Utilities prices continue to drive up living expenses

Data from more than 350,000 Australians has revealed a continued rise in the average daily cost of living, up 2.5% month-on-month from $56.83 in January to $58.23 in February according to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

Utilities continued to lead the way, increasing from a daily average of $5.80 in January to $6.18 in February. This continues a significant increase, with daily utility spend only $5.31 in February 2022. Groceries also saw a year-on-year increase of 2.1% from $14.95 in February 2022 to $15.27 in February 2023, though this cost has remained stable month-on-month from January this year.

The Beforepay Cost of Living Index for February 2023 is $58.23.

A month-on-month comparison shows durable goods also with a significant increase, up 8.2% from $6.08 in January 2023 to $6.58 in February, fitness and health up 5.5% from $2.35 to $2.48, and petrol and auto up 4.6% from $7.60 to $7.95. Spending on food and drink saw a slight 1.4% decrease month-on-month, down to $10.08 from $10.22 in January, potentially a reflection of the post-holiday season.

Below is a full month-by-month breakdown over the last 12 months. See sub-category descriptions here. 

The data encompasses various household expenses including utilities, groceries, food and drink, shopping, petrol, and fitness and health. 

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. This article contains selected summary information only and is provided for general information purposes only. The Cost of Living Index data is derived from a Beforepay user’s average daily spend in selected household expense categories per person. The data may vary depending on the main bank account linked with Beforepay. The numbers have not been adjusted for seasonality. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Beforepay and the related bodies corporate of Beforepay, make no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or reliability of the contents of this article. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Beforepay does 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.