Richest Suburbs in Perth: Where Interstate Movers Find Premium Living

Richest Suburbs in Perth
Steve Blackwell

Author | Steve Blackwell

Steve Blackwell is the founder and Director of Relocations WA, bringing over 45 years of experience in the removals industry and a lifelong commitment to delivering personalised, end-to-end relocation services.

We often speak with families, professionals, and downsizers who are moving to Perth because they want more than a new address.

They want space, better lifestyle balance, beautiful beaches, access to the Swan River, respected schools, and a neighbourhood that feels right for the next stage of life.

That is why the richest suburbs in Perth are not only defined by expensive homes. 

Yes, property prices matter. But wealth in these areas also shows up in prestige, location, larger blocks, waterfront access, proximity to private schools, established streets, and everyday lifestyle appeal.

Perth’s premium suburbs each offer something different. At Relocations WA, we believe the best move is not just about choosing the most affluent suburb. It is about choosing the one that fits how you actually want to live.

The richest suburbs in Perth are typically those where property prices, location, lifestyle, and long-term demand come together. 

One of the most obvious indicators is high median house prices. According to the REIWA report, Peppermint Grove was still the most expensive suburb in Perth at the end of 2025, followed by Dalkeith, City Beach, Cottesloe, and Applecross.

Location also matters. A lot of Perth’s richest suburbs are located near the Swan River, the coast, or both. These areas generally have larger homes, established blocks, tree-lined streets, reputable schools and easy access to the CBD. 

The appeal is also contributed to by lifestyle. Imagine beaches, parks, cafes, yacht clubs, golf courses, marinas, and silent residential streets that seem private but are not so far from the city.

Socio-economic data also support this. ABS SEIFA index identifies Peppermint Grove, Nedlands, and Cottesloe as some of the most advantaged local government areas in Australia.

Having said this, it does not necessarily mean that a more affluent suburb is the right suburb for all. Relocations WA consistently advises that, before deciding where to settle, you should consider your budget, commute, school needs, and lifestyle fit.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the richest suburbs in Perth for anyone looking to compare the premium areas before making the move west. These suburbs are typically distinguished by their high median house values, river or coastal locations, established homes, reputable schools, and high lifestyle value.

The growth in the premium market is evident in the rapid increase in the number of suburbs, as noted by REIWA, which reported that Perth had 126 suburbs in the premium market with a median house sale price of $1 million or more by the end of 2025.

That being said, property prices are changeable. Relocations WA would advise that before buying or renting, consider checking current market data, rental availability, school zones, and commute times for the areas you are considering.

SuburbMedian House Sale PriceWhy It Is Considered Wealthy
Peppermint Grove$5,100,000Prestigious, riverfront, exclusive homes
Dalkeith$3,512,000Large homes, river views, family prestige
City Beach$3,225,000Coastal luxury, large homes
Cottesloe$3,150,000Iconic beach lifestyle, premium homes
Applecross$2,800,000Swan River views, luxury homes and apartments
Swanbourne$2,675,000Beach access, private school proximity
Watermans Bay$2,620,000Premium northern coastal lifestyle
Mosman Park$2,615,000River and coastal access
Claremont$2,300,000Shopping, schools, heritage homes
Nedlands$2,107,000Schools, hospitals, university access

Peppermint Grove

Peppermint Grove is the first suburb that people think of when asked the question, “What is the richest suburb in Perth?” 

It sits firmly among the wealthiest suburbs in Perth. It has the price value, the riverfront location, the heritage dwellings, and that old-money smell, which places it at the top of Perth’s richest suburbs.

It is not the price alone that makes it so desirable. The Shire of Peppermint Grove explains that the area is known for its large character homes, tranquil tree-lined streets, lush parks, and location by the Swan River. 

For people moving interstate, Peppermint Grove offers river access, prestige, and privacy to those who do not want to be identified with their local communities. Relocations WA would usually recommend it for buyers who already know they want a premium, quieter lifestyle.

But it is not suitable for everybody. The exclusivity of Peppermint Grove is partly due to limited supply, and that scarcity is a major factor that makes it one of Perth’s rich suburbs.

