How much super do I need to retire?
The amount you’ll need in retirement will depend on the lifestyle you want
A rule of thumb is if you own your own home, you’ll need around 70% of your current annual income to maintain the same standard of living.1
Things to keep in mind
There are a few things to consider when assessing your future income needs.
How much super do I need?
It’s hard to know how much you’ll spend on a lifestyle you haven’t started living yet. The retirement standard from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provides some guidance around how much the average Australian would need to live a modest or comfortable lifestyle in retirement.| Modest lifestyle | Comfortable lifestyle | |||
| Single | Couple | Single | Couple | |
| Income per year | $35,199 | $50,866 | $54,240 | $76,505 |
| Super balance required at age 67 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $595,000 | $690,000 |
Figures from ASFA Retirement Standard, September quarter 2025.
ASFA describes a ‘modest’ lifestyle as one that allows you to cover life’s basics, like groceries, bills and transport. A ‘comfortable’ lifestyle lets you pursue your hobbies, take out private health insurance, buy a reasonable car and travel.
Wondering how much you’ll really need to live comfortably in retirement?
The Industry SuperFunds Retirement Calculator helps you estimate your future expenses based on the lifestyle you want. Whether it’s travel, hobbies, or everyday living, get a clear idea of your retirement costs so you can plan your income with confidence.
Start calculating
What if I don’t have enough?
If there is a gap between what you need and what you may have there are some strategies to help you fill it.
Contribute to super
There are a few ways to make extra contributions to your super to help you achieve a healthier super balance, and even save on tax.
Learn how to boost your super
Combine your super
Combining your super accounts could save you in fees and is a great way to help protect your hard-earned super.
Find and combine your super
Review how your super is invested
Your investments are there to do the heavy lifting when you’re no longer working. As you move closer to retirement, it’s important to assess whether your current investment choices, and your appetite for risk, will satisfy your needs in retirement.
Learn more about your investment options
Use your super to transition to retirement
You could dial down your working hours and keep the same income. A Transition to Retirement (TTR) Income account will allow you to draw an income from your super, while you continue to grow your retirement savings – and potentially minimise your tax too!
Discover our CareSuper TTR Income account
Get super advice
Retire your way with CareSuper
