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Australia vs United StatesSalaries & cost of living, compared

In United States, the average salary is 34% higher than in Australia ($87,000 vs $65,000 a year). The overall cost of living is 11% higher. Once prices are taken into account, a typical salary stretches 21% further in United States — the number that actually shapes your standard of living.

Average salary / yr

Australia$65,000
United States$87,000

Higher pay: United States

Cost of living (US=100)

Australia90.2
United States100

Pricier: United States

Real purchasing power

Australia72062
United States87000

Goes further: United States

A $65,000 salary in Australia feels like about $58,630 in United States once local prices apply.

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Frequently asked questions

Are salaries higher in Australia or United States?

The average wage is higher in United States — $87,000 versus $65,000 per year.

Is Australia or United States more expensive to live in?

United States has the higher overall cost of living — a price level of 100 versus 90.2 (United States = 100).

Where does your money go further, Australia or United States?

After adjusting the average wage for local prices, real purchasing power is higher in United States. That is usually the number that matters most for day-to-day life.

Salaries use OECD average wages; cost of living uses World Bank price levels (2026-07-25). India's wage is an estimate. Figures are ballpark for comparison, not precise.