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.
For a full month-by-month breakdown, over the last 12 months, see the below table. See sub-category descriptions here.
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%.
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
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.