lifestyle should guide where you live in Perth.
How We Chose the Best Suburbs in Perth
Before you find accommodation in Perth, you need to decide which specific suburb to move to. Selecting the top suburbs in Perth means looking at a whole host of factors, including:
Affordability and Housing Costs
- Median house prices range from $850,000 in outer growth areas to $2.5 million in premium beachfront locations
- Rental yields are typically between 3.8% and 5.1%
- Modern apartments vs. the availability of luxury homes
Transportation and Access
- Proximity to the central business district
- Public transport options, including train stations and bus routes
- Metronet rail extensions improving connectivity
Safety and Community
- Crime rates reported by local police compared to Perth averages
- Community spirit and neighbourhood feel
- Community events and engagement
Education and Amenities
- Good schools with strong NAPLAN performance
- Proximity to reputable schools and high schools
- Access to Perth College, Curtin University or Edith Cowan University
Lifestyle Factors
- Beach access, local parks and recreational spaces
- Shopping centres and boutique shopping options
- Café culture, restaurants and entertainment
Top 8 Best Places to Live in Perth, Australia
1. South Perth
South Perth sits directly across the Swan River from the Perth CBD, offering panoramic city skyline views and a short walk to the ferry terminal, where a speedy 6 minute crossing will transport you to Elizabeth Quay.
Why It Stands Out: South Perth combines a premium location with excellent accessibility. The Swan River provides kilometres of walking paths for cycling and jogging, while easy access to the Kwinana Freeway and multiple bus routes make commuting straightforward.
Best For: Professionals who want to be close to the city centre, young families wanting excellent schools and retirees seeking riverside dining and cultural amenities.
Key Strengths:
- Perth Zoo attracts over 800,000 visitors yearly
- Mends Street dining precinct with waterfront restaurants
- South Perth Primary is rated in the top 10% statewide
- Household incomes averaging over $150,000
- Steady 8-10% annual capital growth
Possible Limitations: Median house prices around $1.6 million and units at $750,000 place South Perth among the city’s premium markets. Parking shortages exist in busier areas, though new apartment developments aim to address this.
2. Cottesloe
Cottesloe is located 12km west of the Perth CBD, and it’s famous for having one of the best beaches in Perth, which boasts pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters along the Indian Ocean.
Why It Stands Out: Consistently ranked as Perth’s top beach destination, Cottesloe hosts the annual Sculpture by the Sea event, drawing international crowds. Ocean breezes make summer heat manageable, creating comfortable conditions year-round.
Best For: Beach lovers, families wanting a coastal lifestyle and professionals looking to invest in premium waterfront living.
Key Strengths:
- Walking distance to surf breaks and snorkelling reefs
- Beachside cafes, including the legendary Ocean Beach Hotel
- Fremantle train line access for 20-minute CBD trips
- Vacancy rates under 1% indicating strong demand
- Cottesloe Primary among well-regarded local schools
- 12-15% property growth through 2025
Possible Limitations: Median house prices around $2.5 million make Cottesloe Perth’s most expensive beach suburb. Tourist crowds increase summer populations by 50%, creating parking challenges during peak times.
3. Fremantle
Fremantle is a historic port city located 20km southwest of the CBD, and it acts as Perth’s cultural centre. It has over 150 listed buildings and a diverse population of artists, musicians and maritime workers.
Why It Stands Out: The Fremantle Markets host 150 stalls weekly, offering fresh produce, crafts and street food. Live music venues like The Flytrap and craft breweries, including Little Creatures, create a vibrant atmosphere unmatched elsewhere in Western Australia.
Best For: Creatives, young professionals, culture enthusiasts and those seeking a multicultural population with strong community services.
Key Strengths:
- Heritage architecture dating to the 1829 Swan River Colony
- University of Notre Dame campus
- Fishing boat harbour with waterfront dining
- Train station providing direct CBD access
- 0% rental yields
- Strong community events calendar
Possible Limitations: Weekend noise from markets and events, parking issues near the strip, and older housing stock requiring renovations. Property prices average $1.2 million.
4. Subiaco
Subiaco is a sophisticated suburb, located 4km from the Perth CBD. The area is characterised by leafy streets lined with Federation and Art Deco homes, boutique shopping on Rokeby Road, and proximity to Kings Park.
Why It Stands Out: Subiaco perfectly blends urban lifestyle with suburban feel. The weekly Subiaco Farmers Market sources from 150 local producers, and the Regal Theatre hosts independent films and cultural performances.
Best For: Professionals and families wanting inner-city living with its own character, excellent schooling and walkable amenities within the town centre.