Dalkeith

  • Median House Price: $4,100,000
  • Asking Price: $3,980,000

Dalkeith is one of those rich Perth suburbs that make a quiet but impressive impact rather than being flashy. We would typically describe it as a high-end family suburb, with large homes, tree-lined streets, access to the Swan River, and the type of privacy desired by high-income households moving out of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide.

Dalkeith has no problem maintaining its status as one of Perth’s richest suburbs. According to settled sales in the 12 months ending April 2026, the median house price in Dalkeith was $4,100,000. 

Its upper-quartile house price is $5.12 million, which provides a good sense of the level of prestige the suburb enjoys. The median listing price for houses in Dalkeith on Real Estate Investar is $3,980,000.

The most attractive thing about Dalkeith is its location. Birdwood Parade Bushland is located in Dalkeith beside the Swan River, while Point Resolution sits on the northern shores of the river and offers views across the water.

Dalkeith is a good prospect for families who want to move interstate, want space and privacy, and would like to be close to central Perth. 

We recommend it to you if you want an established, premium neighbourhood without losing the calm residential atmosphere.

City Beach

  • Median House Price: $3,700,000
  • Asking Price: $3,250,000

The reason why City Beach is one of the richest suburbs in Perth is exceptionally simple: it provides people with the space, access to the ocean, and easy life at the coast that many interstate movers are seeking.

It is one of those rich suburbs in Perth where the houses feel generous, the streets feel open, and the beach is part of everyday life rather than a weekend treat.

The demand is reflected in property prices. In City Beach, the median house price as of May 2026 is listed by REIWA as $3,700,000. The median price of a house listing (asking price) reported by Real Estate Investar is $3,250,000.

A sizable portion of the price is the lifestyle appeal. According to the Town of Cambridge, City Beach is a white-sand beach with patrols, lighting, open lawn areas, picnic and barbecue facilities, play areas, a promenade, and a northern boardwalk that connects to Floreat Beach.

For families relocating out of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, or Adelaide, City Beach can be a significant lifestyle upgrade.

We would say it does deserve its place among the best places to live in Perth, at least to those movers who want to live in the coastal area without losing the benefits of being in the city.

Cottesloe

  • Median House Price: $3,337,500
  • Asking Price: $3,750,000

Cottesloe is one of the richest suburbs in Perth with real name recognition. Even those who have never lived in WA often know it for the beach, the cafes, the ocean views, and that high-end coastal lifestyle that feels very Perth.

The property prices are why it is one of Perth’s richest suburbs. According to REIWA’s transactions for the 12 months ending April 2026, Cottesloe has a median house price of $3,337,500. The median house listing price is also listed as 3,750,000 by Real Estate Investar.

The suburb has a mix of historical and modern houses. At the same time, the Town of Cottesloe is characterised by its beaches, well-maintained lawns, balcony views, coastal dining, cafes, and local eateries.

We would recommend that you take the time to compare streets before making a decision. A house near the beach can be so different to a house set in a more secluded residential area.

Applecross

Applecross is among the richest suburbs in Perth to move to, offering premium riverside living without being part of the typical western suburbs cluster. It is located south of the river, offering views of the Swan River, high-end apartments, luxury homes, cafes, and easy access to Perth CBD.

The prices of the properties demonstrate why Applecross is one of Perth’s wealthiest suburbs. 

Lifestyle is a big part of the appeal. The area is located along the Swan River, with foreshore and open landscapes, and community amenities. 

It also has its Majestic Boardwalk, which is situated on the southern side of the Swan River Estuary at Dundas Point in Applecross.

We would say that Applecross is the neighbourhood that suits professionals, downsizers, and families who want to enjoy a higher quality of life in Perth. 

All you have to do is consider the cost of living in Perth, as high-end suburbs usually come with higher purchase prices, rents, and daily costs.

Swanbourne, Mosman Park, and Nedlands

Swanbourne, Mosman Park, and Nedlands all sit firmly among Perth’s richest suburbs, but they offer different lifestyles. 

