As a family of four, keeping a household on budget takes planning and daily habits. Living in Melbourne’s western suburbs gives us some breathing room compared to inner areas, but costs still add up. For us, it is not just about what we spend. It is about a safe, comfortable home and the small moments that make it all worthwhile. If you are new to renting and want the basics on inspections and applications, this guide helps: Finding a Rental House in Australia: Our Simple, Real Experience.

We do not live extravagantly, but we enjoy the little things. Every Saturday we go out for a simple meal. On Sundays, we enjoy a cosy home‑cooked dinner. My husband works hard to support us, and I manage our expenses so we can live within our means.

1. Rent

Rent is usually the largest expense for most families, and it’s no different for us. Living in the western suburbs helps keep the costs manageable, but it’s still a significant part of our monthly budget. When we chose our house, we focused on finding a place that was in a safe neighborhood, close to good schools, and within our budget.

  • Monthly rent: $2,930 (for a four‑bedroom house)

2. Utilities

Utilities can add up quickly, but we’ve learned how to manage them by being mindful of our energy usage. In the summer, we use the air conditioner sparingly, and in winter, we bundle up before turning on the heater**.**

  • Electricity: $90/month
  • Gas: $80/month
  • Water: $50/month
  • Internet: $90/month (We both work from home, so a good connection matters.)
  • Phone: $78/month (We share a 100 GB data plan with Optus, which is more than enough, though we’re looking for a cheaper option.)

3. Groceries

Feeding a family of four can be tricky, but we’ve found a balance. We shop smart, look for deals, and plan meals to avoid unnecessary spending. We’re not big on snacks or drinks, but we make sure everyone is well-fed with simple, balanced meals**.**

  • Groceries (weekly total): $300–400
  • Monthly groceries total: around $1,500

4. Transportation

Since we work from home, we don’t use our car much during the week. However, weekend outings, regular maintenance, and insurance still contribute to our expenses. We also use public transport on occasion, especially for trips into the city.

  • Fuel: $80/month
  • Car maintenance: $500/year
  • Insurance: $1,700/year
  • Public transport: Zone 2 daily fares are $7/adult and $3.50/kid, though this varies depending on usage**.**

5. Primary Schooling

Education is one of our top priorities. We’re lucky to have access to good public schooling, but there are still extra costs for uniforms, school supplies, and contributions. We try to save where we can, buying second-hand uniforms and alternatives from Kmart and Big W**.**

  • School uniforms: We used the $400 government bonus to cover some costs, along with second-hand purchases**.**
  • Booklist: $130/child
  • School contributions: $140/child

6. Health and Insurance

Staying on top of health-related expenses is important for us. While we have private health insurance (partially subsidized through work), there are still some out-of-pocket costs for visits to the doctor or dentist**.**

  • Private health insurance for family of four: $350/month (after company subsidy)

7. Entertainment and Leisure

We don’t need fancy entertainment to keep us happy. A simple dinner out on Saturdays and the occasional family outing to the park or beach is all we need to unwind and reconnect. It’s nice to focus on these little pleasures without feeling the need to splurge**.**

  • Dining out and snacks: $200/week
  • Family activities (movies, parks, etc.): $0–100/month

8. Income Tax

Income tax is one of the larger expenses we factor in when managing our household budget. It affects the take-home pay we can use for our other essential costs. Knowing our tax bracket helps us better plan for the year ahead.

  • Income tax: This depends on your income and tax bracket. We plan for it in our budget and use a calculator to estimate it.

Finding Balance

We try to focus on buying what we need and prioritizing what truly matters—our family’s happiness and future. We have bigger dreams, like sending our kids to private secondary school, buying a home, and saving enough to travel and eventually retire comfortably. Balancing all these aspirations with our day-to-day living expenses can be challenging, but it’s part of the journey.

At the end of the day, it is not about having it all. It is about making the most of what we have and enjoying the simple, meaningful moments together.

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