Perth — the sunniest capital city in Australia — offers a lifestyle that combines modern convenience with natural beauty. With its booming job market, affordable property prices compared to the east coast, and coastal charm, it’s no wonder people are moving westward. But if you’re considering relocating, one question always comes up: What are the best suburbs to live in Perth?
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the top places to live in Perth — whether you’re a young professional, family, retiree, or student. You’ll find suburb insights, lifestyle benefits, pricing expectations, commute times, and everything you need to make an informed move.
Why Perth? A Quick Look
- Population: ~2.2 million (2025 est.)
- Median house price (Perth-wide): $620,000+
- Climate: Mediterranean climate with warm summers and gentle winters.
- Key industries: Mining, construction, tech, education, and tourism
Whether you’re buying or renting, Perth’s suburbs cater to diverse lifestyles — from riverside retreats to buzzing cultural hubs and beachfront paradises.
Best Places to Live in Perth
Comparison Snapshot (2025)
| Suburb | Lifestyle Type | Median House Price | Distance to CBD | Best For |
| Subiaco | Cultural & Urban | $1.5M | 3 km | Professionals, couples |
| Cottesloe | Beachfront Luxury | $2.7M | 11 km | Families, retirees |
| Applecross | Riverside Prestige | $2.1M | 7 km | Executives, affluent families |
| Mount Lawley | Creative Urban Core | $1.3M | 4 km | Singles, creatives |
| Crawley | Student Hub | $1.4M | 5 km | Students, academics |
| Leeming | Affordable Suburbia | $825K | 17 km | Families, professionals |
| Baldivis | Budget Growth Corridor | $495K | 46 km | First-home buyers |
| Ellenbrook | Planned Community | $525K | 30 km | Investors, young families |
| East Perth | Inner-City Waterfront | $590K (units) | 1.5 km | City professionals, downsizers |
1. Subiaco – Urban Sophistication Meets Heritage
- Distance to CBD: 3 km
- Median house price: $1.5M
- Median unit rent: $600/week
Subiaco, or “Subi” as locals call it, blends old-world charm with contemporary luxury. With leafy boulevards, heritage architecture, fine dining, and boutique shopping, it’s a dream for urban dwellers who love character and culture.
Why people love Subiaco:
- High walkability
- Close to top schools like Perth Modern and Bob Hawke College
- Subiaco Farmers Market & Regal Theatre
- Great train access (Subiaco Station)
Ideal for: Young professionals, couples, small families
2. Cottesloe – Iconic Beachside Living
- Distance to CBD: 11 km
- Median house price: $2.7M
- Median unit rent: $720/week
Cottesloe isn’t just a suburb — it’s a lifestyle. With its crystal-clear beaches, historic pubs, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s one of the most desirable coastal suburbs in Australia.
Lifestyle perks:
- Sunset swims at Cottesloe Beach
- Coastal walking trails and cafes\
- Large family homes with ocean views
- Excellent school catchments
Ideal for: Families, professionals, beach lovers, retirees
3. Applecross – Riverside Prestige
- Distance to CBD: 7 km
- Median house price: $2.1M
- Median unit rent: $700/week
Applecross offers a calm, upscale vibe by the Swan River. Jacaranda-lined streets, riverfront parks, and modern mansions make it one of the most affluent and picturesque suburbs in Perth.
Why choose Applecross:
- Stunning river views and foreshore
- Elite schools like Applecross Senior High
- Convenient freeway access
- Great for boating and kayaking
Ideal for: Affluent families, executives, downsizers
4. Crawley – Student Central with Swan River Vibes
- Distance to CBD: 5 km
- Median house price: $1.4M
- Median unit rent: $550/week
Home to the University of Western Australia (UWA), Crawley offers a unique mix of student housing and upmarket apartments nestled along the Swan River.
Crawley Highlights:
- Walkable to UWA, Kings Park, and Matilda Bay
- Access to Transperth buses and ferry routes
- Beautiful riverside lifestyle
- Cultural institutions like the WA Museum Boola Bardip nearby
Ideal for: Students, academics, young professionals
5. Mount Lawley – Trendy, Vibrant, and Always Alive
- Distance to CBD: 4 km
- Median house price: $1.3M
- Median unit rent: $580/week
Mount Lawley is where Perth’s creative crowd lives, plays, and works. With vintage charm, cool bars, record stores, and art deco homes, it’s one of the most exciting inner-city suburbs.
Mount Lawley Vibe:
- Beaufort Street strip with bars, cafes & boutiques
- Cultural venues like Astor Theatre
- Walkability and bike-friendly lanes
- Diverse housing from apartments to heritage homes
Ideal for: Young couples, singles, creatives, investors
6. Leeming – Suburban Calm with City Access
- Distance to CBD: 17 km
- Median house price: $825,000
- Median unit rent: $480/week
Leeming strikes the perfect balance between family-friendly living and city convenience. Known for spacious homes, good schools, and parks, it’s a popular choice among growing families.
Top reasons to live here:
- Close to Murdoch Uni and Fiona Stanley Hospital.
- Excellent public transport options
- Multiple shopping precincts and community hubs
- Access to Roe Highway and Kwinana Freeway
Ideal for: Families, medical professionals, retirees
7. Baldivis – Fast-Growing and Affordable
- Distance to CBD: 46 km
- Median house price: $495,000
- Median unit rent: $460/week
Baldivis has transformed from rural outskirts to a suburban hotspot. With affordable prices, family-oriented estates, and infrastructure upgrades, it’s a top pick for first-home buyers and investors.
What makes Baldivis shine:
- Master-planned communities
- Excellent local schools and shopping centers
- Great for young families and pet lovers
- Close to Rockingham Beach and industrial job hubs
Ideal for: First-home buyers, young families, FIFO workers
8. Ellenbrook
- Distance to CBD: 30 km
- Median house price: $525,000
- Median unit rent: $450/week
Ellenbrook is one of Perth’s fastest-growing communities. Designed with families in mind, it offers affordable housing, parks, lakes, and a town center that covers all essentials.
Ellenbrook Benefits:
- New Metronet train line (by 2025)
- Affordable homes with decent land size
- Community feel with everything within reach
- Surrounded by Swan Valley wineries
Ideal for: Budget-conscious families, investors, young couples
9. East Perth – Riverside City Living
- Distance to CBD: 1.5 km
- Median unit price: $590,000
- Median rent: $620/week
Modern apartments, waterfront views, and walkable city living define East Perth. With proximity to the CBD and Claisebrook
Cove, it’s popular among professionals and downsizers.
Why it’s in demand:
- Short walk to the city
- CAT buses for free inner-city travel
- Upscale eateries and riverside trails
- High-rise apartments with skyline views
Ideal for: Professionals, empty nesters, young renters
Which Perth Suburb Is Right for You?
The best place to live in Perth depends on your lifestyle and priorities. If you value beach access and coastal charm, Cottesloe and City Beach might win you over. Prefer inner-city living with all amenities at your doorstep? Go for Subiaco, Mount Lawley, or East Perth. Looking to raise a family affordably? Explore Baldivis, Leeming, or Ellenbrook.
No matter your budget or stage in life, Perth offers a suburb that matches your vibe.