Is $900 a Week Good Money? A Practical Aussie Guide

Key Takeaways

• In 2025, $900 a week equates to about $46,800 annually before tax, which sits just below the national average weekly earnings.
• After tax, you can expect roughly $730-$750per week in take‑home pay, giving you about $38,000-$39,000 a year to cover all expenses.
• Using the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, $900 a week can comfortably cover essentials in most Australian suburbs, but high‑cost cities like Sydney may stretch it thin.
• Boosting your disposable income hinges on cutting discretionary spend, earning side‑income, or negotiating a higher salary.
• If your financial goal is early retirement, you’ll need a saving rate of at least 15‑20% of net income, which translates to $110-$150 a week saved from a $900‑a‑week salary.

When people ask, "$900 a week good money?" they’re usually trying to gauge whether that income level lets them live comfortably, hit savings targets, or even plan for a big purchase. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no- it depends on where you live, what you spend, and how disciplined you are with budgeting.

$900 a week is a pre‑tax weekly earnings figure that many part‑time workers, apprentices, or early‑career professionals in Australia earn. To understand its buying power, we’ll break the amount down, compare it to national income benchmarks, and walk through a step‑by‑step budgeting exercise that shows exactly how far $900 can stretch.

How $900 a Week Stacks Up Against Australian Income Benchmarks

First, let put $900 in context. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in March2025 that the average weekly earnings for all full‑time employees sat at $1,740. Meanwhile, the median weekly wage- the point where half of earners make more and half make less- was $1,380.

Comparing those numbers:

At $900, you’re earning a little above the current national minimum wage but still fall short of the median. That status tells us $900 can cover basics, but you’ll need to be mindful of discretionary spending.

Turning Gross into Net: What You Actually Take Home

Australian tax rules mean you won’t pocket the full $900. Assuming no dependents, standard tax‑free threshold ($18,200), and the 2024‑25 tax brackets, the take‑home (after income tax and the Medicare levy) works out to roughly $730-$750 per week.

Here's a quick calc:

1. Annual gross: $900×52=$46,800.
2. Tax payable (using 2024‑25 rates): about $7,500.
3. Medicare levy (2% of taxable income): ≈$936.
4. Net annual: $46,800-$7,500-$936≈$38,364.
5. Net weekly: $38,364÷52≈$738.

So, after taxes you have roughly $740 to allocate each week.

Cost of Living in Brisbane vs. Other Cities

Since you mentioned you live in Brisbane, let look at local cost‑of‑living data. The Cost of Living Index for Brisbane in 2025 was 84, compared with the national average of 100. That means everyday expenses- groceries, transport, utilities- are about 16% cheaper than the Australian average.

Typical weekly outgoings for a single adult in Brisbane (2025 figures):

• Rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in the CBD: $460
• Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet): $65
• Public transport pass: $45
• Groceries: $120
• Entertainment & eating out: $80
• Miscellaneous (phone, gym, clothing): $50

Those totals add up to about $820, which already exceeds your net weekly income of $740. But note the rent figure is for the city centre; moving a bit farther out can shave $150-$200 off that line.

Applying the 50/30/20 Rule to $900 a Week

The 50/30/20 budgeting framework is simple and works well for many Aussies. Allocate 50% of net income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayment.

Using a net weekly income of $740:

• Needs (50%): $370 - covers rent, utilities, groceries, transport.
• Wants (30%): $222 - dining out, streaming services, hobbies.
• Savings/Debt (20%): $148 - emergency fund, super contributions, extra loan payments.

If your rent alone is $460, you’re already over the “needs” budget. That forces you to either:

1. Find cheaper accommodation (roommates, outer‑suburbs).
2. Trim other need categories (e.g., use a bike instead of public transport).
3. Accept a lower “wants” allocation and prioritize savings.

Practical Ways to Stretch $900 a Week

Even if your numbers look tight, a few practical tweaks can make a big difference:

• Housing hacks: Split rent with a flat‑mate, or consider a studio in a less‑central suburb where monthly rent can drop to $350-$400.
• Grocery savings: Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi, bulk‑buy staples, and use weekly specials. A $120 grocery bill can shrink to $90 with careful planning.
• Transport cuts: Take advantage of the TransLink “go card” off‑peak discounts or cycle to work if your commute is under 10km.
• Utility tricks: Set your thermostat to 20°C in winter, 24°C in summer, and switch to LED lighting to shave $10-$15 a month.
• Side‑gig options: Weekend shifts in hospitality, freelance admin work, or driving for a rideshare platform can add $100-$200 a week, turning a $900‑a‑week salary into a $1,100‑a‑week household income.

Is 0 a Week Enough for Long‑Term Goals?

When you start thinking beyond day‑to‑day bills, the real question is whether you can meet milestones like buying a car, putting a deposit on a house, or building an emergency fund.

Key figures to keep in mind:

• Emergency fund goal: 3-6 months of living expenses. For a $740 net weekly budget, aim for $3,000-$4,500.
• First‑home deposit: Typically 10% of the property price. In Brisbane, the median house price in 2025 is $620,000, so a $62,000 deposit is the target. At $148 saved per week (20% rule), you’d need roughly 8years to reach it-unless you boost income or reduce expenses.
• Superannuation contributions: The mandatory 10.5% employer contribution adds about $78 a week (pre‑tax). You can request voluntary salary‑sacrificing to improve retirement savings.

Bottom line: $900 a week covers basics but leaves little room for accelerated wealth building without extra income or aggressive expense trimming.

When $900 a Week Is Actually Good Money

There are scenarios where $900 a week feels comfortable:

• You share rent with at least one other adult, keeping your housing cost under $250 per week.
• You have no debts and a modest lifestyle (e.g., no car loan, minimal entertainment budget).
• You’re in a low‑cost regional area where rent for a one‑bedroom can be $300-$350.
• You’re using the income as a supplement while pursuing studies or a career change, and you have other support (e.g., partner’s income, parental assistance).

In those contexts, $900 a week can not only cover expenses but also allow you to save a healthy chunk each month.

Quick Checklist: Is $900 a Week Good for You?

1. Calculate net weekly pay after tax (≈$740).
2. List your essential monthly costs and divide by 4 to get a weekly “needs” total.
3. Compare needs to the 50% threshold of $370.
4. If needs exceed $370, explore cheaper housing or reduce other essentials.
5. Set a realistic savings target (10‑20% of net) and see if your leftover after wants meets it.
6. Consider side‑income options to bridge any shortfall.

If after this exercise you still have a comfortable buffer, then yes-$900 a week is good money for your situation.