Recent data highlights a growing rental crisis in Australia, revealing that even those with six-figure salaries struggle to manage rent across capital cities. The “2025 Priced Out” report from the housing campaign Everybody’s Home shows that individuals earning $100,000 are increasingly affected by rental stress, with the ideal salary required to avoid this pressure sitting at $130,000 for solo renters.
The report indicates that renting in major cities is financially burdensome; for instance, a Sydney resident on a $100,000 salary spends up to 48% of their income on rent, the highest burden in the nation. Following Sydney is Perth, where renters dedicate 43% of their earnings, with Brisbane, Canberra, and Melbourne not far behind at rates ranging from 38% to 40%. Even in Adelaide and Darwin, renters allocate a significant portion of their income (35% and 34%, respectively) toward housing expenses.
Hobart, described as the most affordable capital, still sees individuals earning $100,000 pay 32% of their income on rent, classifying it as a form of rental stress. According to Everybody’s Home spokesperson Maiy Azize, the report uncovers stark realities for renters nationwide, asserting that rental stress impacts not only lower-income earners but also professionals and essential workers.
Azize emphasises the need for urgent action from the federal government, advocating for increased social housing initiatives to support low and middle-income households facing soaring rental prices. With many Australian cities seeing rents outpace incomes, the campaign is calling for enhanced policies to ensure affordable housing options remain accessible for all demographics.
The data paints a troubling picture: A salary that once provided security now leaves many Australians, particularly those earning closer to the lower end of the spectrum, in severe financial distress as rents reach unsustainable levels.