Brisbane vs Indianapolis on AUD 80,000: take-home pay, rent and cost of living in 2026

On a gross salary of AUD 80,000 a year, a single employee takes home AUD 5,350 a month in Brisbane (80% of gross) and $3,931 a month in Indianapolis on the equivalent $56,000 (84%), after income tax and social security contributions.

Indianapolis is 2% more expensive than Brisbane overall (cost-of-living index 53.3 vs 52.4, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about $1,720 a month in Indianapolis and AUD 2,776 in Brisbane, which leaves $2,211 and AUD 2,574 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about $3,214 a month in Indianapolis — this salary leaves $717 a month on top.

By category, groceries cost 10% less in Indianapolis than in Brisbane, eating out 11% more and rent 13% less.

Brisbane Indianapolis
Gross salary per yearAUD 80,000$56,000
Take-home pay per monthAUD 5,350$3,931
One-bedroom rent, city centreAUD 2,776$1,720
Left after rentAUD 2,574$2,211
Cost-of-living index (New York = 100)52.453.3

How each figure is taxed: Australia tax calculator and United States tax calculator. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.

Questions about Brisbane vs Indianapolis

Is Indianapolis, IN, United States more expensive than Brisbane, Australia?

Indianapolis, IN, United States is 2% more expensive than Brisbane, Australia overall. On a gross salary of AUD 80,000 a year, you take home AUD 5,350 a month in Brisbane, Australia and $3,931 a month in Indianapolis, IN, United States after income tax and social contributions.

How much can I save living in Indianapolis, IN, United States vs Brisbane, Australia?

Keeping the same standard of living as in Brisbane, Australia, you could save about $717 a month ($8,603 a year) in Indianapolis, IN, United States on this salary, after rent and living costs.

What taxes will I pay in United States vs Australia?

On AUD 80,000 gross a year you take home AUD 5,350 a month in Australia and $3,931 a month in United States. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.