If you're thinking of moving to or within Perth, you probably already know that relocating in WA’s sunniest capital involves more than just packing up your belongings and calling a moving company. Perth’s unique mix of suburban sprawl, coastal living, and its laid-back yet growing urban centre means the costs of moving can vary quite a bit.
From navigating the more remote outer suburbs to the challenges of finding a place in Perth's bustling inner-city areas, you might encounter some unexpected expenses along the way. But don’t stress, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll break down all the moving costs you’ll need to budget for—from local removalists to the hidden fees that can pop up once you get moving. Plus, we’ve got a few insider tips to help you keep costs down and make your move a whole lot smoother.
In Perth, removalist rates typically range from $120 to $166 per hour, with a minimum of two hours for most bookings. The final cost will depend on factors like the size of the truck, how many movers you need, and the distance between your old place and new home. Keep in mind, just like the city’s famous sea breeze, prices can shift depending on timing - weekends and the end of the month tend to see higher demand, which can drive rates up.
To avoid any surprises, it’s a good idea to compare quotes from a few companies and make sure you account for any local considerations that could affect your move.
Perth removalists charge between $120 and $166 per hour.
The cost of hiring removalists can vary depending on your home size and where you’re heading.
If you’re moving from a spot like Northbridge or Subiaco, expect higher costs thanks to tight streets and tricky parking. Out in the suburbs, like Cottesloe or Joondalup, longer distances between homes can also add to the bill.
To make things easier, we’ve broken down what you can expect to pay based on different property sizes and areas in Perth.
| Size of home | Removalists cost |
| Studio or 1-bed unit | $240 - $640 |
| 2-bed unit | $360 - $960 |
| 2-bed house | $500 - $1100 |
| 3-bed house | $775 - $2,500 |
| 4-bed house+ | $900 - $3,500 |
In Perth, when you book your removalists, you’ll typically pay for things like the truck hire, the time spent moving, and basic services like loading and unloading. Of course, if you’ve got a large house or a lot of heavy furniture, expect the price to go up.
We’ll go into more detail on everything later, but if you’re short on time, you can skip ahead to find out what’s included in your quote and what extra charges might pop up along the way.
Interstate moves can really vary in cost depending on how far you're going. To help you get a better idea, we’ve put together some recent info from Perth movers about what a move to Adelaide might cost. These figures are based on the latest data from 2025.
| Size of home | Average cost |
| Average 2-bed unit | $3,200 |
| Average 2-bed house | $4,080 |
| Average 3-bed house | $5,015+ |
Removalists in Perth charge between $1,300 and $6,000 for a big interstate move such as Adelaide.
Keep in mind, these are just ballpark figures, so it’s always a good idea to get a few quotes based on your exact needs.
Your initial removalist quote will likely cover most of the essentials such as the truck, the movers’ time, and basic insurance for your things. You may also get access to moving gear such as trolleys and furniture blankets.
But there are a few factors that could add extra costs:
It’s always a good idea to check with the movers about these details before confirming your booking.
Expert tip: Make sure you get a detailed breakdown so you know exactly what’s covered.
Perth’s layout and traffic can really affect how much your move will cost and how smoothly it goes. Knowing a bit about local quirks—like where traffic tends to get heavy or which streets are harder to navigate—can help you avoid delays and keep everything moving smoothly.
Certain areas in Perth are more congested than others - making moving day a slower (and sometimes more costly) experience.
If you are moving out of any of the following parts of the city - extra planning may be advised:
To help you map out the best routes and timings for moving day we’ve put together a map showing some of Perth’s busiest traffic spots.
Expert tip: Moving in or out of any of these areas? Try to pick quieter times—early mornings or weekdays are your best bet.
Parking in major cities can be pricey and a huge hassle. Here are some of the spots most known to cause parking related issues for moving trucks:
Aside from the cost of the Perth removalists, there are other expenses that can sneak up on you. Stamp duty, legal fees, and property valuations are just a few that can add up quickly, whether you’re moving locally or from out of state.
Let’s break down what to expect and how to keep these costs under control.
When you buy a property in Perth, one thing that’ll hit your wallet hard is stamp duty. It’s a tax that depends on how much you’re paying for your property. So, for example, if you buy a home for $1 million, you could be looking at around $50,000 in stamp duty. The more expensive the property, the bigger the hit.
If you're a first-time buyer, you might get a break on this cost, but it's still a pretty hefty sum. Definitely something to keep in mind when planning your budget—it’s not an expense you can easily forget.
For calculating stamp duty go to the state government's stamp duty calculator page.
When you're buying a property, the bank will usually want a valuation to make sure they're lending in line with the property’s actual worth. And, if you're selling, getting one can help you figure out a fair price so you don’t end up undervaluing or overpricing your property.
For a quality property valuer in Perth, you can expect to pay around $500 if you’re in the metro or surrounding areas. However, prices can range from $300 to $600, so it's a good idea to shop around for quotes.
If you're in a more regional area, valuations could go up to $1,000. While not every sale needs a valuation, it’s definitely something to factor into your budget if you’re working with a lender.
When you're buying or selling in Perth, don’t overlook conveyancing—it’s a crucial part of the property purchase process. Essentially conveyancing is the legal work that ensures the property changes hands smoothly.