Key Strengths:
- Subiaco Primary and Shenton College are in the top 5% NAPLAN performers
- Train station offering 7 minute CBD rides
- Beautiful parks and walking trails
- Proximity to the Fiona Stanley Hospital catchment area
- 10% annual growth trajectory
Possible Limitations: Median prices exceeding $1.8 million, competitive rental market with properties selling in under 10 days, and traffic congestion on Nicholson Road during peak hours.
5. Joondalup
Joondalup is a northern suburb located 26km from the CBD. It functions as a regional centre boasting lakes, Lakeside Joondalup shopping complex with 360 stores and major educational institutions.
Why It Stands Out: Joondalup offers affordable suburban options with comprehensive amenities, making it popular among young families seeking value without sacrificing facilities.
Best For: Families, international students and budget-conscious buyers wanting job market access in the northern corridor.
Key Strengths:
- Edith Cowan University enrols 30,000 students
- Yellagonga Regional Park spans 1,600 hectares for outdoor activities and water sports
- Joondalup Health Campus
- Train line and Mitchell Freeway access
- Median house prices are around $850,000 with 4.5% yields
- Community centres and swimming pool facilities
Possible Limitations: Commutes to the CBD take 40 minutes, subdued nightlife compared to nearby suburbs, and a newer aesthetic lacking heritage charm.
6. Mount Lawley
Mount Lawley is a trendy inner suburb situated 5km northeast of the CBD. It boasts art deco architecture along Beaufort Street’s dining strip, cafes, bars and preserved 1920s homes.
Why It Stands Out: Mount Lawley delivers café culture at its finest, with a vibrant atmosphere attracting creatives and young professionals who want city energy with architectural character.
Best For: Young professionals, creatives and small families wanting walkable dining, entertainment and easy CBD access via Graham Farmer Freeway.
Key Strengths:
- Preserved art deco buildings from the Gold Rush era
- Mount Lawley Primary is among the good schools in the area
- Properties leasing within 14 days
- 10 minute drive to Perth CBD
- Strong sense of community spirit
- Diverse dining options on leafy streets
Possible Limitations: Median prices at $1.4 million, parking scarcity, street noise from traffic and competition pushing rents up 15% yearly.
7. Scarborough
Scarborough is a beachside suburb 20km northwest of the CBD that’s undergone a dramatic transformation since 2015. A $150 million foreshore redevelopment has added modern restaurants, bars and family facilities to the area.
Why It Stands Out: Scarborough offers more affordable housing with beach access than premium coastal areas like Cottesloe, making it attractive to those wanting coastal suburban living without breaking the bank.
Best For: Young families, surfers and beach lovers seeking a city beach lifestyle without premium pricing.
Key Strengths:
- Scarborough Beach Pool and upgraded foreshore
- New residential towers with modern apartments
- The Lookout and other contemporary venues
- Strong surf culture with annual festivals
- Median prices around $1.1 million
- 12% annual growth from the development pipeline
Possible Limitations: Ongoing construction disruptions in some areas, summer crowds, car dependency due to limited train access, and reliance on Marmion Avenue for commuting.
8. Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a diverse inner suburb around 7km southeast of the CBD. It offers multicultural dining along Albany Highway with Vietnamese pho houses, Italian trattorias and independent cafes.
Why It Stands Out: Victoria Park delivers excellent value for inner-city convenience, with ongoing gentrification improving stock while maintaining affordability compared to popular suburbs closer to the water.
Best For: First home buyers, students near Curtin University, and young professionals wanting a balance of urban amenities and accessible property prices.
Key Strengths:
- Albany Highway dining strip with 40+ restaurants
- Parks like Shearn Crescent Reserve
- Buses reach the CBD in 15 minutes
- Victoria Park Primary and nearby high schools
- Median house prices are around $950,000
- 2% rental yields with 10% growth forecasts
- Walking distance to recreational spaces
Possible Limitations: Some parts of Victoria Park are still gentrifying with variable upkeep, aircraft noise from Perth Airport 10km away, and busy main roads through the suburb.
Quick Comparison of Perth’s Best Suburbs
| Suburb | Median Price | Best For | CBD Distance |
| South Perth | $1.6M | Riverside luxury | 5km |
| Cottesloe | $2.5M | Premium beach | 12km |
| Fremantle | $1.2M | Cultural lifestyle | 20km |
| Subiaco | $1.8M | Sophisticated family life | 4km |
| Joondalup | $850K | Affordable family | 26km |
| Mount Lawley | $1.4M | Trendy urban | 5km |
| Scarborough | $1.1M | Affordable beach | 20km |
| Victoria Park | $950K | Inner-city value | 7km |
How to Choose the Right Perth Suburb
Choose Based on Budget and Affordability
If you’ve done any research into moving to Australia, you’ll know that property prices can be high. Property prices vary dramatically across Perth’s best suburbs, ranging from inner premium areas like Subiaco and South Perth, demanding deposits exceeding $300,000, to outer growth areas like Joondalup offering deposits under $200,000.
