📍 SA · FY2025–26 ·

Cost of living in Adelaide on $60,000

After tax you take home $4,168/month. Here's how it splits across needs, wants, and savings using the 50/30/20 rule.

Monthly take-home
$4,168
$962/week
Annual take-home
$50,012
+ $7,200 super
Rent as % of take-home
47%
✅ Within 50% needs budget
Effective tax rate
17%
Inc. Medicare levy
Tax breakdown — FY2025–26
ATO individual income tax rates for Australian residents. Medicare levy included. Super is paid by your employer on top of your salary.
Gross salary$60,000
Income tax−$8,788
Medicare levy (2%)−$1,200
Take-home pay$50,012/yr
Your employer also contributes $7,200/yr to your super on top of this (12% SG rate, FY2025–26).
Breaking down $60,000 in Adelaide with the 50/30/20 rule
The 50/30/20 rule splits after-tax income: 50% to needs, 30% to wants, 20% to savings. On $4,168/month that's $2,084 needs · $1,250 wants · $834 savings.
Needs
50%
$2,084
Target
Wants
30%
$1,250
Target
Savings
20%
$834
Target
The 50/30/20 rule is achievable at this income in Adelaide. Rent ($1,950/month) takes 47% of take-home, leaving $134 for other essential costs within the needs budget.
Rent (1BR median, Adelaide)
$1,950
$450/wk
47% of take-home
Groceries
$47
1% of take-home
Transport
$29
1% of take-home
Utilities
$20
0% of take-home
Insurance
$20
0% of take-home
Health
$17
0% of take-home
Needs total
Target: $2,084/month
$2,083/mo
Dining out$500
12% of take-home
Entertainment$375
9% of take-home
Clothing$250
6% of take-home
Subscriptions$125
3% of take-home
Wants total
Target: $1,250/month
$1,250/mo
Emergency fund$334
8% of take-home
Savings goals$334
8% of take-home
Extra debt repayments$166
4% of take-home
Savings total
Target: $834/month
$834/mo
These are suggested allocations based on the 50/30/20 framework — not average spending data. Your actual split will depend on your lifestyle, existing debts, and goals.
Saving for a home in Adelaide
Based on Adelaide's current median property price and your 20% savings allocation.
Median house price
$730,000
20% deposit needed
$146,000
Time to save
14.6 yrs
At $834/month

SA first home buyers may be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant ($15,000 for new builds) and stamp duty concessions. Stamp duty, LMI, and purchase costs are additional.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living on $60,000 in Adelaide?

On $60,000 in Adelaide, your take-home is $50,012/year ($4,168/month or $962/week) after income tax of $8,788 and Medicare levy of $1,200 under FY2025–26 ATO rates. Your employer also contributes $7,200/year to your superannuation.

Does the 50/30/20 rule work on $60,000 in Adelaide?

Yes — rent takes 47% of take-home, leaving room within the 50% needs bucket for other essential costs. The full 50/30/20 split is achievable with discipline.

How long to save a house deposit on $60,000 in Adelaide?

Adelaide's median property price is approximately $730,000, requiring a 20% deposit of $146,000. Saving $834/month (20% of take-home), it takes approximately 14.6 years.

What is the income tax on $60,000 in Australia for FY2025–26?

Under FY2025–26 ATO rates, income tax on $60,000 is $8,788, plus Medicare levy of $1,200 — totalling $9,988. Take-home is $50,012/year. Effective tax rate including Medicare is 17%.

Put your Adelaide budget into real savings buckets

Savvy Dollar lets you allocate your $60,000 salary across needs, wants, and savings goals — so your bank balance always shows what's genuinely free to spend.

Start for free — no credit card
Methodology: Tax figures use ATO FY2025–26 individual income tax rates and Medicare levy thresholds. Super guarantee rate 12% (FY2025–26). Division 293 threshold $250,000. Rental medians from Domain Rental Report (December 2025). Median property prices are indicative estimates. Budget allocations are suggested splits based on the 50/30/20 framework — not average expenditure data. This page is general information only and does not constitute financial advice. · ATO tax rates · ASIC MoneySmart