Alysha Connor has many happy memories from attending the Sydney Royal Easter Show, but this year, her family isn't going.
The mother-of-two from Sydney's hills district usually takes her two young children every year and grew up going to the show herself.
Ms Connor said over the years she felt the experience had become increasingly expensive and commercialised, and she could no longer justify the day trip amid a rising cost of living.
"When the interest rate rises hit, it affected us like a lot of other Sydney homes, our spending budget was really depleted and had to go to our mortgage," she said.
Fellow parents at her childrens' school are in a similar position, which Ms Connor said made it easier to break the news to her children.
"It ends up being close to $250 if you want your kids to have a memorable time."
Despite this, Sydney Royal Easter Show general manager Murray Wilton said he was expecting an impressive turnout when the show opens today.
"Today I can safely say to you that our pre-sales on tickets are probably the strongest that we've had in 15 years, which puts a smile on our face," Mr Wilton said.
"And, from all reports, we're going to have a very, very successful day."
Aaron Pink, a travelling showman working at the Easter Show, also has faith it will be a bumper time.
"You hear of all the downturn on the news and all the economical struggles, but by all accounts things have been great, so people are still out spending and we see that the Sydney Royal Easter Show will be no different."
The Easter Show's cheaper "early bird" all-day family ticket option — which is no longer available — costs $106 and includes two adults and two children aged between four and 15.
Add on a mid-price showbag for the kids, two rides, and a dagwood dog each, and it adds up to at least $265 for a day, although the show does include numerous free attractions.
In February, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released data saying the cost of living was at its highest point in two decades for households where the principal source of income was wages and salaries.
Ms Connor is anticipating her children asking when the family can go to the Easter Show again, and having to explain that it's just too expensive this year.
She said a good alternative was a regional show where they could have the same experience for a fraction of the cost.
The Sydney Royal Easter Show opens today and runs until April 17.
