Salary vs rent · Melbourne
A$40,000 salary in Melbourne: how much rent can you afford?
On A$40,000/year your monthly take-home budget (gross) is A$3,333/month. The median rent in Melbourne is A$2,300, which would take 69.0% of your income — Risky.
Your monthly rent budget
Rent landscape in Melbourne
A$1,500
45.0% of your salary
Budget rent
A$2,300
69.0% of your salary
Typical rent
A$3,800
114.0% of your salary
High-end rent
Renters in Melbourne typically spend 23–44% of income on rent. At A$40,000/year, you have limited room to cover the median rent comfortably.
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
How much rent can I afford on A$40,000/year in Melbourne?
On A$40,000/year (A$3,333/month), a comfortable rent budget at 30% of gross income is A$1,000/month. At the stricter 25% threshold, you should aim for no more than A$833/month. Median rent in Melbourne is A$2,300/month.
Is A$40,000/year a good salary in Melbourne?
A$40,000/year compares to a Melbourne median household income of around A$72,632/year. At this salary, median Melbourne rent (A$2,300/month) would take 69% of gross income — well above the 30% guideline.
What percentage of salary should go to rent in Melbourne?
Financial advisors typically recommend spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. In Melbourne, where the typical renter spends 32% of income on rent, many residents find the 30% target difficult to achieve. On A$40,000/year, keeping rent at 30% means a maximum of A$1,000/month.
Other salaries in Melbourne