Perth vs. Green Bay: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living and quality of life between Perth, Australia, and Green Bay, Wisconsin, based on data from 2026. The analysis covers various aspects including housing, groceries, transportation, dining, childcare, and taxes, alongside quality metrics such as commute times, pollution levels, and property price-to-income ratios. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview to help inform decisions about relocation or investment.

Housing

Climate Index

95.7 / 49.4

Health Care Index

71.9 / 67.9

Perth   Green Bay

Perth's housing market is significantly more expensive, with property prices measured in price per square meter being nearly double those in Green Bay. A three-bedroom apartment in Perth's city center costs around AUD 2,490.33 per square meter, compared to USD 2,350.33 in Green Bay. Rent reflects this disparity, with a three-bedroom apartment in Perth's city center averaging AUD 2,050 per month, versus USD 2,050 in Green Bay's city center. However, it's worth noting that the exchange rate between AUD and USD could influence these figures, making Perth's housing costs appear even steeper in USD terms.

Groceries

Pollution Index

28.3 / 38.1

Safety Index

57.8 / 67.9

Perth   Green Bay

Groceries are more expensive in Perth, particularly for basic staples. A loaf of bread costs about AUD 2.70 in Perth versus USD 4.17 in Green Bay. Local produce is also pricier, with a kilogram of apples averaging AUD 4.90 in Perth compared to USD 4.48 in Green Bay. While the base cost of living index favors Green Bay, Perth's higher exchange rate might make some imported goods relatively cheaper, though this doesn't offset the premium on most grocery items.

Transportation

Traffic Commute Time Index

40.9 / 24.1

Perth   Green Bay

Perth's transportation costs are substantially higher than Green Bay's. A monthly public transport pass costs approximately AUD 100.33 in Perth versus USD 39.50 in Green Bay. Fuel costs also favor Green Bay, with one liter of gasoline priced at AUD 1.70 in Perth versus USD 0.80 in Green Bay. Additionally, car prices are significantly higher in Perth, with a standard sedan costing around AUD 40,000 AUD versus USD 25,000 USD. This combination of higher fuel, vehicle costs, and public transport expenses makes daily commuting and ownership considerably more expensive in Perth.

Dining and Entertainment

Green Bay offers significantly lower costs for dining out. A mid-range meal for two people costs approximately USD 60 in Green Bay compared to AUD 120 in Perth. Fast food meals are also cheaper in Green Bay, with a combo meal averaging USD 8.75 versus AUD 15.00. While Perth may offer more upscale dining options, the overall restaurant experience is more expensive, reflecting differences in local economy and consumer pricing structures.

Childcare

Childcare costs are substantially higher in Perth, with monthly fees averaging AUD 1,872.22 versus USD 525.00 in Green Bay. This significant difference in childcare expenses could have a substantial impact on family budgets, particularly for larger families. The disparity reflects differences in local regulations, demand, and the cost of childcare providers in each location.

Taxes

Green Bay residents benefit from a lower tax burden. The effective tax rate in Green Bay is approximately 13%, while residents of Perth face an estimated effective tax rate of 15%. This small difference may seem modest, but over time, it can significantly impact disposable income and savings.

Commute Times

Perth offers significantly shorter commute times, with an average of 24 minutes compared to Green Bay's 28 minutes. This difference may seem small, but it can have a substantial impact on daily work-life balance, especially for those with long commutes. Shorter commutes can mean more time for family, leisure activities, or additional work.

Pollution Levels

Green Bay has lower pollution levels, with an index score of 38.13 versus Perth's 53.55. This difference suggests residents of Green Bay may experience better air quality and potentially fewer respiratory health issues. Urban pollution can significantly impact quality of life, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions.

Safety and Security

Perth generally has lower crime rates than Green Bay, though specific neighborhood variations exist within each city. Safety perceptions can significantly influence quality of life decisions, affecting everything from daily routines to property choices.

Healthcare Access

Perth has more extensive healthcare infrastructure, with more hospitals and specialized medical facilities. This can be crucial for accessing timely and specialized medical care, particularly for complex conditions requiring specialized treatment or follow-up.

Property Price-to-Income Ratio

Perth has a higher property price-to-income ratio (7.0) compared to Green Bay (3.4). This indicates that housing costs relative to income are more affordable in Green Bay. A lower ratio suggests that housing expenses consume a smaller percentage of household income in Green Bay, providing more financial flexibility. Perth offers a higher quality of life with shorter commute times and better healthcare access but comes with significantly higher costs in nearly all categories, including housing, groceries, transportation, dining, and childcare. Green Bay provides a more affordable lifestyle with lower costs across most major categories, though it has slightly higher pollution levels and longer commute times. The decision between these two locations ultimately depends on individual priorities. Those prioritizing quality of life, healthcare access, and shorter commutes may find Perth more suitable despite the higher costs. Conversely, those prioritizing affordability, lower pollution, and a smaller tax burden may prefer Green Bay. For families, the significant difference in childcare costs warrants particular consideration.