Calculator
Australia Cost of Living Calculator
See how much disposable income your salary really leaves after tax and the typical cost of living in each city.
Short answer
Disposable income is what is left after PAYG tax, the 2% Medicare levy and living costs, mainly rent, transport, food and utilities. On our indicative figures a one-bedroom runs about $2,600 a month in Sydney against $1,600 in Adelaide, so a higher Sydney salary can leave less spare cash.
Net pay (monthly)
$6,173
Core living costs (monthly)
$4,170
Sydney estimate
Disposable (monthly)
$2,003
Savings rate
32.5%
Of net pay
On $95,000 in Sydney, your estimated disposable income is $2,003 a month after rent, transport, food and utilities. Cost figures are indicative and should be refreshed from current sources for your suburb.
Which city leaves you the most?
The same salary stretches differently across the country. Compare a city's typical costs against your after-tax pay to see real disposable income and your savings rate. Explore each city: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin.
Make the numbers yours
The defaults are indicative city averages. Enter your actual rent and costs for a personal result. For a relocation decision, combine this with the migration comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the cost figures come from?+
They are indicative city estimates for comparison and should be refreshed from current sources for your suburb and household.
Does it include super?+
Super is excluded from take-home pay unless you mark the salary as 'including super'. Disposable income is based on cash in hand.
Is rent the biggest factor?+
Usually yes. Rent differences between cities are the single biggest driver of disposable income for most workers.
Sources & methodology
- ATO - Personal income tax: new tax cuts (15% rate from 1 July 2026)
- Income Tax Rates Act 1986 (legislation.gov.au)
- ATO - Study and training loan repayment thresholds and rates
- ATO - Super guarantee
- ATO - Contribution caps
- ATO - Payday Super and the annual maximum contribution base
- ATO - Medicare levy
- ATO - Medicare levy surcharge income thresholds and rates
- Fair Work Ombudsman - Pay slips
- How we calculate these estimates
Last updated 13 August 2026. Figures use the 2026-27 financial year.