Adelaide is often described as Australia’s most liveable city—and for good reason. It’s affordable, clean, and full of opportunity for working families, students, and retirees. But how much do people in Adelaide actually earn? Understanding the average household income can give you better insight into how people live, budget, and enjoy the lifestyle Adelaide offers.
In 2025, the average household income in Adelaide is approximately $110,200 per year. This figure includes all forms of income—wages, salaries, Centrelink benefits, rental income, and investments—combined across all members of a household.
This income level places Adelaide just below the national average (around $123,000), but the city's relatively low cost of living makes this income go much further.
In Adelaide, household structures are varied:
Dual-income families: The most common setup, often earning above $120,000.
Single-parent households: Representing around 15% of all households.
Retirees: Living on superannuation or pension incomes, generally lower.
Young professionals and students: Often share housing near the CBD or university zones.
The combination of incomes, housing types, and employment status affects how far household income stretches.
Adelaide’s main industries include healthcare, education, defence, and manufacturing. Salaries vary widely depending on the sector. For example, a senior healthcare professional may earn more than $120,000, while a hospitality worker may earn under $50,000.
Tertiary qualifications often correlate with higher income. With three major universities, Adelaide draws in educated workers—but also has many students and early-career professionals earning less.
Part-time and casual roles are more common here than in cities like Canberra or Sydney, often contributing to slightly lower average earnings.
Adelaide households benefit from a wide range of local facilities that improve everyday living and reduce the burden of domestic tasks:
Many households outsource cleaning tasks to professional cleaners. Whether it's fortnightly deep cleaning or end-of-lease services, there’s an abundance of reliable options across suburbs like Glenelg, Burnside, and Prospect. These services are especially helpful for working professionals, families with young kids, or elderly residents.
Laundromats are widespread and affordable in Adelaide. For those without in-home laundry, self-service or full-service options are available. Suburbs such as Norwood, Henley Beach, and Mawson Lakes offer high-quality laundromats with wash-dry-fold packages and express ironing services. Many now support cashless payment and online bookings.
Gardeners and landscapers help residents maintain tidy outdoor areas. Services range from basic lawn mowing to seasonal pruning and irrigation setup—ideal for homeowners or elderly residents who may not manage yard work themselves.
With a growing population of young families, Adelaide is well-equipped with childcare centres, kindergartens, and after-school programs. Many services are subsidised or offer flexible options for part-time working parents.
Adelaide Metro provides affordable travel via buses, trains, and trams, reducing household expenses on fuel and car maintenance. Car wash and mobile detailing services are also popular and affordable.
From bulk-billing GPs to dental clinics and major hospitals like the Royal Adelaide Hospital, healthcare is widely accessible. Allied services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, and mental health support are also available in most suburbs.
These facilities support a comfortable lifestyle, reduce household stress, and help Adelaide families make the most of their income.
Here's a typical monthly expense breakdown for a family of three:
Expense Category Monthly Estimate
Rent (3BR suburb) $2,160
Utilities $350
Groceries $1,200
Cleaning Services $250
Laundry / Laundromat $150
Transport $400
Childcare $850 (if needed)
Leisure / Dining $400
Total ~$5,760
With budgeting, most households can cover essentials, access paid services, and still manage to save or invest.
Adelaide’s economy is evolving. The city is seeing growth in:
Remote and tech-enabled work
Green energy and construction
Start-up and creative industries
This shift is drawing more professionals from interstate and gradually lifting average incomes, especially in the inner suburbs and tech precincts like Lot Fourteen.
The average household income in Adelaide might not top national charts, but what matters more is how far that income goes. Thanks to accessible facilities—like cleaning services, laundromats, affordable transport, and reliable public health—residents enjoy a high standard of living without Sydney-style prices.
Looking to simplify your lifestyle and make the most of your Adelaide income? Discover how support services like domestic cleaning, childcare, and affordable laundromats near me can help you save time and money.
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From residential housekeeping to Commercial Cleaning Services in Adelaide, the city is home to numerous trusted providers like Jim's Cleaning and Fantastic Services. Eco-conscious residents and business owners can also find green cleaning options, helping maintain both homes and workplaces to the highest standards.