It's shaping up to be a bleak picture for renters across Australia. The latest Domain data shows that the income needed to avoid rental stress has risen sharply across every capital city since 2019. In fact, in almost every market across Australia, the salary required to comfortably rent a typical home has jumped into six-figure territory, outpacing wage growth and tightening the gap between what households earn and what they need to secure a place to live.
With vacancy rates at historic lows and rents still climbing, the findings show a market that continues to move faster than renters can keep up with.
Wondering how your salary weighs up to housing trends? Here's how much you'd need to earn to rent in every Australian capital city.
Sydney and leads the pack
Unsurprisingly, Sydney remains the most expensive city to rent in. A household now needs $135,200 to comfortably rent a typical house, up from $90,133 in 2019. Units aren’t far behind at $130,000, up from $88,400 in 2019, reflecting how tight the rental market has become.
Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth are no longer affordable alternatives
Once considered more attainable cities for renters, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth have all seen sharp increases in the income needed to rent. In Brisbane, the jump has been dramatic — from $71,067 for a house in 2019 to $114,400 in 2025. For units, it's an equally steep climb, from $66,733 in 2019, to $109,200, making it the second most expensive city in Australia.
Adelaide now sits at $107,467 for a house rental, up from $67,600. For units, prices have jumped from $54,600 to $90,133.
In Perth, renters will need to earn $121,333 for a typical house, up from $64,133. And incomes required for units have nearly doubled, from $55,467 to $104,000.
Melbourne shows a slower ascent
Somewhat surprising, Melbourne was overtaken by Brisbane as the second most expensive city.
The data shows the income needed for a house is now $100,533, up from $74,533 in 2019. And for units, you'll need $99,667, a slight jump from $72,800.
What you’ll need to earn in 2026 to rent a house in your city
- Sydney - $135,200
- Perth - $121,333
- Melbourne - $100,533
- Hobart - $100,533
- Darwin - $124,800
- Canberra - $121,333
- Brisbane - $114,400
- Adelaide - $107,467
What you’ll need to earn in 2026 to rent a unit in your city
- Sydney - $130,000
- Perth - $104,000
- Melbourne - $99,667
- Hobart - $84,933
- Darwin - $100,533
- Canberra - $100,533
- Brisbane - $109,200
- Adelaide - $90,133
