Where in the world your Perth rent could take you 

Recently, we looked at what Perth’s median house sale price could buy around the world. Now we’re turning our attention to the rental market.

With Perth’s median dwelling rent sitting at $680 per week in September, we wanted to see how far that budget goes beyond our borders. Spoiler: in some cities, it won’t get you much more than a shoebox, but in others, it could mean your own private villa and pool.

From a Yokine unit to a Bondi studio, a New York basement flat and a Balinese escape, here’s what $680 a week in rent looks like around the world.

Inner-north convenience with courtyard calm

Perth, Australia | Unit | $660 per week | 77m² 

Source: reiwa.com

In Yokine, this two-bedroom unit pairs airy cathedral ceilings with a sunny private courtyard and a lock-up garage. Shops and parks are close by, and the CBD is an easy bus ride away. Simple, low-maintenance living in an ultra-convenient location.

Studio steps from North Bondi

Sydney, Australia | Studio apartment | $700 per week 

Source: realestate.com.au

What it lacks in space, it makes up for in action. This small studio trades spare rooms for sunrise swims, sandy feet and coffee on the coast. Slip out to the beach in minutes, rinse off, then jump on an express bus to the CBD. Compact, coastal, effortless.

Island living with city access

Hong Kong, Peng Chau | Apartment | AU$688 per week | 38m²

Source: Savills Hong Kong

We weren’t kidding when we said island living. Approximately 8 kilometres from Central Hong Kong, this apartment will see your daily commute by ferry past the skyline to the city centre each morning. The apartments are much smaller than Perth, but you trade floor space for quiet streets, beaches and an easy city link.

Micro living, Big Apple energy

New York City, USA | Studio apartment | AU$687 per week

Source: Zillow

In the wise words of Taylor Swift, “Welcome to New York.” About 30 minutes from Midtown, this compact Elmhurst studio sits in the building’s basement. While your bedroom and your kitchen don’t share a wall, your cleaning will at least be nice and easy. Life is sometimes about compromise, here you trade floor space for subway links, late night eats and weekends in Manhattan.

Mind the gap, embrace the buzz

London, England | Apartment | $678 per week | 32m²

Source: Savills 

Love late trains, kebabs at midnight and vinyl Saturdays, this London pad fits. It is a snug 32m2, yet super connected, with the Overground nearby and Shoreditch and the City just a short ride down the line.

Oui oui, one room will do

Paris, France | Studio apartment | AU$687 per week | 25m²

Source: Paris Attitude

Ah, Paris... the city of love, light, and limited floor space. This 25m² Montorgueil studio squeezes your kitchen, lounge and bedroom into one charming package. What it lacks in room to twirl, it makes up for in romance, with cobblestone streets, patisseries and café terraces right outside your window.

Maple-sweet neighbours and skyline sunsets

Toronto, Canada | Apartment | AU$625 per week | approx. 50m²

Source: balilongtermrentals.com

For less than what you’d pay for a modest Perth rental, you could be unwinding by your own pool with rice fields in view. This Canggu villa offers three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a rooftop terrace and plenty of calm, all within easy reach of Berawa’s cafés and surf.

Life’s a beach

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 1 bed apartment | AU$637 per week | 60m² 

Source: WhereInRio

If the view looks familiar, that’s because it’s Copacabana – one of the most famous stretches of sand in the world. This renovated apartment sits right on Avenida Atlântica, with the ocean just across the street. Sunlight fills the living area, and while there’s no parking, who needs a car when the beach, cafés and nightlife are all a short stroll away.