Perth vs Chicago 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 Perth (80% of gross) and $3,712 a month in Chicago on the equivalent $56,000 (80%), after income tax and social security contributions.
Chicago is 17% more expensive than Perth overall (cost-of-living index 67.7 vs 57.8, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about $2,400 a month in Chicago and AUD 2,797 in Perth, which leaves $1,312 and AUD 2,553 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about $3,701 a month in Chicago — this salary leaves $11 a month on top.
By category, groceries cost 3% less in Chicago than in Perth, eating out 10% more and rent 35% more.
| Perth | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | AUD 80,000 | $56,000 |
| Take-home pay per month | AUD 5,350 | $3,712 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | AUD 2,797 | $2,400 |
| Left after rent | AUD 2,553 | $1,312 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 57.8 | 67.7 |
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 Perth vs Chicago
Is Chicago, IL, United States more expensive than Perth, Australia?
Chicago, IL, United States is 17% more expensive than Perth, Australia overall. On a gross salary of AUD 80,000 a year, you take home AUD 5,350 a month in Perth, Australia and $3,712 a month in Chicago, IL, United States after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in Chicago, IL, United States vs Perth, Australia?
Keeping the same standard of living as in Perth, Australia, you could save about $11 a month ($132 a year) in Chicago, IL, 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 $3,712 a month in United States. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.