2012 Weekly MESL Expenditure Budgets

The 2012 update incorporates a review of the baskets of goods and services and the addition of a third and fourth child. The aim of the review process was to ascertain the changes to what is required for a Minimum Essential Standard of Living between 2006 and 2012.

MESL Core Household Budgets for sample Urban Household Type (excluding housing, childcare & effect of secondary benefits)

• Two Parent Household Types
• One Parent Household Types
• Single Adult, of working age, Living Alone
• Pensioner Household Types

 The weekly costs of a Minimum Essential Standard of Living for example households in 2012 are summarised below.

• Summary Sheet - Weekly Budgets for Example Households

The reviewed budget tables presenting the fully itemised basket of goods and services for each individual type are also available. The budgets are presented across 15 categories and contain the entire list of items for each income scenario covered by the data.

• Detailed budget tables by individual type