Couple Cost of Living Calculator
Estimate a couple's monthly and annual living costs based on housing, bills, food, transport and other shared expenses.
Overview
This couple cost of living calculator helps you estimate how much two people may spend each month and year on housing, bills, groceries, transport, insurance, entertainment and other regular expenses. It can also add a simple savings target to help with budgeting.
How it works
The calculator adds together the monthly costs you enter for major living expense categories to estimate a couple's total monthly cost of living. It then calculates a savings target as a percentage of that monthly total and adds it to produce a recommended monthly budget. Annual figures are estimated by multiplying the monthly totals by 12.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter your monthly housing cost.
- 2Add your regular monthly bills and utilities.
- 3Include groceries, transport, insurance and entertainment spending.
- 4Enter any other monthly expenses you want to count.
- 5Set a savings target percentage if you want to build a buffer.
- 6Review your estimated monthly and annual budget totals.
Example Calculation
Monthly housing cost
$1,800
Monthly utilities and bills
$300
Monthly groceries
$600
Monthly transport
$500
Monthly health and insurance
$350
Monthly entertainment and dining
$400
Other monthly expenses
$300
Savings target
15%
Monthly living cost
$4,250
With monthly costs totaling $4,250, a 15% savings target adds about $638, giving a recommended monthly budget of about $4,888 and an annual budget of about $58,650.
Frequently asked questions
What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates a couple's monthly and annual cost of living based on the expense categories you enter, and it can also add a savings target.
Should we include personal spending?
Yes, if personal spending is part of your shared budgeting plan, include it in other monthly expenses or the closest category.
Does this include irregular expenses?
Not unless you add them in. If you have irregular costs like travel, gifts or annual fees, you can estimate a monthly average and include it.
Can this be used for roommates or families?
It is designed for couples, but you can still use it as a simple shared household budget tool if the categories fit your situation.
Why add a savings target to living costs?
Adding a savings target can help you plan for emergencies, future goals and uneven monthly expenses rather than budgeting only for bills.
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Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- All costs are entered as monthly amounts.
- The calculator assumes your spending is broadly consistent from month to month.
- Savings target is calculated as a percentage of your monthly living costs.
- Results are estimates and do not include unexpected one-off expenses unless you add them to other monthly expenses.