Is $80k a Good Salary in Sydney?
$80,000 is an above-average salary in Sydney, placing you above roughly 69% of earners. After taxes (~20.6% effective rate), your take-home is approximately $5,295/month. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $2,200/month (42% of net income).
Wondering if $80k is a good salary in Sydney? The answer depends on several factors unique to Sydney's economy and your personal circumstances. In this guide, we break down exactly what $80k buys you in Sydney, from housing and groceries to taxes and savings potential.
Sydney at a Glance
| Category | Monthly | % of Net |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $6,667 | — |
| Est. Taxes & Deductions | −$1,372 | — |
| Net Take-Home | $5,295 | 100% |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,200 | 42% |
| Groceries | $383 | 7% |
| Transport | $140 | 3% |
| Utilities | $120 | 2% |
| Leisure | $200 | 4% |
| Savings | $2,252 | 43% |
The cost of living in Sydney plays a significant role in determining salary adequacy. Housing alone can account for 30-50% of after-tax income in expensive neighborhoods, while more affordable areas might bring that down to 20-25%. Transportation, groceries, and daily expenses also vary considerably from national averages, which directly impacts your purchasing power and how much you can save each month.
When evaluating a $80k salary, it's essential to consider the local job market dynamics. Sydney's economy has unique characteristics that influence compensation norms across different industries and experience levels. Some sectors cluster in specific neighborhoods, creating micro-economies where salaries reflect local demand rather than national averages.
Tax considerations in Australia also affect your take-home pay significantly. After accounting for income taxes, social contributions, and any local levies, your net income may look quite different from the gross figure. Many professionals are surprised to learn that effective tax rates can range from 20% to over 40% depending on income level and filing status.
Housing market conditions in Sydney have a direct bearing on salary adequacy. Whether you rent or buy, the share of income going toward housing is often the single biggest factor in financial comfort. Understanding typical rents for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments in different neighborhoods helps you build a realistic budget around a $80k salary.
Beyond the monthly budget, long-term financial planning is crucial. At $80k in Sydney, you should evaluate your ability to build an emergency fund, contribute to retirement accounts, and potentially invest. The gap between earning well and building wealth often comes down to how much discretionary income remains after essential expenses.
- vs. city median: $80,000 is above the Sydney median of $62,000 (129% of median).
- Earner percentile: Top 31% (above 69% of earners in Sydney).
- Purchasing power: strong (index: 84, where NYC = 100).
- Equivalent salary: New York: $100k | London: $85k | San Francisco: $105k.
Key Factors That Influence Your Earnings in Sydney
- Household Size: A single person on $80k in Sydney has a very different financial situation than a family of four. Housing needs, childcare, and education costs scale significantly.
- Benefits Package Value: Healthcare, retirement contributions, paid time off, and perks like education stipends can add 20-40% on top of base salary in effective compensation value.
- Remote Work & Flexibility: Hybrid or fully remote arrangements may come with geographic pay adjustments, but also reduce commuting costs by $2,000-5,000+ annually.
- Company Size & Type: Large corporations, venture-backed startups, and SMEs in Sydney offer different compensation structures. Total comp at large tech firms can be 50%+ higher than base salary alone due to equity and bonuses.
- Education & Specialized Skills: Advanced degrees, professional certifications, or in-demand technical skills can command 15-30% premium compensation in competitive markets like Sydney.
Tips to Negotiate a Better Salary in Sydney
- Time your negotiation strategically—after performance reviews, major project completions, or when you have competing offers provides the strongest leverage.
- Frame your request around market data rather than personal needs: "Based on market rates for this role in Sydney, I believe a range of X-Y reflects fair value" is more effective.
- Practice your negotiation conversation with a trusted friend or mentor. Rehearsing specific responses to common pushback builds confidence and fluency.
Common Questions About Earning $80k in Sydney
A $80k salary in Sydney puts you in the 69th percentile of earners, which is considered above average. The median salary in Sydney is $62,000. After taxes (effective rate: 20.6%), your monthly take-home would be approximately $5,295.
On a $80k salary in Australia, you would pay approximately $16,467 in taxes annually, giving you an effective tax rate of 20.6%. Your net annual income would be approximately $63,533.
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sydney is $2,200/month, while a 2-bedroom averages $3,100/month. On a $80k salary, rent would consume approximately 42% of your after-tax income.
The median salary in Sydney is $62,000. A $80k salary puts you above the median, in the 69th percentile of earners in the city.
The cost of living index in Sydney is 80 (NYC = 100). Key monthly costs include: rent $2,200 (1BR), groceries $382, and transport $140.
On a $80k salary in Sydney, after taxes and typical living expenses, you could save approximately $2,252 per month. This accounts for rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, and leisure spending.
Last updated: 2026-02-28 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.
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