Rent affordability · Melbourne
Can I afford A$1,500/month rent in Melbourne?
A$1,500/month puts you in the top 88% of renters in Melbourne by rent amount — A$800 below the city median (A$2,300).
Salary you need to afford this
Based on gross annual salary. The 30% rule (manageable threshold) is the most widely used benchmark — it means A$1,500/month consumes exactly 30% of your monthly income.
How this compares in Melbourne
A$1,500
Budget rent
P10
A$2,300
Typical rent
median
A$3,800
High-end rent
P90
People in Melbourne typically spend 23–44% of their gross income on rent. The median renter spends 32%.
Data confidence: medium · Consumer Affairs Victoria rental data + ABS CPI private rent component 2024 (note: ABS SIH 2023-24 cancelled Jul 2025; next SIH results expected 2027) · 2023–2024
Frequently asked questions
Can I afford A$1,500/month rent in Melbourne?
Whether you can afford A$1,500/month in Melbourne depends on your salary. At the standard 30% rule, you need at least A$60,000/year gross. At a stricter 25% threshold, you need A$72,000/year. A$1,500/month is below the city median — 12% of renters in Melbourne pay less.
What salary do I need to afford A$1,500 rent in Melbourne?
To afford A$1,500/month without spending more than 30% of gross income on rent, you need at least A$60,000/year. For a more comfortable 25% target, the threshold rises to A$72,000/year. At 35% — considered financially stretched — the minimum falls to A$51,429/year.
Is A$1,500/month rent expensive in Melbourne?
A$1,500/month is A$800 below the city median. 12% of renters in Melbourne pay less than this amount. Rent across Melbourne ranges from roughly A$1,500 (cheapest 10%) to A$3,800 (top 10%).
Other rent amounts in Melbourne