Definition
– DINK stands for “dual income, no kids”: a household with two earners and no dependent children. Dependent children are those the household must financially support.
– For contrast, DEWK means “dual income with kids” — two earners who also support children.
– Household (U.S. Census Bureau): people who share living quarters and common expenses; roommates or multi-generational households can be counted as a household even if not related.
Why the label matters (financially)
– Without child-related expenses, two-earner households typically have more discretionary income — money left after basic living costs. That can free up funds for saving, investing, travel, or higher consumption of nonessential goods and services.
– Shared housing reduces per-person housing costs compared with single-person households because two people can split rent/mortgage and utilities while using the same kitchen, bathroom, and living space.
– The absence of child expenses does not automatically mean wealth; it simply changes budget priorities and enables different financial choices.
Common types of DINK households
– Couples who purposely choose to be child-free for lifestyle, career, health, or financial reasons.
– Couples who want children but can’t have them without medical intervention; they may face additional fertility or adoption costs.
– Newly partnered or newly married couples who haven’t yet had children but may plan for them later.
– Empty nesters whose children have left home; they may re-enter a DINK-like financial situation.
– Nontraditional households: adult child living with parent, roommates, or same-sex couples without children.
Typical cost comparisons and illustrative figures
– Academic and government estimates of the total cost to raise a child vary. Two examples:
– Brookings Institution estimate (child born in 2015, to age 17): about $310,605.
– U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimate: about $233,610 (this USDA number does not adjust for inflation).