Australians hit the gym earlier than usual this January as new data from Beforepay’s Cost of Living Index shows a 27.4% year-on-year increase in fitness and health spending.
The Beforepay Cost of Living Index for January 2025 is $62.17.
This surge in health and fitness spending stands out against an overall 15.4% month-on-month drop in daily average spending, down to $62.17 from $73.48 in December. The sharp post-holiday decline reflects the typical seasonal reset as households adjust after festive splurges.
Year-on-year comparison shows a moderate 7.0% increase in spending.
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Significant declines month-on-month were seen in discretionary categories, led by a 40.2% drop in daily average spend for shopping to $7.52 from $12.57 in December. Durable shopping followed, falling 20.2% to $7.15 from $8.96. Similarly, entertainment and leisure fell 12.7% to $4.66 from $5.34.
Year-on-year, spending in these same categories has surged. Aside from health and fitness, entertainment and leisure is up 46.1%. Shopping and durable shopping were also up 10.6% and 12.6% respectively.
For essential categories, spending dropped slightly month-on-month as households returned to regular routines after the holidays. Daily average spending was down 9.9% to $10.72 for food and drink, 7.9% to $14.66 for groceries, 9.7% to $7.48 for petrol and auto, and 2.4% to $6.86 for utilities.
Year-on-year, groceries and petrol and auto declined slightly, down 3.4% and 0.7%. Utilities continue to reflect cost-of-living pressures, up 12.5% year-on-year.
Below is a full month-by-month breakdown over the last 12 months. See sub-category descriptions here.
The January 2025 Beforepay Cost of Living Index offers insights derived from over 440,000 users, providing a detailed view of consumer behaviour across essential and discretionary spending categories.
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.
