Is $120,000.00 a Good Salary in Adelaide at 45?
See how a $120,000.00 salary stacks up in Adelaide, SA at age 45 — after-tax income, rent affordability, housing outlook, and savings potential.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Verdict: Very Good
This salary is above average for this city and age group. You should be able to live comfortably and save consistently.
After-Tax Income on $120,000.00
Annual
$90,812.00
Monthly
$7,567.67
Fortnightly
$3,492.77
Weekly
$1,746.38
Rent Affordability in Adelaide
Monthly Take-Home
$7,567.67
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,800.00/mo
Under the 30% rule — rent is affordable on this salary.
How $120,000.00 Compares at Age 45
| Age Group | Avg Salary | Your Salary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-24 | $45,000.00 | $120,000.00 | +167% |
| 25-34 | $72,000.00 | $120,000.00 | +67% |
| 35-44 | $85,000.00 | $120,000.00 | +41% |
| 45-54 (you) | $82,000.00 | $120,000.00 | +46% |
| 55-64 | $68,000.00 | $120,000.00 | +76% |
Can You Afford a House in Adelaide?
Median House Price
$750,000.00
Price-to-Income
6.3x
20% Deposit
$150,000.00
Stretched — you may need a partner's income or a longer savings timeline.
Saving 20% of your after-tax income ($18,162.40/year), it would take approximately 8.3 years to save a 20% deposit.
Savings Potential in Adelaide
* Estimates based on average costs for a single person in Adelaide. Actual expenses vary based on lifestyle, location within the city, and personal choices. Does not include discretionary spending (entertainment, dining out, clothing, etc.).
Adelaide Cost of Living Snapshot
COL Index
82
Sydney = 100
Avg Salary
$88,000.00
Median House
$0.75M
State
SA
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $120,000.00 a good salary in Adelaide?
Yes, $120,000.00 is above the average salary in Adelaide ($88,000.00). After tax, you'd take home $90,812.00 per year or $7,567.67 per month, which is comfortable given average rents of $1,800.00/month.
What is the average salary in Adelaide in 2026?
The average salary in Adelaide is approximately $88,000.00 per year before tax. This varies by industry, experience level, and role. The cost of living index for Adelaide is 82 (Sydney = 100).
Can I afford a house in Adelaide on $120,000.00?
The median house price in Adelaide is $750,000.00, which is 6.3x your annual salary. Stretched — you may need a partner's income or a longer savings timeline. A 20% deposit would be $150,000.00, which would take approximately 8.3 years saving 20% of your after-tax income.
How much is $120,000.00 after tax in Australia?
On a $120,000.00 salary, you'd pay approximately $29,188.00 in income tax and Medicare levy (effective rate: 24.3%). Your take-home pay would be $90,812.00 per year, $7,567.67 per month, or $3,492.77 per fortnight.
What is the average salary for a 45 year old in Australia?
The average salary for the 45-54 age group in Australia is approximately $82,000.00 per year. At $120,000.00, you're earning 46% more than the average for your age bracket.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.