The financial implications of raising children in Australia are substantial, with costs comparable to a home mortgage. According to the Centre for Social Policy Research at the Australian National University, a couple with a disposable income of $100,000 will need an extra $13,000 annually for one child, escalating to $23,000 for two. Over 17 years, a single child may cost between $166,000 and $184,000 for a single-income family, while dual-income families face costs of $183,000 to $201,000. The financial burden increases significantly with additional children, with estimates suggesting that raising two children can cost between $299,000 and $462,000. Weekly expenses also rise, with a single-income couple's costs increasing to nearly $1986 with one child. Factors such as education, food, and healthcare contribute to these expenses, and many young adults cite financial concerns as a reason for not wanting children. The data reflects a broader trend of financial stress among families, particularly single-parent households, which often face higher costs and lower income levels.