Six-figure income no longer stretches far for Australian families with kids
A real estate agent claims $100,000 annual income leaves families struggling. Tax, housing and daily costs spark debate about living standards.
An unnamed real estate owner told a tax advisor that earning $100,000 in 2026 leaves families struggling. After tax, that drops to around $80,000.
Rent in a decent area costs at least $800 a week, or $40,000 a year. Food, petrol, insurance and car registration eat the rest.
This leaves almost nothing for a family with two children. The business owner argued most families now need two incomes to survive.
This leaves parents with less time together. His video sparked online debate.
Some agreed that housing and cost-of-living jumps over the past 20 years have crushed family budgets. Others said families should live within their means.
Research by ACOSS/University of New South Wales estimates Australia's poverty line at around $584 a week for one adult. It's around $1,226 a week for a couple with two children.
- $100,000 annually
- Income claimed
- ~$80,000
- After tax
- $800
- Weekly rent minimum
- $1,226 weekly
- Poverty line (couple, 2 kids)
Why it mattersIf high-earning families say they barely get by, the question becomes urgent. What do ordinary Australians need to afford a decent life? Policy makers and voters must answer this.
AustraliaRising housing and living costs in Australia have shifted what counts as a comfortable income, pushing more families to rely on two wages and raising questions about whether young Australians can afford to have children.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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