Cost of Living: Gothenburg vs Perth (2026)
Sweden vs Australia — relocation comparison
- VAT-free under €7k
- 29% social
- €1000/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €46k
- €600/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated April 2026
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated April 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Sun clocks out early in Gothenburg's winter. Plan accordingly.
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
On request up to 18 weeks. Between 18-22 weeks requires board approval.
Legal in all states/territories; gestational limits vary by state (16-24 weeks on request).
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Rainbow Index source: ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map (European cities) / Equaldex Equality Index (elsewhere) — two distinct scales
The Short Version
- •Rent is 41% cheaper in Gothenburg ($1080/mo vs $1821/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are dramatically warmer in Perth (29°C vs 19°C).
- •Gothenburg scores higher on democracy (9.4 vs 8.8 / 10 EIU).
Gothenburg vs Perth — Common Questions
Is Gothenburg cheaper than Perth?▾
Gothenburg is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1080/month there vs $1821/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Gothenburg or Perth?▾
Perth is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Gothenburg has a rate of 1.10 per 100,000 and Perth has 0.83 per 100,000.
Should I move to Gothenburg or Perth?▾
Gothenburg scores 80 to Perth's 68 on livability — the gap is real. Perth has its charms, but the numbers favor Gothenburg. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Gothenburg or Perth?▾
Gothenburg: Sweden Self-Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (renewable)). Perth: no specific remote work visa. See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Gothenburg or Perth?▾
Perth is warmer in summer (29°C vs 19°C). Gothenburg has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
What's the cost of rent in Gothenburg vs Perth?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1080/month in Gothenburg, $1821/month in Perth (Numbeo). That's 41% cheaper rent in Gothenburg.
Is Gothenburg or Perth better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Gothenburg scores 9.4/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 8.8/10 for Perth. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Compare Gothenburg
Stockholm vs Gothenburg
Compare Gothenburg
Gothenburg vs Graz
Compare Perth
Sydney vs Perth
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
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