Quick Answer
150,000 is a strong salary in Sydney, placing you above roughly 96% of earners. After taxes (~27% effective rate), your take-home is approximately $9,119/month. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $2,200/month (24% of net income).
If you're earning—or considering—a 150k salary in Sydney, you need to understand the full financial picture. Rent, taxes, commuting costs, healthcare, and savings potential all factor into whether this salary delivers the lifestyle you're looking for.
Sydney (pop. 5.3 million) is moderately expensive compared to global metros, with a cost of living index of 80 (NYC = 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $2,200/month and a monthly transit pass costs $140. It's considered a strong tech market with a tech score of 7/10.
Evaluating 150k in Sydney requires a holistic approach that goes beyond simple cost-of-living calculators. While those tools provide useful ballpark figures, they rarely account for individual spending patterns, family size, or lifestyle preferences that dramatically affect real-world outcomes.
The concept of "lifestyle inflation" is particularly relevant when evaluating 150k in Sydney. As your salary grows, spending tends to grow with it—a phenomenon that can leave high earners feeling financially stretched despite objectively strong incomes. Building intentional spending habits early ensures you extract maximum value from your compensation.
Networking opportunities and career acceleration in Sydney represent an often-overlooked component of salary value. A 150k role in a major industry hub may provide connections and experience that lead to significantly higher earnings within a few years—making the current salary a worthwhile investment in your career trajectory.
The work-life balance expectations in Sydney also shape salary perception. In cultures where long hours are the norm, a higher salary compensates for reduced personal time. In markets where 35-40 hour weeks are standard, a moderate salary like 150k might deliver better overall life satisfaction per hour worked.
Housing ownership versus renting is another strategic consideration at 150k in Sydney. In some markets, this salary supports mortgage payments for a modest property, building long-term equity. In others, renting remains the only viable option, which changes the long-term wealth-building equation significantly.
Is 150k a good salary in Sydney in 2026?
150k is a very strong salary, placing you in the top 4% of earners in Sydney. The local median salary is $62,000, so earning $150,000 puts you at the 96th percentile. After accounting for housing (average $2,200/month for a 1-bedroom), taxes, and daily costs, this salary allows for meaningful monthly savings.
How much tax will I pay on 150k in Sydney?
On a gross salary of $150,000 in Australia, you can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 27%. This means roughly $40,567 per year goes to taxes, leaving you with a net income of about $109,433 per year ($9,119 per month). The exact amount may vary based on deductions, filing status, and local levies.
What is the average rent in Sydney in 2026?
As of 2026, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in central Sydney is approximately $2,200 per month, while a 2-bedroom averages around $3,100 per month. On a 150k salary, a 1-bedroom rent would consume about 24% of your after-tax income, which is very manageable.
How does 150k in Sydney compare to other cities?
Purchasing power varies by city, so 150k in Sydney is not equivalent elsewhere. Adjusted for cost of living, the same standard of living would require approximately: New York ($187,500), London ($159,000), San Francisco ($196,875). Sydney has a purchasing power index of 84 (NYC = 100), meaning your money goes somewhat less far than in New York.
What is the cost of living in Sydney in 2026?
Sydney has a cost of living index of 80 (where New York = 100), making it a moderately expensive city. Key monthly costs include: rent ($2,200 for 1BR), groceries (~$383), transport ($140), and utilities (~$120). Total monthly expenses for a single professional average around $3,043 before discretionary spending.
Can I save money on 150k in Sydney?
On 150k in Sydney, your estimated monthly take-home pay is $9,119 after taxes. With typical expenses of $3,043/month (rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and leisure), you could potentially save around $6,076 per month ($72,912/year). This provides solid room for building an emergency fund and investing.
Last updated: 2026-02-19 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.
Disclaimer: This page uses market data and cost-of-living sources for guidance. All figures and advice are estimates, not guarantees. Local conditions and personal circumstances may vary.
