This is an estimate of “HOW MUCH IS THE COST OF LIVING FOR FAMILY OF FOUR IN AUSTRALIA” as of 04/07/2024. To estimate the minimum salary required for a family of four to break even with the cost of living in Australia, we need to consider several key expenses, including housing, food, utilities, transportation, childcare, and other necessities.
1. Housing:
- Rent: The average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in a normal area can range from AUD 2,687 to AUD 3,922 per month (Expatistan, cost of living comparisons). We’ll use an average of AUD 3,000 per month.
- Annual Rent: AUD 3,000 x 12 = AUD 36,000
2. Food:
- Monthly Food Cost: Estimated at AUD 1,200 per month for a family of four (Numbeo) (Expatistan, cost of living comparisons).
- Annual Food Cost: AUD 1,200 x 12 = AUD 14,400
3. Utilities:
- Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage: Estimated at AUD 306.42 per month (Numbeo).
- Annual Utilities Cost: AUD 306.42 x 12 = AUD 3,677
4. Transportation:
- Monthly Transportation Cost: Including public transport and fuel, estimated at AUD 500 per month.
- Annual Transportation Cost: AUD 500 x 12 = AUD 6,000
5. Childcare:
- Childcare Costs: The average daily cost for childcare is AUD 130. Assuming both children require full-time care (5 days a week), the monthly cost is significant.
- Monthly Childcare Cost: AUD 130 x 20 (days) x 2 (children) = AUD 5,200
- Annual Childcare Cost: AUD 5,200 x 12 = AUD 62,400
6. Other Expenses:
- Miscellaneous: Clothing, healthcare, entertainment, etc., estimated at AUD 1,000 per month.
- Annual Miscellaneous Cost: AUD 1,000 x 12 = AUD 12,000
Total Annual Costs:
- Housing: AUD 36,000
- Food: AUD 14,400
- Utilities: AUD 3,677
- Transportation: AUD 6,000
- Childcare: AUD 62,400
- Miscellaneous: AUD 12,000
Total Annual Cost of Living: AUD 134,477
Minimum Salary Required:
To cover these expenses, the gross annual income before taxes and deductions should be at least AUD 134,477. Considering taxes and potential savings for emergencies or future planning, a safer estimate would be around AUD 150,000 to AUD 160,000 per year.
Conclusion:
A family of four in Australia would require a minimum gross annual salary of approximately AUD 150,000 to AUD 160,000 to break even with the cost of living, factoring in basic living expenses, taxes, and a buffer for savings or unforeseen costs.
