How much rent can you afford in Australia?
Enter your income to see a sensible weekly rent budget — and the upfront cash you'll need to move in. A common guide is to keep rent under about 30% of your income, and you typically need around five to six weeks' rent upfront (the bond plus rent in advance). General budgeting guidance only, not financial advice — actual rents and bond rules vary by city and state.
Common questions
How much of my income should go on rent in Australia?
A widely-used guide is that rent should be no more than about 30% of your gross income. Spending much more is often called 'rental stress'. It's a guide, not a rule — your real budget depends on your other costs like food, transport, bills and savings.
How much money do I need upfront to rent?
Usually around five to six weeks' rent to move in: the bond (commonly up to four weeks' rent) plus rent in advance (often two weeks). On top of that, budget for connecting utilities and contents insurance. The exact bond rules differ by state.
Are these real rent prices for my city?
No — this is a budgeting guide based on your income, not a price for any specific suburb. Actual rents vary widely by city and area. Check current listings for real prices where you want to live.