Salary vs rent · Melbourne
A$70,000 salary in Melbourne: how much rent can you afford?
On A$70,000/year your monthly take-home budget (gross) is A$5,833/month. The median rent in Melbourne is A$2,300, which would take 39.4% of your income — Stretch.
Your monthly rent budget
Rent landscape in Melbourne
A$1,500
25.7% of your salary
Budget rent
A$2,300
39.4% of your salary
Typical rent
A$3,800
65.1% of your salary
High-end rent
Renters in Melbourne typically spend 23–44% of income on rent. At A$70,000/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$70,000/year in Melbourne?
On A$70,000/year (A$5,833/month), a comfortable rent budget at 30% of gross income is A$1,750/month. At the stricter 25% threshold, you should aim for no more than A$1,458/month. Median rent in Melbourne is A$2,300/month.
Is A$70,000/year a good salary in Melbourne?
A$70,000/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 39% of gross income — slightly 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$70,000/year, keeping rent at 30% means a maximum of A$1,750/month.
Other salaries in Melbourne