A good salary in Melbourne for a single person renting independently is generally considered to be $85,000–$105,000 per year gross — enough to cover median rent, living expenses, and save meaningfully. Melbourne is significantly more affordable than Sydney but housing costs have risen sharply over the past decade.
Key Takeaways
- A single person needs approximately $85,000–$105,000 gross to live comfortably in Melbourne
- A couple needs approximately $150,000–$190,000 combined to enter the property market and save
- Melbourne’s median dwelling price is approximately $900,000–$950,000 (Domain, early 2025)
- Median 2-bedroom apartment rent: $600–$750/week in inner/middle suburbs
- Average full-time earnings in Victoria: $100,200/year
Melbourne Cost of Living — Single Person Budget
| Expense Category | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed apartment, inner/middle) | $2,600–$3,200 | $31,200–$38,400 |
| Groceries | $450–$650 | $5,400–$7,800 |
| Utilities (electricity, gas, internet) | $190–$260 | $2,280–$3,120 |
| Transport (Myki or car) | $200–$550 | $2,400–$6,600 |
| Health insurance (basic) | $120–$175 | $1,440–$2,100 |
| Dining out / entertainment | $350–$650 | $4,200–$7,800 |
| Personal care / clothing | $180–$320 | $2,160–$3,840 |
| Total (mid-range estimate) | $4,300–$5,800 | $51,600–$69,600 |
After-tax income on an $85,000 salary is approximately $64,700/year — this covers costs at the lower end of the range with modest savings. On $100,000 (take-home ~$74,000), comfortable living with solid savings is achievable.
What Different Melbourne Salaries Feel Like
| Gross Salary | After-Tax Take-Home | Lifestyle in Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | ~$48,800 ($938/wk) | Tight — share housing or outer suburbs required |
| $75,000 | ~$58,600 ($1,127/wk) | Manageable in share housing; limited savings |
| $90,000 | ~$68,000 ($1,308/wk) | Comfortable renting 1-bed; some savings possible |
| $105,000 | ~$77,600 ($1,492/wk) | Comfortable renting 2-bed; solid savings; considering property |
| $130,000 | ~$93,300 ($1,794/wk) | Good lifestyle; mortgage servicing feasible; strong savings |
| $180,000 | ~$123,600 ($2,377/wk) | High income; property ownership with manageable mortgage |
After-tax figures based on FY2025–26 ATO rates, 2% Medicare levy, no HECS.
Melbourne vs Sydney: Salary Comparison
Melbourne is notably more affordable than Sydney, particularly on housing:
| Melbourne | Sydney | |
|---|---|---|
| Median dwelling price | ~$930,000 | ~$1.4M |
| Median 2-bed rent/week | $600–$750 | $750–$900 |
| Average full-time earnings | $100,200 (VIC) | $104,400 (NSW) |
| Comfortable single income | $85,000–$105,000 | $95,000–$120,000 |
Melbourne requires approximately 10–15% less income than Sydney for an equivalent lifestyle, driven by lower rents and more accessible property prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Melbourne?
A single person needs approximately $85,000–$105,000 gross ($64,700–$77,600 after tax) to live comfortably in Melbourne — renting independently, covering all expenses, and saving. On a combined household income, $140,000–$170,000 allows for comfortable living and property ownership.
Is $70,000 enough to live in Melbourne?
$70,000 ($55,600 after tax, ~$1,069/week) is workable in Melbourne but challenging if renting alone in inner suburbs. Share housing or choosing outer suburbs (30+ minutes from CBD) makes $70,000 viable with modest savings. Most people on $70,000 are targeting higher income over time.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
Yes — $100,000 is a strong salary in Melbourne. After tax ($74,000/year, $1,423/week) it covers rent, living costs, and leaves meaningful savings capacity. In Melbourne it goes further than in Sydney.
What is the average salary in Melbourne?
Average full-time earnings in Victoria are $100,200/year (ABS, November 2024). Melbourne metropolitan workers typically earn slightly above this state average, reflecting the concentration of professional and financial services employment.
Related Guides
- Good Salary in Sydney
- Good Salary in Brisbane
- What Is a Good Salary in Australia?
- Income Percentile Calculator Australia
- $100,000 Salary After Tax Australia
Cost of living figures sourced from Domain, REA Group, and ABS Household Expenditure Survey. Figures are estimates and vary by suburb and lifestyle. This is general information only.