Australian household spending declined in April, with the latest Beforepay Cost of Living Index revealing a 4.7% fall in average daily spend to $61.63. Spending dipped across all tracked spending categories, driven primarily by significant decreases in utility expenses and fitness and health spending. Year-on-year, daily average spend also dropped 2.6%, reflecting a tightening of household budgets.
Utility spending saw one of the steepest falls, dropping 9.4% month-on-month to $6.72, down from $7.42 in March. The decline aligns with the seasonal shift into cooler months. Fitness and health spending also dropped significantly, falling 9.7% to a daily average of $3.06.
Other notable category movements included a 7.7% drop in durable shopping, a 6.6% decrease in petrol and auto expenses, and a 5.9% fall in grocery spending. Spending in categories such as entertainment and leisure, shopping, and food and drink remained relatively flat, though all saw slight downward shifts.
Beforepay CEO Jamie Twiss said the April data reflects a clear pivot in how households are approaching everyday spending.
The April 2025 Beforepay Cost of Living Index draws on real-time data from over 440,000 users, offering unique insights into how Australians are managing everyday expenses in a changing economic landscape.
For more information contact mediaenquiries@beforepay.com.au.
Below is a full month-by-month breakdown over the last 12 months. See sub-category descriptions here.
For more information contact mediaenquiries@beforepay.com.au for more information.
Below are brief descriptions that outline the type of expenses applicable to each spending category.
Grocery stores where raw vegetables and meat are sold.
Any restaurant, pub or vendor that sells food that is not prepared or processed, i.e. not groceries.
Any spending on petrol, car maintenance and car accessories.
Spending on non-edible, non-durable goods, i.e. clothing, shoes, consumer packaged goods.
Spending on electricity, gas (home) and phone.
Movie streaming, tickets, mobile and console gaming, hobbies, bookshops and other recreation expenses.
Spending on long lasting products, such as white goods.
Any expenses on gyms, health insurance and chemists
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.