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The daily cost of living for the average Australian jumped 18.2% in July 2022, to $66.46 per day. The figure is drawn from the Beforepay Cost of Living Index, a summary of the spending of more than 300,000 Australians across several household expense categories, including utilities, groceries, food and drink, shopping, petrol and fitness and health.
The Beforepay Cost of Living Index for July 2022 is $66.46
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For a full month-by-month breakdown, over the last 12 months, see the below table. See sub-category descriptions here.
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Key Cost of Living Insights In July 2022
The daily cost of living increased from $56.24 in June 2022.
The biggest increases were in shopping, durables, and food and drink, each of which contributed more than $2.00 per day to the increase.
Every category was up over the month, led by shopping (33% increase). Petrol and auto spending had the smallest percentage increase at 7.8%.
Over the course of the last year, the daily cost of living increased 5.6%, from $62.91 in July 2021.
The biggest annual increase was food and drink, at 22.6%.
Additional insights:
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While grocery spend was up 10.8% month-on-month (July vs. June), it was actually down 1.7% from July 2021 to July 2022, reflecting the increased grocery spend during the lockdowns last year.
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Utilities were up 13.2% month-on-month, but only 1.7% year-on-year.
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Entertainment and leisure had a large monthly increase, but off a lower base than usual in June. It was actually lower in July 2022 than in any other month from July 2021 to April 2022.
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.
