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How much super 
do you need?

Whether you’re happy with a modest lifestyle or want a few more comforts in retirement, you can retire your way with Hostplus.

Finding out how much super you’ll need is a great starting point. 

A smiling grey haired lady is studying the numbers for her financial future, while her laptop is on her knees, sitting at home on a sofa in a living room

Working out how much super you need in retirement depends on the kind of lifestyle you'd like. Here we explore what you'll need for a comfortable or modest standard of living.

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To achieve a comfortable retirement

According to the ASFA Retirement Standard1, a comfortable retirement allows you to enjoy a good standard of living with a budget that includes things like:

  • private health insurance, new clothes, and a decent car 
  • local holidays, social outings, exercise classes
  • home repairs, air conditioning, streaming services.

To retire comfortably at age 67, a couple would need around $690,000 in their super (combined) and a single person would need around $595,000.

This translates to an annual income of $71,724 for a couple or $50,981 for a single person, including the government Age Pension.

The figures in each case assume that the retiree(s) own their own home and relate to expenditure by household.

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To achieve a modest income in retirement

According to ASFA1, a modest income in retirement allows for a lifestyle slightly above the Age Pension, including things like: 

  • basic health insurance
  • social activities with family and friends

To retire at age 67 with a modest income, a couple would need around $100,000 in their super (combined). A single person would also need about $100,000

This translates to an annual income of $46,620 for a couple or $32,417 for a single person, including the government Age Pension.

These figures assume that the retiree(s) own their own home and relate to expenditure by household.


How much super should I have for my age now?

There’s no right or wrong with retirement but knowing what your super balance should be for your age is a guide to whether you’re on track.  

The table below is a guide to show how much a single person may need to achieve a comfortable retirement. Your circumstances might be different. It's easy to check for yourself how you're tracking through Member Online or the Hostplus app. 

Age (years)Super balance for a single person
25$18,500
30$59,000
35$101,500
40$156,000
45$213,000
50$281,000
55$361,000
60$453,000
65$549,000
67$595,000

Source: superguru.com.au Figures are based on Super Balance Detective calculator accessed January 2024. The table is for illustrative purposes only. For details of all assumptions used in the calculation, please visit superguru.com.au/calculators/super-detective

The above figures apply for a single person. If you're in a relationship, the combined super you'll need at age 67 for a comfortable retirement is estimated to be $690,000.

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Calculate your retirement income

Our Retirement Calculator will show you the income you might get from your super and the Age Pension. It’ll also help you see if there are any changes you can make now to your super to set yourself up for a more positive future.  

What if I'm
not on track?

Don’t despair. There are some things that you can do to help boost your super balance and take control.  One of the simplest ways to help grow your super is by making additional contributions on top of what your employer pays. You might be able to pay extra money into your super in a few different ways (subject to eligibility rules).  Check out the four ways of getting more into your super.

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Salary sacrifice

Grow your super AND pay less tax by asking your employer to put more into super from your before-tax salary.

After-tax contributions

Make one-off contributions via BPAY, or set up recurring direct debit payments. You could even claim a tax deduction.

Government co-contributions

If you're a low-to-middle income earner, you could receive extra money from the government just by contributing to super.

Spouse contributions

Contributing to your partner's super (or vice versa) can help boost combined savings and potentially save tax.

How to make extra contributions to super

 (1min)

Check your investments

Understand how to choose an investment option that suits your goals.

Are you paying extra fees?

If you have more than one super account, merging them into one single Hostplus account could help you save money on fees.

Women and super

Women generally retire with less super than men. So it’s really important that you keep up to date with your super.

A simple way is to check your payslip and make sure your employer is paying the correct amount, on time.

Find out more about what you can do to bridge the gender super gap.

Get expert advice

Having a financial plan can help you make the right decisions now, to help you achieve your future goals. That’s why with Hostplus, you can access qualified financial planners, dedicated to helping you achieve your retirement goals, including making sure you have enough for retirement, and that you’re making the most out of your super.

The holistic approach considers all aspects of your financial journey, including:

  • superannuation, including contributions and investment allocation
  • tax-effective retirement planning, including transition to retirement
  • wealth creation, including investments outside of super
  • maximising cash flow, income and debt management
  • maximising your government entitlements and insurance
  • estate planning, and more.
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Hostplus
retirement accounts

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Transition to Retirement account

If you’re still working, a Hostplus Transition to Retirement account could let you invest your super and draw a regular income. 

Pension account

When you stop working, instead of withdrawing all your super, a Hostplus Pension account could turn your super into a regular tax-free income.


Apply online for our award-winning Retirement account

Start enjoying a regular income from your super while staying invested. It only takes about 20 minutes to apply. 


1. Source: https://www.superannuation.asn.au/resources/retirement-standard/ “Comfortable retirement lifestyle for retirees"