It is the section to which interstate movers ought to be attentive. They are almost touching, but each has its own touch.

Swanbourne is quiet, polished, and residential. It is appropriate for families wishing to access the beach without the hustle and bustle of Cottesloe. Local beaches, river areas, and foreshores are also highlighted, which contributes to the suburb’s appeal as an outdoor lifestyle destination.

Mosman Park possesses a varied sort of prestige. It provides access to the river and the coast, which is rare even in Perth’s rich suburbs. The Town of Mosman Park defines the suburb as being nestled between the Swan River and the Indian Ocean, about 15km away from the Perth CBD.

Nedlands is more established and practical. It is within reach of UWA, hospitals, schools, the river, and central Perth, and is popular with families, medical professionals and academics. 

We would advise you to compare these suburbs to see if you are planning to move to a different state.

SuburbBest ForLifestyle Feel
SwanbourneFamilies wanting beach accessQuiet, coastal, residential
Mosman ParkBuyers wanting river and ocean accessScenic, premium, varied
NedlandsFamilies, medical professionals, academicsEstablished, convenient, practical

Watermans Bay and Claremont

Perth’s richest suburbs are not restricted to the traditional western suburbs belt. Some rich areas in Perth are built around beach access, and others are made up around access to schools, shopping, heritage homes, and long-term convenience. Watermans Bay and Claremont are good examples of that difference.

Watermans Bay is a premium northern coastal suburb with a quieter beachside feel. Even the City of Stirling notes that Watermans Bay has public open spaces, such as Watermans Beach and Laurie Strutt Reserve, which contribute to its relaxed seaside ambience. This suburb can be a beautiful fit for you if you like ocean access without the busier feel of Cottesloe or Scarborough.

Claremont, on the other hand, is more polished and established. The Town of Claremont describes the area as leafy and riverside, with a booming town centre, a large shopping centre, cafes, restaurants, access to mass transit, and eight government and independent schools.

We would say that both areas are among the richest suburbs in Perth, but they would be of interest to different types of movers. 

It is always better to look beyond the postcode before choosing one of the richest suburbs in Perth. A high-end suburb may seem ideal on paper, but the real question is whether it fits into your budget, routine, and lifestyle.

Here’s what to check first:

What To ConsiderWhy It Matters
Buying or Renting BudgetPrices can be steep
Stamp Duty and Upfront CostsIn WA, transfer duty, formerly called stamp duty, applies to many property transactions and is usually payable by the buyer.
School CatchmentsMany of Perth’s richest suburbs are popular with families because of nearby schools, but enrolment rules can vary.
Commute to WorkA beautiful riverside home is less enjoyable if the daily commute becomes a headache.
Beach, River, Parks, and ShopsThe suburb has large character homes, tranquil tree-lined streets, lush parks, and Swan River access, which shows why lifestyle is a major part of the price.
Public Transport and ParkingSome premium suburbs are quieter and more car-dependent than expected.
Rental AvailabilityHomes in the wealthiest suburbs in Perth can be limited, especially if you need a larger property.
Suburb AtmosphereSome areas feel peaceful and private. Others may feel too quiet for movers used to a busier city.

We would advise utilising moving interstate checklists before making the decision. When you are relocating interstate in Perth, compare the price, access, schools and daily lifestyle in the suburb before you lock anything in.

Why Price Is Not Everything

We would recommend weighing the premium suburbs against a more practical lifestyle before making a decision. You can even read guides to the worst suburbs in Perth, not to judge those areas, but to understand trade-offs.

Perth’s richest suburbs are impressive, but the real value is not just in the price tag. It is in the lifestyle that comes with them. 

As removalists, we know choosing a suburb is only one part of the bigger move. Once you have compared places, the next step is planning how to get there smoothly.

That is where Relocations WA can help. We assist with interstate moves to Perth, including careful packing, secure transport, furniture handling, and move planning built around your timeline. 

Whether you are relocating from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, or another part of Australia, our team can help make the process easier from start to finish.

When you are ready to move, speak with us for reliable interstate removalist support. We will help you settle into the right part of Perth with less stress and more confidence.

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