Question 1

How much does it cost to raise a child in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Based on published research from AMP/NATSEM and Curtin University, a middle-income Australian family spends between $250,000 and $500,000 raising a child from birth to age 18. The exact figure depends heavily on household income, childcare usage, whether you send your child to public or private school, and whether you live in a major metro area like Sydney or Melbourne.

Question 2

What's the most expensive age for raising a child?

Accepted Answer

The two most expensive phases are the early years (ages 0-4) when childcare costs are high, and the teenage years (13-17) when food, phones, transport, school extras and activities push costs up. A full-time childcare place can cost $16,000+ per year per child even after Child Care Subsidy.

Question 3

How much does private school cost in Australia compared to public?

Accepted Answer

Public schooling costs around $500 per year per child in books, uniforms and excursions. Catholic schools average around $5,500 per year including fees. Independent private schools average around $25,000 per year including fees. Over 13 years of schooling, the difference between public and independent private is over $300,000 per child.

Question 4

Do you save money having multiple children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are economies of scale. Each additional child typically costs around 85% of the first child due to shared resources like housing, hand-me-down clothes, bulk buying of food, and shared toys and equipment. However, childcare and school fees don't scale down — those are per child.

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