The state with the lowest overall tax burden is difficult to pinpoint exactly, as it depends heavily on the specific types of taxes and an individual or business's financial situation. However, the Northern Territory has the lowest land tax (no land tax at all), while Tasmania has the lowest general land tax rate.
Hobart, Tasmania, is widely recognized as the cheapest major city, but smaller regional towns in Queensland and South Australia can offer even lower living costs.
Victoria is now the highest taxed State or Territory in Australia for property taxes.
At the bottom, Alaska has the lowest tax burden at roughly 4.9%, largely because it has no state income tax and lower overall levies. States with no income tax (like Texas, Florida, and Washington) generally show much lower tax burdens.
A $75k salary in Australia is decent, above the median income for many age groups and allowing for comfortable living in regional areas, but it can be tight in expensive cities like Sydney or Melbourne, especially for families, with many feeling $100k is needed for stability, though it's a strong starting point for younger professionals. After tax, $75k becomes roughly $58.6k ($4,888/month), meaning lifestyle, location, and financial goals (like saving for a house) heavily influence whether it's considered "good".
The average Australian full-time worker is now earning more than $2000 a week for the first time in history. New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show the average ordinary full-time weekly earnings for adults hit $2011.40 before tax in May.
States with the heaviest tax burden:
There are nine states without a state income tax:
Among the countries with the lowest tax rates in the world are Malta, Cyprus, Andorra, Montenegro and Singapore. Aside from zero income tax, in Antigua and Barbuda, individuals are also free from paying taxes on wealth, capital gains, and inheritance.
Sydney is still the most expensive city in Australia — you'll pay around a quarter more for living expenses in Sydney than if you lived in Darwin or Melbourne, and even more if you stayed in Adelaide or Hobart. The overall costs of living in Adelaide and Hobart are very similar.
How to avoid paying higher-rate tax
Australia's 2022 tax-to-GDP ratio ranked it 29th¹ out of 38 OECD countries in terms of the tax- to-GDP ratio compared with the 2023 figures. In 2022 Australia had a tax-to-GDP ratio of 29.4%, compared with the OECD average of 33.9% in 2023 and 34.0% in 2022.
New South Wales (NSW): Thriving Cities and Expanding Regional Appeal. New South Wales remains one of Australia's most in-demand property markets, anchored by Sydney's global status and supported by high levels of infrastructure spending, employment diversity, and strong rental demand.
Yes, AUD 5,000 (around $3,300 USD) can be enough for a single person's month in Australia, especially in regional areas or if you're budget-conscious and can find work quickly, but it will be tight in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne, where it covers basics but leaves little for luxury, according to Anzuk Education and Reddit users, as city living costs, especially rent, can quickly consume most of that, requiring careful planning for accommodation, food, and activities.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the ten most affordable states to live in 2025:
Which U.S. states have the lowest cost of living for retirees? States like Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas consistently rank among the lowest in cost of living, with lower housing, healthcare, and daily expenses. These locations may appeal to retirees looking to stretch their income.
10 States with Significant Property Tax Savings for Seniors/People Over 65
Highest Taxed Countries 2026
Hawaii property owners enjoy the lowest property tax rates in the United States, largely due to the state's thriving tourism industry that generates significant tax revenue. Additionally, high property values in the Aloha State allow it to collect adequate property tax revenue while keeping its rates extremely low.
South Dakota is the best state to find a high-paying entry-level job (76.1% of listings pay above the median wage). Hawaii ranks as the worst state to find a highly paid entry-level job (66.1% of listings pay below the median wage).
1. Massachusetts. The top spot for the wealthiest state in the U.S. goes to Massachusetts. The median household income is a whopping $106,500 — that's over $25,000 more than the national average.
As you consider your next career move, these states could be solid contenders to explore.