📍 NSW · FY2025–26 ·

Cost of living in Wollongong on $80,000

After tax you take home $5,301/month. Here's how it splits across needs, wants, and savings using the 50/30/20 rule.

Monthly take-home
$5,301
$1,223/week
Annual take-home
$63,612
+ $9,600 super
Rent as % of take-home
36%
✅ Within 50% needs budget
Effective tax rate
20%
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$80,000
Income tax−$14,788
Medicare levy (2%)−$1,600
Take-home pay$63,612/yr
Your employer also contributes $9,600/yr to your super on top of this (12% SG rate, FY2025–26).
Breaking down $80,000 in Wollongong 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 $5,301/month that's $2,650 needs · $1,590 wants · $1,060 savings.
Needs
50%
$2,650
Target
Wants
30%
$1,590
Target
Savings
20%
$1,060
Target
The 50/30/20 rule is achievable at this income in Wollongong. Rent ($1,907/month) takes 36% of take-home, leaving $743 for other essential costs within the needs budget.
Rent (1BR median, Wollongong)
$1,907
$440/wk
36% of take-home
Groceries
$260
5% of take-home
Transport
$163
3% of take-home
Utilities
$111
2% of take-home
Insurance
$111
2% of take-home
Health
$97
2% of take-home
Needs total
Target: $2,650/month
$2,649/mo
Dining out$636
12% of take-home
Entertainment$477
9% of take-home
Clothing$318
6% of take-home
Subscriptions$159
3% of take-home
Wants total
Target: $1,590/month
$1,590/mo
Emergency fund$424
8% of take-home
Savings goals$424
8% of take-home
Extra debt repayments$212
4% of take-home
Savings total
Target: $1,060/month
$1,060/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 Wollongong
Based on Wollongong's current median property price and your 20% savings allocation.
Median house price
$830,000
20% deposit needed
$166,000
Time to save
13.1 yrs
At $1,060/month

NSW first home buyers may be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant ($10,000 for new builds) and stamp duty exemptions on properties up to $800,000. Stamp duty, LMI, and purchase costs are additional.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living on $80,000 in Wollongong?

On $80,000 in Wollongong, your take-home is $63,612/year ($5,301/month or $1,223/week) after income tax of $14,788 and Medicare levy of $1,600 under FY2025–26 ATO rates. Your employer also contributes $9,600/year to your superannuation.

Does the 50/30/20 rule work on $80,000 in Wollongong?

Yes — rent takes 36% 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 $80,000 in Wollongong?

Wollongong's median property price is approximately $830,000, requiring a 20% deposit of $166,000. Saving $1,060/month (20% of take-home), it takes approximately 13.1 years.

What is the income tax on $80,000 in Australia for FY2025–26?

Under FY2025–26 ATO rates, income tax on $80,000 is $14,788, plus Medicare levy of $1,600 — totalling $16,388. Take-home is $63,612/year. Effective tax rate including Medicare is 20%.

Put your Wollongong budget into real savings buckets

Savvy Dollar lets you allocate your $80,000 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