As living costs continue to climb, many Australians are opting to move back in with family or even former partners to alleviate the financial burden of living alone.

A survey conducted by Finder, a comparison website, indicates that approximately 4.1 million Australians have sought shared living situations to manage expenses, with some revisiting previous domestic arrangements.

The study, which surveyed over 1,000 individuals, found that nearly 19 percent have either moved in with others or postponed living independently solely to cut costs.

Among the respondents, around 10 percent reported returning to their family homes or never having left, relying on parents or grandparents for financial support.

Meanwhile, others have chosen to live with siblings or friends to share expenses, while 3 percent revealed they had moved back in with an ex-partner.

Taylor Blackburn, a personal finance expert at Finder, commented that this shift highlights the increasing challenge of affording an independent lifestyle.

“Between soaring rents, rising interest rates and general cost-of-living pressures, the ability to live alone is slipping out of reach for many,” Blackburn said.

The data shows younger Australians are bearing the brunt, with almost four in 10 Gen Z respondents (39 per cent) having entered or stayed in shared living arrangements for financial reasons in the past year.

According to Blackburn, what was once seen as a temporary compromise is fast becoming the default.

“Unconventional living arrangements are becoming the norm as people prioritise affordability over comfort,” he said.

He’s urged Aussies to build a financial buffer wherever possible, warning that a lack of savings can quickly limit options when unexpected costs hit.

“Maintaining even a modest emergency fund can be the difference between staying in control and being forced into living situations you never imagined,” he said.

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