Yes, $100,000 is a good salary in Australia in 2026. It places you above the median full-time income of $88,400 and provides comfortable living in most cities. However, lifestyle quality varies significantly—from excellent in regional areas to requiring careful budgeting in Sydney or Melbourne for families.
If you’re planning life in Australia or recently started working here, one of the biggest questions you’ll ask is: “Is a $100,000 salary good enough to live comfortably?”
To put this in perspective: according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median full-time salary sits at $88,400, while the average is $102,742. Your $100K puts you above median earnings—in the top 42% of Australian workers—making it a comfortable middle-to-upper income tier.
This article breaks it down simply with examples, city comparisons, and spending scenarios so you can see where your money really goes.
What You Really Take Home From Your $100,000 Salary
A $100,000 annual gross income sounds impressive, but after tax and the Medicare levy, your take-home pay (for the 2025–26 financial year) is roughly:
📊 Take-Home Pay Breakdown:
- Annual take-home (after tax): ≈ $74,000
- Monthly: ≈ $6,150
- Fortnightly: ≈ $2,835
- Weekly: ≈ $1,415
(Assuming no extra deductions or benefits and based on Australian Tax Office 2025 rates.)
Important for New Arrivals: Understanding Superannuation
Most Australian employers pay fortnightly or weekly. Also, confirm whether your $100K includes or excludes superannuation—this matters significantly.
- If superannuation (currently 11.5%) is included: Your actual gross before-tax cash salary is closer to $89,700, with $10,300 going into your retirement fund.
- If super is additional: You’re in a better position—that extra 11.5% acts as forced savings for your future.
How Does $100K Compare to Average Australian Salaries?
Context matters when evaluating your earning potential. Here’s where a $100,000 salary stands in 2026:
- Median Australian salary: $88,400 (you’re earning 13% more)
- Average Australian salary: $102,742 (you’re 3% below average)
- Your percentile ranking: Top 42% of full-time workers
What this means: While $100K sounds like a milestone figure, it’s solidly middle-to-upper income in today’s market. You’re earning more than most Australians, but it’s not quite the “six-figure luxury” it might have been a decade ago due to inflation. Today’s $100K has roughly the purchasing power of $75K from 2015.
Common jobs earning $100K: Senior nurses, experienced tradespeople, mid-level IT professionals, accountants, project managers, and early-career engineers typically fall into this salary range.
How $100K Plays Out Across Australian Cities
| City | Household Type | Approx Monthly Expenses (AUD) | Lifestyle Snapshot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Single adult, renting 1-bed apartment | $5,200–$5,800 | Great lifestyle, but rent is steep. Savings possible with shared housing or outer suburbs. |
| Melbourne | Couple, no kids | $5,000–$5,500 | Comfortable if one works, ideal if both earn. Expect to watch dining and transport costs. |
| Brisbane | Family of 3 (one child) | $4,500–$5,000 | Feels balanced — family outings, rent, and utilities manageable with some savings. |
| Perth | Family of 4 | $4,800–$5,300 | Affordable housing but childcare and schooling push costs up. |
| Adelaide | Couple with 1 child | $4,200–$4,800 | Strong value city — more disposable income and room to save. |
| Regional Australia (e.g., Hobart, Cairns, Ballarat) | Couple or small family | $3,800–$4,400 | A $100K income feels very comfortable — you can save, invest, and enjoy good quality of life. |
Typical Monthly Spend Guide
(Based on $6,150 net monthly income)
- Rent/Mortgage: $2,000–$3,000
- Groceries: $700–$1,000
- Utilities & Internet: $300–$400
- Transport: $300–$600
- Insurance, Health & Childcare: $400–$800
- Entertainment & Dining: $300–$500
- Savings / Investments: $500–$1,000
Bottom line: In big cities like Sydney or Melbourne, you’ll live comfortably but not luxuriously. In smaller cities or regional areas, you’ll have significantly more breathing space and disposable income.
Age Matters: Is $100K Good at Different Life Stages?
Your age and life circumstances dramatically affect how far $100K stretches:
In Your 20s: This is an excellent starting salary and puts you ahead of peers, especially if you save early. With lower expenses and no dependents, you can build substantial savings or investment portfolios.
In Your 30s: It’s comfortable, but expenses like childcare, housing deposits, or family support can stretch it. Many in this age group face the “dual burden” of establishing homes while supporting young families.
In Your 40s–50s: The same income may feel tighter if you’re managing kids’ education, mortgage repayments, and retirement goals together. Private school fees alone can consume $15,000–$30,000 per child annually.
Key Takeaways for New Residents
Key Takeaways for New Residents
✅ Confirm if super is included in your $100K offer—that changes your real take-home amount by over $10,000 annually.
✅ Plan around fortnightly pay cycles to manage rent, bills, and savings smoothly. Most Australians are paid fortnightly, not monthly.
✅ Regional cities often deliver better quality of life on the same income. Consider cities like Adelaide, Hobart, or Geelong for maximum purchasing power.
✅ Use tax calculators (like Moneysmart or ATO tools) to plan your net income before committing to big expenses like rent or car loans.
✅ Set aside super as untouchable savings—it’s your long-term retirement cushion and you can’t access it until preservation age (usually 60).
✅ Budget realistically for your city—a $100K lifestyle in Sydney looks very different from one in Cairns or Ballarat.
Final Verdict: Is $100,000 a Good Salary?
For most new arrivals starting out or settling into Australian life, $100,000 is a solid income—above average and capable of providing a good standard of living.
But its comfort level changes by city, lifestyle, and family size:
✅ Single or dual-income couple? You’ll live well and save.
⚠️ Single-income family in Sydney or Melbourne? Manageable, but expect tight budgets and careful planning.
✅ Living in regional Australia? You’ll enjoy excellent quality of life with substantial savings potential.
The key is understanding that $100K in Australia isn’t about luxury—it’s about stability, comfort, and the ability to plan for your future. Combined with Australia’s strong social safety net, superannuation system, and quality of life, it’s a salary that allows you to build a solid foundation.
Last Updated: January 2026
Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australian Taxation Office (ATO), 2025-26 tax rates
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered financial advice. Tax circumstances vary by individual. Consult the ATO or a registered tax agent for personalized guidance.
