The costs of children in Australia estimated using financial stress data

This report uses financial stress data to estimate the costs of children in Australia and explore how costs vary across households.

It draws on national survey data to analyse how family size and income influence the costs of raising children.

Key insights

• There is no clear evidence of any systematic trend in the costs of children over time.
• Costs tend to increase with each additional child, although at a decreasing rate.
• Costs represent a larger share of income for lower-income families.
• Costs vary by the age of children.

More information

Learn more about Reviewing the Child Support Scheme.