Budget for Couples

A realistic budget breakdown based on UK tax rates and living costs in 2026. No fluff, just numbers that work.

Recommended 50/30/20 Split

50%

Needs

£1,833

30%

Wants

£1,100

20%

Savings

£733

Category	Amount	Notes
Rent / Mortgage	£900	Split between two
Council Tax	£140	No single person discount
Utilities	£130	Shared household bills
Groceries	£300	Cooking for two
Transport	£250	Two cars or car + public transport
Phone & Internet	£70	Two phone contracts + broadband
Socialising	£200	Date nights, friends
Subscriptions	£50	Shared streaming, gym
Individual spending	£200	£100 each, no questions asked
Joint savings	£500	House deposit, wedding, holiday
Flexible	£927	Car repairs, gifts, unexpected

Open a joint account for shared bills but keep individual accounts for personal spending.
Agree on a 'no questions asked' personal allowance each - it prevents money arguments.
Check if Marriage Allowance applies - if one partner earns under £12,570, transfer £1,260 of their allowance.
Combine ISA allowances - that is £40k/yr tax-free between you.
If saving for a house, both use Lifetime ISAs for the 25% government bonus.
Have the money conversation early and honestly. Most relationship breakdowns involve money.

These are guidelines. For a personalised calculation based on your actual income and expenses, use our free calculator.

Revolut

Fee-free spending, budgeting tools, savings vaults

Tide

Free business banking if you are self-employed

Klarna

Spread costs interest-free on bigger purchases

Budget on a £25,000 Salary

£1,769/month take-home

Budget on a £30,000 Salary

£2,052/month take-home

Budget on a £40,000 Salary

£2,619/month take-home

Budget on a £50,000 Salary

£3,227/month take-home

Budget on a £75,000 Salary

£4,582/month take-home

Budget for Students

£1,167/month take-home

Budget for Single Parents

£2,072/month take-home

The 50/30/20 Budget Rule Explained

£2,336/month take-home

Budget for Saving an Emergency Fund

£2,052/month take-home