Can I Afford to Live in Boston 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.

Boston, MA
$4,723/mo take-home
Rent: $3,000/mo (64% of take-home)
Difficult
Melbourne, AU
$3,200/mo take-home
Rent: $1,600/mo (50% of take-home)
Difficult

Monthly budget breakdown

Boston
MA
Melbourne
AU
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,723Best ✓
$3,200
1BR rent
$3,000
$1,600Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$418
$380Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$90Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$185
$130Best ✓
Internet
$70
$62Best ✓
Left after essentials
$960/month
$878/month

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Boston?

At $80K/year in Boston, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,723. With 1BR rent around $3,000/month, rent takes up 64% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

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?

Boston leaves you with more money after core expenses — $960/month vs $878/month in Melbourne.

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

It's tight. Rent in Boston would take 64% 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 — Boston 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