Quick Answer
80,000 is an above-average salary in Melbourne, placing you above roughly 74% of earners. After taxes (~20.6% effective rate), your take-home is approximately $5,294/month. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $1,700/month (32% of net income).
80k per year sounds different depending on where you live. In Melbourne, this salary puts you in a specific income bracket that determines your housing options, disposable income, and long-term financial trajectory. Let's look at the numbers.
Melbourne (pop. 5.0 million) is moderately expensive compared to global metros, with a cost of living index of 70 (NYC = 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,700/month and a monthly transit pass costs $130. It's considered a growing tech scene with a tech score of 6/10.
Evaluating 80k in Melbourne 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 80k in Melbourne. 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 Melbourne represent an often-overlooked component of salary value. A 80k 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 Melbourne 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 80k might deliver better overall life satisfaction per hour worked.
Housing ownership versus renting is another strategic consideration at 80k in Melbourne. 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 80k a good salary in Melbourne in 2026?
80k is an above-average salary, placing you above roughly 74% of earners in Melbourne. The local median salary is $58,000, so earning $80,000 puts you at the 74th percentile. After accounting for housing (average $1,700/month for a 1-bedroom), taxes, and daily costs, this salary allows for meaningful monthly savings.
How much tax will I pay on 80k in Melbourne?
On a gross salary of $80,000 in Australia, you can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 20.6%. This means roughly $16,467 per year goes to taxes, leaving you with a net income of about $63,533 per year ($5,294 per month). The exact amount may vary based on deductions, filing status, and local levies.
What is the average rent in Melbourne in 2026?
As of 2026, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in central Melbourne is approximately $1,700 per month, while a 2-bedroom averages around $2,400 per month. On a 80k salary, a 1-bedroom rent would consume about 32% of your after-tax income, which is a significant portion of income.
How does 80k in Melbourne compare to other cities?
Purchasing power varies by city, so 80k in Melbourne is not equivalent elsewhere. Adjusted for cost of living, the same standard of living would require approximately: New York ($114,286), London ($97,143), San Francisco ($120,000). Melbourne has a purchasing power index of 82 (NYC = 100), meaning your money goes somewhat less far than in New York.
What is the cost of living in Melbourne in 2026?
Melbourne has a cost of living index of 70 (where New York = 100), making it a moderately expensive city. Key monthly costs include: rent ($1,700 for 1BR), groceries (~$360), transport ($130), and utilities (~$105). Total monthly expenses for a single professional average around $2,470 before discretionary spending.
Can I save money on 80k in Melbourne?
On 80k in Melbourne, your estimated monthly take-home pay is $5,294 after taxes. With typical expenses of $2,470/month (rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and leisure), you could potentially save around $2,824 per month ($33,888/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.
