Is 6000 AUD Before Tax Sufficient for a Family of 3 in Brisbane or Perth?

Overview of Cost of Living in Brisbane and Perth

The average Australian salary of $52,000 per year equates to approximately $4,333 per month. With a monthly income of $6,000 before tax, there is a surplus of $1,667 that would support a comfortable lifestyle. However, it's crucial to break down the budget and consider various expenses.

Defining a Base Budget for a Family of 3

For a family of three comprising a husband, wife, and a 1-year-old child, a base budget can be outlined as follows:

Monthly Allowances

Rent: $400 per week Food: $100 per week Transport (car ownership and fuel costs) Petrol (Brisbane) $1.50 per litre Public Transport: $40 per week for a round trip to the city Entertainment and Miscellaneous: $370 per week

Additional Breakdown

Location Brisbane Perth Electricity Costs could vary, up to $60 per week without air conditioning No need for heating, potentially less than $20 per week for electricity Water Costs Average of $10 per week Average of $10 per week

Comparison of Costs in Brisbane and Perth

While both cities differ in some aspects, such as public transport, the overall costs are relatively similar. Here's a detailed calculation for each city:

Chermside, QLD - Brisbane

Rent: $400 per week for a 2-bedroom apartment Electricity: $60 per week without air conditioning Water Costs: $10 per week Public Transport: $40 per week Food: $200 per week for a family of 3

Total: $1,070 per week or $4,512 per month

Maylands, WA - Perth

Rent: $420 per week for a 2-bedroom apartment Electricity: $20 per week (no need for heating) Water Costs: $10 per week Public Transport: $30 per week Food: $200 per week for a family of 3

Total: $1,092 per week or $4,593 per month

Tax and Disposable Income

Assuming an individual tax rate of 32.5% and personal tax offsets, a family earning $72,000 per year (or $6,000 per month) before tax will have a net income of $4,634 per month, or $1,069 per week after tax. This leaves a mere $370 per week for additional expenses.

Conclusion

Considering the outlined expenses and tax implications, $6,000 before tax is indeed sufficient for a family of 3 in both Brisbane and Perth, though Perth can be slightly more expensive. However, with careful planning and a realistic budget, a family can maintain a decent lifestyle and save for future expenses.