Expat shares the ‘brutal truth' about living in Perth

Perth Now

2 days ago

A Singaporean expat has aired her 'honest' opinion about what she thinks are some of Perth's less desirable qualities.
Ally moved to Perth two-and-half years ago where she has created a life as the founder of her Osborne Park-based business that combines psychology services with piano lessons.
Although she enjoys Perth life enough to stick around, Ally has listed her most disliked parts about living in the west. Here's what she had to say:
Perth's public transport system is renowned for having a bad reputation, which is another factor Ally emphasised.
'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).'
Ally's opinion is backed up by some truth. A 2024 study by The Climate Council found more than 1.2 million people living in Perth don't have access to frequent public transport.
These findings put Perth at the second worst spot compared to the country's five largest capital cities for for access to reliable and convenient public transport.
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Often dubbed one of the most isolated major cities, flights out of Perth can come with a more exxy price tag compared to other capitals across the nation.
Ally said this proves to be a tricky financial hurdle for people wanting to see what the rest of what Down Under has to offer.
'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.'
In recent years, food prices across the globe have increased in the wake of inflation and Ally thinks the cost of groceries and dining out is particularly steep in Perth.
'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.'
Ally said she has found people in Perth to be typically insular, making it a struggle for her to makes friends 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.' Ally's Instagram post. Credit: Instagram
Perth residents and people who have travelled to the west between December and March would be well aware of the blistering, dry heat the summer months bring.
Ally said it's not just the heat's intense temperatures that are unappealing, but the power outages and bushfires that the season causes.
'Summers can be brutal, especially inland,' she said.
'40°C+ days are common. Bushfires and power outage are part of life.'
One on occasion in December last year, more than 15,000 homes were without power, leaving residents across Perth sweltering though temperatures above 40C without fans or aircon.
Perth's quiet and laid back lifestyle is part of the charm for some, but for Ally it can lack atmosphere.
'The CBD is small and empties out after 5pm. If you're used to a vibrant city life, Perth can feel dead,' she said.
There's not a constant buzz, and if you thrive on stimulation, you might itch to get out.
'You have to do some digging for events happening.'
The mining State is undoubtedly one of the best places to be for people looking for FIFO work. But Ally thinks there are not many jobs on offer for workers outside of the mining, health and trade industries.
'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.'
In Ally's experience, graffiti offences aren't taken seriously enough and she worries about leaving her car parked 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 surprise if anything happens to your car parked outside. Anything can happen.'