Quick Answer
200,000 is a strong salary in Sydney, placing you above roughly 99% of earners. After taxes (~30.3% effective rate), your take-home is approximately $11,611/month. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $2,200/month (19% of net income).
Earning 200k in Sydney places you in a specific position relative to local wages. Understanding this context helps you make informed career and financial decisions—whether you're considering a job offer, planning a relocation, or preparing for a salary negotiation.
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.
Understanding salary adequacy in Sydney starts with the basics: how much of 200k do you actually take home? After federal and local taxes, social security contributions, and any mandatory deductions, the net figure is what determines your daily life. In Australia, the gap between gross and net can be surprisingly wide depending on your tax bracket.
The dining and entertainment landscape in Sydney also reflects in your salary's spending power. A city where a casual dinner costs $15 is very different from one where the same meal runs $45. These seemingly small differences compound over a year and significantly affect how comfortable 200k feels in daily life.
Healthcare costs vary widely by country and can dramatically affect salary evaluation. In countries with universal healthcare, 200k goes further because medical expenses are largely covered. In markets where health insurance is employer-provided or out-of-pocket, the true value of your salary depends heavily on your benefits package.
Education costs—whether for yourself or dependents—are another factor that shapes salary adequacy in Sydney. International school fees, university costs, and professional development expenses all come into play when evaluating whether 200k supports your full lifestyle needs.
Finally, consider the savings potential at 200k in Sydney. After covering all essential and discretionary expenses, how much can you realistically put aside each month? The ability to build financial security—whether through savings, investment, or property ownership—is ultimately what separates a "good" salary from merely an "adequate" one.
Is 200k a good salary in Sydney in 2026?
200k is a very strong salary, placing you in the top 1% of earners in Sydney. The local median salary is $62,000, so earning $200,000 puts you at the 99th 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 200k in Sydney?
On a gross salary of $200,000 in Australia, you can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 30.3%. This means roughly $60,667 per year goes to taxes, leaving you with a net income of about $139,333 per year ($11,611 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 200k salary, a 1-bedroom rent would consume about 19% of your after-tax income, which is very manageable.
How does 200k in Sydney compare to other cities?
Purchasing power varies by city, so 200k in Sydney is not equivalent elsewhere. Adjusted for cost of living, the same standard of living would require approximately: New York ($250,000), London ($212,000), San Francisco ($262,500). 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 200k in Sydney?
On 200k in Sydney, your estimated monthly take-home pay is $11,611 after taxes. With typical expenses of $3,043/month (rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and leisure), you could potentially save around $8,568 per month ($102,816/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.
