Australia’s fourth-largest city continues its transformation from resource powerhouse to diversified innovation hub. Perth’s economy – long driven by mining and energy – has embraced tech, life sciences and clean energy, helping power its #7 ranking for Standard of Living.
Visitation is booming, and Perth Airport’s $5-billion expansion, including a new parallel runway by 2028, will boost international capacity – directly linking to the Indian Ocean Rim’s fast-growing economies, and improving the #206 Airports ranking. The cultural scene is also ascending. The WA Museum Boola Bardip continues to grow visitor numbers, while the Perth Cultural Centre’s $55-million renewal – adding theaters, Indigenous cultural spaces and landscaped plazas – will open in stages through 2026. Kings Park, at more than 990 acres, remains one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, anchoring Perth’s outdoor lifestyle and contributing to a Top 5 ranking for Air Quality. Population growth of nearly 2% annually keeps housing demand high, with median home values climbing 18% in 2025 – among the strongest nationwide.