Wellbeing takes priority as health spending jumps 8.3% in March.
The Beforepay Cost of Living Index for March 2025 is $64.68.
Australians are doubling down on their commitment to health and wellbeing, with new data from Beforepay’s March Cost of Living Index revealing an 8.3% rise in fitness and health spending— the strongest growth across all categories for the month. Daily average spending rose to $64.68 in March, a moderate 1.1% increase from $63.98 in February. Compared to March 2024, the Index has climbed 7.3%, continuing a steady upward trend that mirrors inflationary pressures across the economy.
The health and fitness category stood out as consumers spent an average of $3.39 per day, up from $3.13 in February. Spending for the category also saw the biggest increase year-on-year, up 20.6% from $2.81 in March 2024.
Spending on entertainment and leisure also rose month-on-month, up 3.4% to $4.83, as did food and drink which increased 2.1% to $11.02. Utilities continue to increase, with daily average spend creeping up 2.8%. Durable shopping also edged up slightly by 1.9%.
In contrast, some categories recorded modest declines. Grocery spending fell 0.7% to $14.78. Meanwhile petrol and auto spending declined 2.0% and general shopping dropped just 0.3%.
The March 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.
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
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.
