Moving to Perth

I have a job offer to move to Perth from Calgary. Is it expensive there? Rent? Cost of living? Has anyone done the move there? Was it worth it to move from Canada? Just curious. Thanks everyone.
Steve-o

For housing costs check out:
http://www.realestate.com.au
There's are tabs at the top for renting and buying. It will give you a good idea of the costs.

For a map to get to know where all the suburbs are check out:
http://www.whereis.com.au

I can't comment about Perth, but we've been very happy with our move to Brisbane. We really like Australia so yes, it's been a good move for us.

I suggest having a look around on this site for more info on perth:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=54
If you use the search function you can find lots of info about Perth.

You could also try this one, I've never used it though because we don't live there.
http://www.pomsinperth.com/discussionboard/

Perth Real estate has gone nuts over the last 3 years. (Just like Calgary did).

There is plenty of oil and gas & mining projects on the go that are driving up wages and hence house prices. Interest rates have just increased (again) and are now sitting at 9.35% pa hoping to curb the prices a little but still hurts if you have a big mortgage.

Perth is the most isolated capital city on the PLANET. The nearest city of any consequence is Adelaide - 2,700kms away.

Lucky the Perth metro area has plenty of beaches!

In Perth it's a buyers market at the moment. House sales have stalled and it's starting to fall. At least that's what it looks like from what I've read about others experiences.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthre ... ing+market
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthre ... ing+market

I'll see if I can find more. I just don't have time right now to look further.

I will add though that they did skyrocket a lot in Perth over the last 2-3 years so they were over inflated and are hopefully getting back to normal a bit.

It's still expensive there though considering.