Consumer spending rebounds as daily average spend jumps 5% in April 2024.
The Beforepay Cost of Living Index for April 2024 showed a month-on-month surge in household expenses, as daily average spending increased to $63.28 for the month. The figure is up 5% from $60.28 in March 2024, which may suggest increased consumer confidence as discretionary spending categories lead the month-on-month spending increase. Year-on-year daily average spending also rose by 7.6%, up from $58.84 in March 2023.
Consumer spending increased across all categories, led by food and drink expenses which surged 7.7% to a daily average spend of $10.65, up from $9.89 in March. Fitness and health expenses also climbed, up 7.5% to $3.02 from $2.81 in March.
The trend in rising consumer spending across discretionary expenses continued in the categories of shopping, entertainment and leisure and durable shopping, which includes large items and whitegoods. We saw consumers increase their daily average spend in entertainment and leisure by 6.9% month-on-month, up to $4.64 from $4.34. Shopping expenses saw the same 6.9% increase, up to $8.10 from $7.58.
The Beforepay Cost of Living Index for April 2024 is $63.28.
Non-discretionary expenses saw lower but similarly notable increases in April. The Index revealed a 3.9% daily average spending increase in groceries to $15.27, and a 2.4% increase in petrol and auto to $7.75. Utilities saw only a slight increase, up 0.7% to $6.77.
While the data suggests consumers are forking out more for non-essential expenses, budgeting and effective management of finances remains critical to helping households stay prepared and resilient among fluctuating cost of living pressures.
Below is a full month-by-month breakdown over the last 12 months. See sub-category descriptions here.
Cost Of Living Sub-Category Descriptions
Below are brief descriptions that outline the type of expenses applicable to each spending category.
Groceries
Grocery stores where raw vegetables and meat are sold.
Food & Drink
Any restaurant, pub or vendor that sells food that is not prepared or processed, i.e. not groceries.
Petrol & Auto
Any spending on petrol, car maintenance and car accessories.
Shopping
Spending on non-edible, non-durable goods, i.e. clothing, shoes, consumer packaged goods.
Utilities
Spending on electricity, gas (home) and phone.
Entertainment & Leisure
Movie streaming, tickets, mobile and console gaming, hobbies, bookshops and other recreation expenses.
Durable Shopping
Spending on long lasting products, such as white goods.
Fitness & Health
Any expenses on gyms, health insurance and chemists
Have questions? Reach out to mediaenquiries@beforepay.com.au for more information.
About the Beforepay Cost of Living Index
The Beforepay Cost of Living Index shows the average daily spend of Beforepay registered users across multiple household expense categories. As of March 2024, the average annual individual Beforepay customer gross income was $65,783 (counting only the main source of income) with a broadly representative geographic and gender breakdown. The data may vary depending on the main bank account linked with Beforepay. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Beforepay and its related bodies corporate, make no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or reliability of the contents of this article and do not accept any liability for any loss whatsoever arising from the use of this article or its contents or otherwise arising in connection with it.The Beforepay Cost of Living Index shows the average daily spend of Beforepay registered users across multiple household expense categories.
