The worst things about living in Perth according to expats

Perth Now

04-07-2025

A pair of British expats have shared a list of things they believe are the 'worst parts' about living in Perth.
The couple, Sarah and Jamie Bolson, moved to Perth from Scotland in December last year and have decided to settle here, but said there were a few 'less glamorous' sides to their new home that would take some getting used to.
'We love living here, we are so grateful to live here,' Ms Bolson said.
'However, we also feel like it's our responsibility to give the full picture of what it's actually like to live here.
Mr Bolson added, 'You've got to be realistic, it's not perfect anywhere, I'm not saying that I preferred it back in the UK — I think it's better here, I do prefer it.
'But let's be honest, nowhere's perfect, so let's be real about it.'
The duo listed seven different factors in a detailed video. Here's what they had to say:
The Bolson's said they had been warned that WA could also be abbreviated to 'windy always,' and just weeks after arriving, they found the acronym to be true when they embarked on a road trip to Jurien Bay.
'As we were getting north, the wind was picking up and the Jimney was being thrown all over the road,' Mrs Bolson said.
'I checked my phone and there was a marine wind warning, and it was gusting at like 50km per hour.'
They tried to check out the Pinnacles, but the wind was so intense, Ms Bolson said the attraction looked like the 'apocalypse.'
So, it comes as no surprise that Barrow Island, off the Pilbara Coast, continues to hold the Guinness World Record for the fastest wind speed ever recorded on Earth that was not associated with a tornado. The Pinnacles desert at Nambung National Park, Cervantes. Credit: Mogens Johansen / WA News
Part of being a true-blue Aussie is learning to accept that flies, especially in summer, are everywhere. All the time.
Australia is actually home to about 30,000 fly species — a fact that would likely send Mr Bolson reeling.
'I am not one that is known for dealing well with flying insects,' he said.
'Any flying insect that comes in the vicinity of me, I go into some sort of weird panic.
'I can't handle it, it makes me hate being outside.'
Perth is well known for its picturesque outdoor spaces and abundance of free and accessible activities; however, when it comes to nightlife, the Bolson's said there was much to be desired.
'We are definitely not bored. There is always something we can do, you're never far from a beach or an outdoor adventure,' Mrs Bolson said.
'I think what we've yet to find is a thriving, vibrant nightlife.
'When I was in Melbourne, for example, there's just something on every corner.
'There is just so much going on you can just stumble upon, whereas here it takes a bit more research.' The Perth city skyline as seen from Kings Park. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian
Unlike most tourists and Australian immigrants, Mrs Bolson was not particularly concerned by sharks.
Until she hit WA's sandy beaches.
'I think they are a bigger deal than I was anticipating,' she said.
'The thing that kind of puts it all into perspective is the amount of infrastructure around keeping people shark safe.
'Especially during the busy times of summer, we've got the shark spotting helicopter that goes up and down the beaches, tagged sharks, shark barriers and the Shark Smart app.
'We have been on Cottesloe Beach when a shark sighting helicopter has spotted something.'
When Mr Bolson required a procedure, the pair began researching where he could go and discovered one doctor's practice was charging $800 with a $400 rebate, and another clinic offered bulk billing, so he wouldn't pay a cent.
The couple said they found navigating forms of payment (bulk billing, mixed billing and private billing) confusing compared to the National Health Service back home.
'We're just not used to having that extra layer of thought of 'how much is this going to cost, how much am I going to get back through Medicare'.'
'We are going to have to get our heads around it.'
One cannot engage in a conversation about WA's sweltering summer temperatures without the mention of 'dry heat.'
Mr Bolson said that he found himself drinking 2.5L of water every day since arriving, as the scorching conditions left him overly parched.
'It's probably all to do with the dry heat, but I've really noticed it.'
WA's housing crisis is well documented and defined by crippling costs which make renting or owning a home almost impossible for many.
Perth is the second most expensive city to rent in Australia — second to NSW — according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Having overheard rental horror stories from friends, Mrs Bolson said property viewings that were packed with dozens of people contributed to a feeling of scarcity.
'You go to these viewings where there are 60 to 100 people and it's just creating this kind of hype and feeling of scarcity amongst the rental market,' she said.
Most real estate agents require prospective renters to attend the viewing before they apply, but Mrs Bolson's friend noticed the application portal was open before the viewing, decided to apply and was accepted before even attending.
'I think that's criminal.'