Ally has shared her 'honest' thought about some of the ownsides to living in Perth.
Ally, a Singaporean expatriate, has candidly shared her experiences and challenges while living in Perth, Australia, for the past two and a half years. As the founder of a unique business combining psychology services with piano lessons in Osborne Park, Ally has settled into life in Perth but remains vocal about its less appealing aspects.
Despite her appreciation for the city, Ally has highlighted several downsides that she believes newcomers should be aware of. Her insights offer a glimpse into the realities of living in one of Australia’s most isolated major cities.
Public Transport Woes
One of Ally’s primary concerns is the public transport system in Perth. While it functions adequately within the city core, she emphasizes the necessity of owning a car for convenience.
“Public transport is decent in the city core, but owning a car is almost essential,” she stressed. “Many areas are spread out, and rideshares aren’t always reliable all the time, (I honestly don’t know how others live without a car).”
Her observations are supported by a 2024 study from The Climate Council, which found that over 1.2 million residents in Perth lack access to frequent public transport. This places Perth as the second worst among Australia’s five largest capital cities for reliable and convenient transport options.
Travel and Living Costs
Expensive Travel
Perth’s geographical isolation contributes to higher travel costs, a significant hurdle for those wishing to explore other parts of Australia or travel internationally. Ally notes that flights from Perth are often expensive and limited in availability.
“Travel costs a bomb: Flights out of Perth are expensive and limited,” she said in an Instagram post. “Even flying within Australia can cost as much as international trips.”
Rising Food Prices
Like many cities worldwide, Perth has seen a rise in food prices due to inflation. Ally feels that grocery shopping and dining out are particularly costly.
“Everything feels just a little overpriced,” she said. “Dining out is expensive (think $25–$35 mains, $6 coffees), and groceries cost more than in many global cities.”
Social and Environmental Challenges
Small City Clique
Ally describes Perth as having a small-town feel, where social circles can be insular. This has made it challenging for her to form deep friendships as a foreigner.
“People are friendly on the surface but often stick to their own groups,” she said. “Making deep friendships, especially as an adult or expat, can sometimes take time and effort.”
Brutal Summers
Perth’s summer season is notorious for its intense heat, often exceeding 40°C. Ally points out that the heat is not the only issue; power outages and bushfires are also common during this period.
“Summers can be brutal, especially inland,” she said. “40°C+ days are common. Bushfires and power outage are part of life.”
In December last year, more than 15,000 homes lost power, leaving residents to endure scorching temperatures without relief.
Professional and Safety Concerns
Limited Job Opportunities
While Perth is a hub for mining and related industries, Ally finds that job opportunities outside these sectors are limited. She notes that employers often prioritize work experience over educational qualifications.
“Perth can feel limiting professionally unless you’re in specific industries,” she said. “They look at work experience more than your education. Even those with work experiences, they still have to start from the bottom.”
Crime and Safety
Ally has also expressed concerns about crime, particularly vandalism, which she feels is not taken seriously enough. She advises caution when parking vehicles outside.
“You can only report a vandalism if it’s a racial slur. Vandalism is vandalism, destroying other’s property is a crime no matter what you write on it,” she said. “Don’t be surprised if anything happens to your car parked outside. Anything can happen.”
Despite these challenges, Ally continues to make Perth her home, finding ways to adapt and thrive in this unique city. Her experiences provide valuable insights for potential expatriates considering a move to Western Australia.
