For households earning $70,000, that figure rises to almost half, while renters on $40,000 are spending 70 per cent of their income on housing.
The figures, from Everybody’s Home’s 2026 Priced Out report, show rental stress is no longer confined to the region’s lowest-income households.
Everybody’s Home spokesperson Maiy Azize said the figures reflected a broader trend across regional Australia, as rental pressures continued to extend beyond Australia’s capital cities.
“Regional Australia is no longer a rental refuge, and in many areas, rents are now pricier there than in capital cities,” she said.
“Essential workers, professionals, and even those on six-figure salaries are finding it harder to pay the rent right across the country.”
Ms Azize said rising rents were placing increasing pressure on household budgets and leaving renters with less money for other essentials.
“Rising rents are costing Australians more of their working days and pay than ever before,” she said.
“Our rental crisis isn’t a new phenomenon or a policy shock, it’s a long-term trend that’s been compounding, and there’s only so much renters can afford to pay before they hit breaking point.”
