Can I Afford to Live in Atlanta vs Melbourne on $80K?

Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Atlanta, GA
$4,690/mo take-home
Rent: $1,900/mo (41% of take-home)
Tight
Melbourne, AU
$3,200/mo take-home
Rent: $1,600/mo (50% of take-home)
Difficult
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Monthly budget breakdown

Atlanta
GA
Melbourne
AU
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,690Best ✓
$3,200
1BR rent
$1,900
$1,600Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$376Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$95Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$165
$130Best ✓
Internet
$60Best ✓
$62
Left after essentials
$2,094/month
$878/month

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Atlanta?

At $80K/year in Atlanta, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,690. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 41% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Is $80K a good salary in Melbourne?

At $80K/year in Melbourne, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,200. With 1BR rent around $1,600/month, rent takes up 50% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?

Atlanta leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,094/month vs $878/month in Melbourne.

Can I afford to live alone in Atlanta on $80K?

It's tight. Rent in Atlanta would take 41% of your $80K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Atlanta vs Melbourne

$40K$50K$60K$75K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only