How much is enough
There’s no single answer — because retirement looks different for everyone.
How much income you might need depends on the lifestyle you want to live, how long you expect to be retired, and where your income will come from.
There are a few ways to work it out.
-
70% of your current yearly income – this is the general amount that will allow most people to maintain their current lifestyle in retirement if they own their home (no mortgage). 1
-
ASFA Retirement Standard – this uses estimated expenditure benchmarks to show how much the average Australian needs for a ‘modest’ or ‘comfortable’ retirement income. 2
This page helps you explore what “enough” could look like for you, and where to start.
1 Source: SuperGuide 2025.
2 ASFA describes a modest lifestyle as one that is better than the Age Pension but covers only basic living expenses (e.g. groceries, utilities and transport), while a comfortable lifestyle includes regular social and leisure activities, private health insurance, and frequent travel, including annual interstate trips.
Discover your Retirement Lifestyle Target
What might you need to live the retirement you want?
This tool helps you explore your ideal retirement lifestyle and estimates the income you might need each year to support it. Your result is a snapshot, and you can change your answers at any time to see how different choices affect the outcome.
Where does retirement income usually come from?
Most people fund their retirement from a mix of sources, including:
- superannuation
- the Government Age Pension
- savings or investments outside super
The balance between these sources will depend on your circumstances, and it can change over time.
Calculate your potential income in retirement
To get a more detailed picture of your income in retirement, it helps to compare your current after-tax income with your potential income from super and the Government Age Pension. Use the relevant retirement modeller to explore different scenarios and see how long your super might last.
Using benchmarks as a guide
Every three months, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) publishes estimates of the income needed for a modest or comfortable retirement.
These benchmarks:
- assume you own your home outright
- assume good health
- are general guides only
Your own retirement income target may be higher or lower, depending on your lifestyle and needs.
How retirement spending can change
Your spending isn’t likely to stay the same throughout retirement.
- Active phase (early to mid-60s) – higher spending on travel, hobbies and family activities
- Comfort phase (65 to 75) – steadier spending, with more focus on home and local activities
- Legacy phase (76+) – greater focus on essentials, health and care needs
These changes can affect how much income you need at different stages.
Where to next?
Choose the next step that feels right for you:
Build your knowledge
Explore our Retire Ready online modules, workbook, and retirement guides to understand your options and plan at your own pace or join a planning for retirement webinar.
Talk it through
Book a one-on-one appointment with a CSC Super Specialist for general guidance about retirement and your super.
Keep exploring
Revisit the retirement income target tool or try the Retirement Modeller as your plans change. You can also begin exploring CSC retirement solutions including what retirement profile you may fit.