Is $120K a Good Salary in Melbourne, AU?

Full budget breakdown for Melbourne on $120K/year โ€” take-home after taxes, rent burden, what you can afford, and how it compares to the city median.

Manageable
Monthly take-home
$4,800
Rent burden
33%
Affordability rank
#216 / 238

Monthly budget in Melbourne on $120K

Take-home payafter taxes
+$4,800
1BR rent33% of take-home
$1,600
Groceriesestimated
$380
Transportationtransit or car insurance
$150
Utilitieselec, gas, water
$130
Internet
$62
Left over after essentials+$2,478/mo

US average equivalent

$109,000

Your $120K in Melbourne (COL: 110) buys the same as $109,000/yr in a city with average US cost of living.

Cities where $120K goes further

These cities have a lower rent burden at $120K than Melbourne.

Other salary levels in Melbourne

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Melbourne?

$120K/year in Melbourne gives you approximately $4,800/month in take-home pay after federal and state taxes. With a median 1BR rent of $1,600/month, your rent burden is 33% of take-home โ€” which is considered manageable. Melbourne is on the expensive side for this salary, ranking #216 out of 238 cities.

How much is $120K after taxes in Melbourne?

On $120K/year in Melbourne (AU), you take home approximately $4,800/month after federal income tax, 45% AU state income tax, and FICA. That is roughly $57,600/year net.

What is the cost of living in Melbourne on $120K?

Monthly estimated costs in Melbourne: rent $1,600, groceries ~$380, transportation ~$150, utilities ~$130, internet ~$62. Total estimated expenses: ~$2,322/month, leaving ~$2,478/month after essentials on a $120K salary.

Tax estimates use 2026 brackets ยท Rent data: Zillow Observed Rent Index ยท Budget figures are estimates for general guidance only