If you’re engaging a licensed conveyancer, there’s a fixed maximum fee set by law.
To give you a clearer idea on average costs:
If you’re dealing with a $500,000 property, the fee will be roughly $1,700.
If you choose a solicitor instead, they might charge a bit more, but either way, these professionals will take care of all the legal nitty-gritty—contracts, title deeds, and communication with your bank or agent.
While you could technically do the conveyancing yourself, it’s not worth the risk. A qualified professional will make sure everything’s in order and save you from any future legal headaches.
Moving out of a rental in Perth? One thing you’ll almost certainly need to do is arrange for a professional clean before returning the keys. The cost of end-of-lease cleaning can vary based on the size of the property and how much work is involved.
As a rough guide, cleaning a 1-bedroom apartment might set you back around $250 while a larger house with 5 bedrooms or more could be in excess of $750.
Of course, these prices can change depending on the condition of the place, any extras like carpet or window cleaning, or if there are tough spots to clean—like built-up oven grease or hard-to-reach corners.
Another major cost to consider is the commission for your real estate agent. In WA, the average commission rate is around 2.44%, but it can go as high as 3.25%, depending on the agent and the area.
So, if you're selling a property for $1 million, that commission could range from $24,400 to $32,500. The good news is, this isn’t set in stone, so it’s always worth negotiating to get the best deal.
Also, make sure to ask your agent what’s included in the fee—some will bundle marketing, photos, and open homes into the commission, while others may charge extra for those. Knowing exactly what you’re paying for helps ensure you’re getting good value for your money.
Home styling (or staging) can really make a difference in how quickly your place sells and how much you get for it.
Essentially, it’s about enhancing the space—arranging furniture in a way that flows well, adding decor that’s appealing, and creating an overall inviting vibe. This helps buyers or renters imagine themselves living there.
On average, home staging costs in Perth range from $2,000 to $5,000 for a six-week hire of furniture and styling.
The final price will depend on your home’s size and the level of styling you’re after. While it’s an upfront cost, staging can definitely help your property stand out in Perth’s competitive market, leading to faster sales or rentals and potentially a higher price.
If you're looking for ways to keep moving costs low, backloading could be a great option. It works by sharing a removal truck with others who are moving along the same route, so you only pay for the space your belongings take up. This can really help if you're on a budget, especially for longer moves.
The downside is that because it’s a shared service, your move might take a little longer, and your items will likely be handled more than once, which might increase the risk of things getting damaged. However, many furniture removalists offer insurance to cover any mishaps. So, if you don’t mind waiting a bit longer and are okay with a bit of extra handling, backloading can definitely save you some serious money.
Here are some ways to keep your move in Perth affordable:
Book in advance: Try to lock in your movers early—weekdays or mid-month are usually your best bet.
Look into backloading: Sharing a truck with others can save you a lot, especially for long-haul moves.
Declutter first: The less stuff you have, the less you’ll pay to move.
Move during quieter times: Opt for early mornings or mid-week to avoid heavy traffic and reduce potential delays.
Get several quotes: Comparing a few options will help you find the best deal.
Sort out parking: Make sure parking is sorted before moving day, especially in busy areas, to avoid extra charges.
Here’s a quick and easy budgeting reference for a typical move within Perth (e.g., 3-bedroom home):
| Service | Cost |
| Removalist (Local move) | $240 - $3,500 (based on home size) |
| Conveyancing fees | $1,700 (for a $500,000 property) |
| Stamp Duty | Approx. $50,000 (for a $1M home) |
| Real Estate Agent Fees | $24,400 - $32,500 (depending on sale price) |
| Marketing | $1,000 - $8,000 |
| Property Valuation | $300 - $600 (metro areas, regional up to $1,000) |
| Inspections (Building and Pest) | $400 - $800 |
| Home Styling (optional) | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Professional cleaning | $250 - $750 |
| Packing materials | $100 - $300 |
| Utility connections | $50 - $200 |
| Estimated total | $61,000 - $85,000+ |
| Service | Cost |
| Removalists (local move) | $240 - $3,500 (based on home size) |
| End-of-lease cleaning | $250 - $750 |
| Bond (typically 4 weeks' rent) | $2,000 - $3,000+ |
| First month’s rent | $2,000 - $3,000+ |
| Packing materials | $100 - $300 |
| Cleaning for new property | $150 - $400 |
| Utility connection fees | $50 - $200 |
| Pet bond (if applicable) | $200 - $500 |
| Renters’ insurance | $10 - $30/month |
| Application fees | $90 - $150 |
| Estimated Total | $4,100 - $10,000+ |
*Figures will vary depending on the location in Perth you are moving to.
Moving to, from, or within Perth can be an exciting adventure, but it’s also full of hidden costs that can sneak up on you. From removalist fees and stamp duty to home styling and those unexpected extras, it's important to understand all the expenses involved before you dive in.
At Upmove, we get that moving can be overwhelming—that’s why we're here to make things easier. We connect you with trusted, affordable Perth removalists who know the local area and can offer you a fair, transparent quote.
With some thoughtful planning, expert help, and a clear budget, you can reduce stress and enjoy a smoother transition into your new home. Whether you're moving around Perth or anywhere else in Australia, Upmove has you covered every step of the way.
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