Can I Afford to Live in Melbourne vs Eugene on $40K?
Here's how a $40K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Melbourne AU | Eugene OR |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $1,600 | $2,398 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,650 |
| Groceries (est.) | $380 | $395 |
| Transport (est.) | $150 | $82 |
| Utilities | $130 | $128 |
| Internet | $62 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | -$722/month | $78/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $40K a good salary in Melbourne?
At $40K/year in Melbourne, your estimated monthly take-home is $1,600. With 1BR rent around $1,600/month, rent takes up 100% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Is $40K a good salary in Eugene?
At $40K/year in Eugene, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,398. With 1BR rent around $1,650/month, rent takes up 69% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?
Eugene leaves you with more money after core expenses — $78/month vs $-722/month in Melbourne.
Can I afford to live alone in Melbourne on $40K?
It's tight. Rent in Melbourne would take 100% of your $40K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
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