Young Australian says working full-time is no longer enough to make ends meet as expenses soar

By SARAH BROOKES - SENIOR REPORTER, AUSTRALIA and MATT JONES, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 03:50, 18 May 2026 | Updated: 03:50, 18 May 2026 A young Australian worker has broken down over the crushing reality of the cost-of-living crisis, revealing how rising prices for essentials have left her struggling to make ends meet despite earning what she says is a decent income.  Bree McGregor said she pays $450 a week in rent, recently spent $180 to fill up her car, and spends about $200 a week on groceries, on top of medication and other essential expenses. 'How the f**k am I supposed to survive?' she said. 'I'm single, I don't have a partner to really split costs with me. 'I just spent another $200 on food because I actually need to eat meat and not just veggies or s**t food. 'And then I have my medication, that's $100, then I've got extra bills. 'I don't earn bad money, but like I literally can't even afford to live on what I'm on.' McGregor broke down in tears as she admitted taking on a second job felt like the only way to survive, pointing out that it cost just $90 to fill up her car and $150 for groceries only a few months ago. Bree McGregor (pictured) has delivered a blunt reality check on the cost-of-living crisis, revealing how quickly expenses can spiral even for someone on a solid income  McGregor broke down in tears as she admitted taking on a second job felt like the only way to survive, pointing out that it cost just $90 to fill up her car only a few months ago 'This was all well within my means not long ago and inflation is making it ridiculous now,' she posted. Based on the costs she listed, Ms McGregor is already spending at least $930 a week before factoring in additional expenses such as utilities, phone bills, insurance, internet, and other day-to-day costs. Ms McGregor's comments struck a nerve with thousands of Australians, with many saying soaring fuel, food and housing costs are leaving them financially and emotionally drained despite working full-time.  But others were less sympathetic, arguing she needed to live within her means and slamming her $60-a-week subscription spending as 'ridiculous' when money was already tight. 'Go to Woolworths and get $200 worth of food,' commented one. 'It's four shopping bags, that's it. The current cost of living is unsustainable and is starting to eradicate the working middle class.' 'People saying $200 on food is crazy or $60 a week on subscriptions is insane, the point is you aren't supposed to be working just to get by, or to not get by at all,' said another. 'After 40-odd hours a week you deserve to go out for dinner or go out for ice cream, not to break even after bills, wages are unlivable.' Others agreed Australians should be able to live comfortably on a decent wage, not be forced to track every dollar just to get by. 'Not to mention the extra quarterly expenses such as dental, unexpected medical expenses, car servicing, car registration, family events/birthdays,' said one. '$200 on food, maybe include the odd meal out, weekly is normal.' But others were less forgiving. 'Cancel your subscriptions, start taking public transport where possible,' advised one person. 'Meal prep a bit more. The government does need a change, but this is just little things that you can do to help you survive.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.