Before you choose, consider these affordability guidelines:
- Cap housing costs at 30% of your household income
- Factor in living costs, including transport and utilities
- Research rental yields if you’re buying as an investment
- Explore affordable suburbs in the past few years’ growth areas
Choose Based on Lifestyle Preferences
When you’re thinking about the best place to live in Perth, think about what matters to you most.
Beach Priority: Cottesloe for premium, Scarborough for value or explore south coast options.
Riverside Living: South Perth or East Perth for Swan River access.
Urban Energy: Mount Lawley or Fremantle for café culture and live music.
Family Focus: Subiaco for schools, Joondalup for space and affordability.
Nature Connection: Suburbs with walking trails, green spaces and local parks.
Choose Based on Commute and Transport
Proximity to work significantly impacts quality of life:
- Inner suburbs offer 10 to 20 minute CBD commutes
- Northern suburbs rely on train lines, reducing 50km journeys by 30 minutes
- Consider car dependency versus public transport preferences
- Metronet extensions are improving connectivity to coastal areas
One of our customers Ella, who moved to Perth in 2024, swapping London for Subiaco, explained why rushing into a decision is something you should avoid:
“I initially thought I wanted to move to Cottesloe (and I almost did!), but I did a bit more research at the last minute. Turns out Subiaco was closer to what I had in mind when I dreamed of living in Perth, so I’m glad I didn’t rush into things.”
Which Perth Suburb Is Best for You?
Struggling to decide which Perth suburb is best for you?
Here’s a quick cheatsheet to help you out:
- Choose South Perth if you want riverside luxury with ferry access to the capital city centre, excellent schools and Perth Zoo at your doorstep.
- Choose Cottesloe if beach lifestyle is non-negotiable and you’re prepared to invest in Perth’s most prestigious coastal address.
- Choose Fremantle if you value culture, heritage and markets at weekends over manicured suburban living.
- Choose Subiaco if you need top schooling, boutique shopping and inner-city sophistication with community centres nearby.
- Choose Joondalup if affordability matters, and you want access to Edith Cowan University, shopping centres and family-friendly amenities.
- Choose Scarborough if you want the coastal lifestyle without premium pricing, and you’re happy to accept some trade-offs in public transport.
- Choose Victoria Park if inner-city convenience, diverse dining and value for money top your priorities.
- Choose Mount Lawley if café culture, heritage architecture and urban vibrancy define your ideal neighbourhood.
Perth’s Best Suburbs: What’s the Verdict?
Perth offers a lot of diversity when it comes to suburb options, which means there’s likely something for every lifestyle and budget. But, before committing to any suburb, it’s a good idea to visit your shortlisted areas at different times. Walk the walking paths on weekends, try the local cafes on weekday mornings and experience the atmosphere for yourself. This will give you a good insight into what you can really expect as a local, not just a tourist passing through.
As Kelly, who moved to Fremantle in 2017, explained:
“The vibe of an area can change a lot depending on the time of day, and whether it’s the weekend or not. I visited Fremantle a few times before I found somewhere to live, to make sure I liked the area 24/7.”
The right suburb depends entirely on your individual priorities, so don’t simply copy what’s popular with other expats. You might value proximity to work, or you might want to be close to good schools. You might be craving a beach lifestyle, or you might want to get as much as possible for your money. Think about what matters most to you, and go from there.
Steven, who moved to Joondalup in 2022, explains that budget played a big part for him:
“I knew I didn’t have millions to spend, so I avoided the expat-heavy areas, prioritised my budget and chose Joondalup. By doing so, I can enjoy living in Perth, without struggling to get by financially.”
Perth’s overall quality of life makes most suburbs attractive options, and Australia’s climate, strong job market and natural beauty ensure that moving to the region is rarely a decision people regret.
Ready to Make Your Move to Perth?
When you’re ready to make your move to Western Australia’s capital, working with experienced professionals makes all the difference. At United International Removals, we specialise in helping families and professionals relocate smoothly to Australia. With our expertise in international moves and a genuine passion for what we do, we ensure your belongings arrive safely. You can focus on settling into your new Perth suburb, knowing we’re taking care of the logistics. Get in touch to find out more.