Cost of Living in Australia: 2023 Data & Implications for the Year Ahead

The average Australian household has seen numerous price rises over the past year and its the lower income earners who are feeling it the most.

So what can you do to lessen the blow?

In this article we discuss how the cost of living is measured, and explain why the Consumer Price Index matters. We’ll tell you how inflation impacts you and give you our top budgeting tips for 2024.

How is the Cost of Living Measured?

The cost of living in Australia is calculating by comparing the price of living expenses including;

• Food
• Fuel and transport costs
• Education
• Utilities such as gas and electricity prices
• Health Care
• Housing costs including rent and mortgage repayments

By breaking the expenses of goods and services down we can determine the cost of living required for the average Australian to maintain their standard of living, depending upon their location.

Those living in major cities will typically experience a higher cost of living compared to those in regional areas.

When the cost of living rises faster than your household income, your standard of living is threatened.

Impact of Inflation in 2023

By the end of 2022 Australia had experienced its largest annual inflation rise in over three decades and wages have not kept the same pace [3].

How does inflation affect you?

To put it simply: life is more expensive.

When food purchases, housing prices and travel costs increase beyond your means, it forces you to start making sacrifices, which impacts your standard of living. Not to mention making it difficult – if not impossible – for you to save money.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has put measures in place in an effort to change our spending habits – particularly those of young people. Since May 2022 interest rates have been steadily increasing, with 13 rate rises occurring across a mere 18 months. Previous interest rate increases delivered a harsh blow to homeowners, with the average mortgage holder baring the brunt of the RBA’s combat against inflation.

The RBA reported that mid-way through 2023, 16% of home loan owners had found themselves unable to meet tough new lending criteria and were trapped in mortgage prison [1].

How much does living in Australia cost?

According to the Expatisan database, $4,342 for a single person per month, and $7,858 for a family of four; making the cost of living in Australia higher than in 87% of countries [4].

Managing Utility Costs

Independent government websites such as Victorian Energy Compare offer easy ways to compare gas and energy prices. Our tips for managing utility costs include:

• Shop around: use comparative websites to find the best rates in your area
• Don’t settle for less: call your provider directly and ask for a competitive rate
• Get power savvy: try and cut down on consumption by limiting the use of heaters and air conditions where possible. Do your washing in off-peak times, and turn appliances and lights off at the switch when not in use.
• Go Solar: Consider solar power to save money long term. Weigh up the installation costs with long term savings.

Managing Vehicle Costs

The costs of having a car in Australia are also rising. They include:

• Fuel
• Insurance premiums
• Registration, and
• Purchase prices

All of which have increased over the past 18 months. The declining value of the Australian dollar is reflected in fuel prices: the average household with 2 cars spends approximately $411 per month on petrol alone[2]:

It adds up quickly.

So, what can you do to manage vehicle costs?

• Work from home as much as possible
• Look into rewards systems for fuel purchases
• Pay your premiums in lump sums if you can, as some providers offer a discount

Refinancing and Managing Interest Rate Rises

Home loans are long term debts, typically lasting 25 to 30 years. Small adjustments to your interest rate or repayment amount and frequency can equate to massive expenses over time, or if managed well, significant savings on your overall loan repayment.

To help you get on top of interest rate rises, you can:

• Compare lenders: Different banks & lenders have different serviceability criteria; don’t accept being locked into mortgage prison until you’ve shopped around.
• Consider high interest savings accounts: Refinancing may enable you to access a high interest savings account, making financial planning for the future easier.
• Talk to a reputable financial advisor: To understand your options and help you avoid refinancing pitfalls.

Mortgage Repayment Frequency Adjustments

One of the best tips for preparing for the rising cost of living is to plan for the future as well as you can.

Something as simple as changing your mortgage repayment frequency can save you a huge amount of money in the long run, depending on who you’re banking with.

Let’s say you have a $500,000 mortgage with an interest rate of 5.98% and a loan term of 30 years; switching your repayments to occur fortnightly instead of monthly could save you a staggering $123,201 in interest charges and would see you owning your property 5 years and 6 months sooner!

Talk to a financial advisor to understand your options.

Final Budgeting Tips

We’ve covered the major expenses, but what about the little things? Here are our final tips:

1. Save money by passing on non-essentials, like soft drink and takeaway food
2. Consider some meat-free meals: proteins such as beans, tofu, and soy protein are far less expensive than meat.
3. Use a budgeting app to help you kick start your savings journey (top picks are Buddy, YNAB and Goodbudget).

Summary

The cost of living in Australia is climbing at a pace that’s hard to keep up with; making small adjustments to your major expenses – particularly utilities, vehicle costs and your mortgage – is your best strategy to financial stability.

Make managing your living costs your new year’s resolution! For expert advice, consult a financial planner to help you prepare for whatever 2024 may bring.