A family's 1967 budget is going viral for one reason: the numbers look impossible today
Kevin's idea of a 'decent wage' back then would equal to $1,022 now
With rising rents, grocery bills, and utility costs dominating household budgets today, it can be hard to imagine how much less families once spent to get by. A resurfaced 1967 interview shared by ABC Australia (@abcaustralia) offers a fascinating glimpse into life on a low income decades ago — and the numbers are almost unbelievable by today's standards. The segment followed Kevin and Heather Conway, parents of four, as they broke down exactly how much they earned and spent each week. A side-by-side comparison later revealed what those same expenses would cost in today's dollars. The video has since amassed more than 1.2 million views, 28,000 likes, and 940 comments.
A 'decent wage' in 1967
The Conways were a single-income family with just Kevin as the sole provider for his wife and kids. He revealed that his weekly income was $41 after taxes, and along with child endowment, it came to $45.50. As a low-income family, Heather typically spent $7.50 to $8 on food every week. For housing, they lived in a housing commission home and paid $9.80 for rent every week, excluding electricity and gas bills. After covering these expenses, they had at least $15 left for necessities such as food, medicine, clothing, and other miscellaneous costs. When asked what a "decent wage" looked like, Kevin answered £30, which is roughly $40.
Cost comparison
Now, looking at the same expenses spent by the Conways in 1967, there has been a huge increase in the cost of living. Kevin's weekly pay of $41 would be equivalent to $656 a week today. Adding the child endowment rate, it comes to $728. Food prices shot from $7 to $8 a week to $120 to $128. Rent cost a single digit back then, but in today's economy, it is $157. After everything has been paid, the $15 extra equals $240 today. Kevin's idea of a "decent wage" back then would equal $1,022 now.
Expenses now
Urban Institute revealed that Americans are struggling to afford necessities, such as food, energy, and housing. The study showed that 49% cannot afford the "true cost of living." While people's average earnings have increased by 43% since 2017, home sale prices soared by 81%. Rent shot up by 54% in just 9 years. According to the calculations from the report, the average monthly rent for an American was $1,890, the average weekly earning was $1,270, and roughly $1,050 was spent on groceries. This comparison is a reflection of the financial challenges faced by modern society today.
A humble life
Many were stunned by how much the cost has risen. @vickicharter pointed out, "No travel, take away, tattoos, video games, new cars, four bed, two bath with media room, no nails, eyelashes. They lived very humbly." @meg_she_reads_ said, "Modern families with two incomes can’t afford to have four kids. [I] think that says enough."
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