Guide on Moving to Perth from Melbourne

Whether it’s the stunning beaches or flourishing industries, more and more Melburnians are choosing to relocate to Perth. An interstate move is always a big deal, but relocating from the east to the west is no small feat. Not only will you be in a different time zone, the weather and culture is different to what you may be accustomed to in Melbourne.

Allied has helped numerous individuals and families relocate from Melbourne to their new homes in Perth. This experience has given us a solid understanding of what life is like in Perth and how to best prepare for your interstate relocation. We’ve created this helpful guide to everything you need to know about moving from Melbourne to Perth.

Although it is one of the world’s most isolated capital cities, there’s a lot to love in Perth! From fantastic landscapes, the booming economy and a laidback lifestyle, there is truly something for everyone in Perth. But what is life really like in Perth and how does it compare to Melbourne?

As Perth is closer in proximity and time to Asia and Europe than the east coast, it’s ideal for international business dealings. Perth is home to many large Australasian corporations’ headquarters making it a hub of economic activities.

Due to its natural endowment of minerals and energy resources, mining and the energy sector is a significant employer in Perth and Western Australia. Manufacturing and tourism are also major industries in Perth, with the tourism sector beginning to find its feet after the COVID-19 lockdowns. Healthcare and medical science is a fast growing industry which is offering a multitude of opportunities for those wanting to relocate from the east coast. You can find Perth job opportunities listed on employment sites such as Seek, Indeed and CareerOne, or by using a Perth-based recruitment agency.

One of the major advantages for moving to Perth is the affordability of the housing market compared to Melbourne. According to Budget Direct, renting a three bedroom apartment in the city centre is cheaper in Perth than Melbourne. With the average cost per month being $2,638, compared to Melbourne’s cost of $3,168.

Much like Melbourne, Perth also has a ‘North vs. South’ divide. The north is considered ideal if you want a combination of great beaches and exciting nightlife. The south tends to be more popular with families due its laidback lifestyle, abundance of parks and schooling options. The northern suburbs also tend to be more expensive compared to the south.

When you hear about what makes Perth so special, the beaches tend to be one of the first things mentioned. With crystal clear water and stunning white sand beaches, it’s easy to understand why enjoying the beach and coastal living is so ingrained in Perth’s cultural identity. Enjoy swimming, surfing and all the beach activities that Perth has to offer, but ensure you keep to the patrolled and shark-net beaches. Other sporting activities such cycling, cricket, netball, football and soccer are all highly popular in Perth.

Whilst it may be difficult to compare to the thriving creative and hospitality in Melbourne, the arts scene is continuing to grow in Perth. Theatre and music festivals such as Fringe World, Listen Out and the Perth International Jazz Festival are also becoming increasingly popular. If you are looking for vibrant nightlife, you can find it in the suburbs of Northbridge, Fremantle and Subiaco. There is a mix of bars, clubs, and pubs to enjoy.

Getting around Perth is relatively easy due to the extensive public transport system of trains, buses and ferries. Perth has their own version of a ‘Myki card’ with the ‘SmartRider’ which is a reusable card you can top-up and use on all public transport. The public transport system is not completely comprehensive in the outer suburbs so many Perth residents also own a car. Petrol is slightly cheaper than in Melbourne, with BudgetDirect reporting it to be $1.63 a litre. Perth is considered a bike-friendly city and the more pleasant weather makes it highly enjoyable to commute or cycle for recreation.

The weather is usually one thing that people don’t miss about Melbourne. The climate in Perth is considered more mild than Melbourne, with hot, dry summers and wetter winters. Temperatures tend to reach a low of 8 and a high of 19 degrees in the winter, and 17 to 30 degrees in the summer. You’ll likely hear locals talk about the ‘Fremantle Doctor’, which is a sea breeze that helps to cool things down in the afternoon. Perth also doesn’t observe Daylight savings so is three hours behind Melbourne or (Australian Eastern Standard Time).

Now that you have an idea of what living in Perth will be like, it’s time to start planning your move! Whether you are moving alone or with a family, there’s a lot to prepare to ensure your interstate relocation goes smoothly.

As Perth is approximately 3,420 kilometres from Melbourne, your belongings and furniture will need to be packed safely to make the journey in one piece. It’s common to leave packing to the last minute, however aside from booking your removalists, this is one of the most important tasks in a move. Many basic personal items like clothes and books can be easily packed into suitcases or boxes, but other household items such as furniture, electronics, and other fragile items need to be packed properly. Ensure you have the right packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, labels and packing tape. You can request moving boxes from your removalists, or to ensure that your items are safe for the trip, we recommend using a professional packing service.

If you’d like to relocate your car or vehicle interstate to Perth, you have two options. You can drive your car to Perth from Melbourne, stopping along the way in Adelaide. This journey is a total of 36 hours driving, with many people taking at least five days to complete the trip. If you are not a fan of long road trips or simply don’t have the time to spare, an easy option is to use a vehicle transportation service. The professionals will safely transport your car across the country, saving you the excessive driving and cost of petrol, accommodation and food along the way.

You can bring your cat or dog with you into Perth without quarantine requirements. However, for pets such as rabbits, mice, birds, fish, spiders and reptiles, they will require a specific permit and inspection upon arrival in Western Australia. You can find more information on the quarantine requirements for pets on the State’s Agriculture and Food website. As it is such a long way to drive with a pet, we recommend that you use a pet transportation service. They will have the right expertise and resources to get your pet to their new home in Perth, safely and efficiently.

If you are unsure about what items and furniture you’d like to take with you to Perth, storage is a great option. You can choose to securely store your belongings for the short-term, providing you with flexibility to settle into your new home before receiving the bulk of your belongings in Perth. Otherwise, you can opt for long-term storage to keep your items safe and sound for as long as you need. Either way, ensure that you choose a storage provider (like Allied) who can deliver your stored belongings and furniture to your new interstate home when you require.

When moving interstate you need to decide whether you will decide to tackle the move by yourself or enlist the help of experts. Relocating from Melbourne to Perth can be incredibly expensive and time consuming, with multiple logistics to keep track of. Usually, the major deciding factor is whether or not it is cheaper to move by yourself.

You may be surprised to learn that it can be more worthwhile to use removalists when relocating interstate. After factoring in all the costs involved in moving yourself, such as petrol, packing materials, the time taken to pack and move yourself (including taking time off work), renting a truck or van, and any other incidental expenses - it can end up being much more cost-effective to use professional movers. The major upside is also the time and energy you save. Removalists will have the experience, a high level of training and the right professional equipment to handle your interstate move and will be significantly more efficient.

There is also the added benefit of removalists offering multiple services which can provide a more competitive deal compared to using numerous service providers. Getting the highest quality work for the lowest price will always be amongst an important factor to consider. Working with the cheapest removalists available also comes with risks as inexperienced movers have a higher likelihood of losing or damaging your belongings. If the quality of work is shoddy, the cheapest option may actually end up costing you more.

If you are ready to make the move from Melbourne to Perth, then you can trust the seasoned experts at Allied! We have a wealth of experience in handling interstate removals so we will ensure that your move to Perth is as seamless and hassle-free as possible. You will have a dedicated moving consultant with you every step of the way and can provide regular updates on the status of your move. You can find out more information about our interstate relocations and receive a free quote for your move today!