How to Share Expenses Fairly in a Dual-Income Household. Workbook: Living on Percentages.

How to budget in a dual-income household without placing a financial burden on the lower-earning member.

By LRA , published November 16, 2024 updated November 16, 2024.

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Monthly Housing Expenses (Fixed Contribution Model)

Household Profile:

Family of 4
2 income-producing adults
1,300 sq ft home
75 ft x 120 ft city lot
Medium-income bracket

Total Monthly Housing Contribution: $2,860–$3,160

This amount represents a default estimate based on national averages for a typical U.S. household of four. It includes both active monthly costs and reserve contributions for long-term repairs and maintenance.

Customization Guidance

If you already know your actual monthly costs (e.g., mortgage, lawncare, pest control), you can replace the defaulted numbers with your own. The defaults are provided to help you:

Understand the typical range of housing expenses
Begin budgeting with realistic expectations
Ensure you're setting aside enough for future repairs

Tip: Even if you don’t currently pay for a service (e.g., pest control or cleaning), keeping the reserve helps you prepare for when those costs arise.

Monthly Income by Household Member

Member 1 Monthly Income ($)

Member 2 Monthly Income ($)

Housing Expenses

Mortgage (PITI) ($) (Principal, Interest, Property Taxes, Insurance)

HVAC Maintenance ($) (Filter changes, seasonal tune-ups)

Plumbing Maintenance ($) (Minor leak fixes, drain cleaning)

Electrical Maintenance ($) (Outlet/switch checks, light fixture upkeep)

Landscaping ($) (Lawn mowing, edging, basic trimming)

Pest Control ($) (Monthly spray or bait stations)

Cleaning Services ($) (Optional deep cleaning)

Gutter Maintenance ($) (Visual checks, minor debris removal)

Roof Reserve ($) (Savings for full roof replacement)

HVAC Reserve ($) (Savings for system replacement)

Plumbing Reserve ($) (Savings for water heater, repiping)

Electrical Reserve ($) (Savings for panel upgrade, rewiring)

Flooring Reserve ($) (Savings for carpet/tile replacement)

Windows & Siding Reserve ($) (Savings for replacement)

Gutter Reserve ($) (Savings for full system replacement)

Foundation & Drainage Reserve ($) (Savings for crack repair, grading)

Other Household Expenses

Utilities

Electricity ($) (Climate zone 2, heat pump, energy efficient appliances)

Water, Sewer, Garbage ($) (Based on national average for family of 4)

Internet ($) (Moderate speed plan)

Cell Phones ($) (Family plan for two lines)

Food

Groceries ($) (Family of 4, moderate cost)

Dining Out / Takeout ($) (Discretionary spending)

Transportation

Fuel ($) (Two SUVs, moderate mileage)

Car Insurance ($) (Two SUVs, based on national average)

Auto Maintenance ($) (Savings for routine upkeep and repairs)

Debt Repayment

Student Loan ($) (Based on a Master's degree)