Rising utility prices consume Australian wages as new data shows the daily cost of living for the average Australian increased by 1.6% to $59.78 in October 2022.

This represents an increase from $58.81 in September 2022 and $58.57 in October 2021. 

The figures are drawn from the Beforepay Cost of Living Index which summarises 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 October 2022 is $59.78.

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

Key Spending Insights for October 2022

The biggest increase month-on-month was the 9.2% jump in utilities to $5.81 in October 2022, up from $5.32 in September. With rising inflation and global pressures driving prices up, daily utility spend increased from $5.09 during the same period last year. Beforepay’s definition of utilities includes electricity, household gas and mobile and internet.

The Government has forecast increases in electricity prices by 50% over the next 2 years from $2 per day for electricity to $3, due to inflation, cost of importing raw material for energy generation and competitive overseas gas pricing.

Daily spending on groceries increased by 2.2% from $15.20 in September 2022 to $15.54 in October 2022, due to continued sustained inflationary pressures and seasonality.

An increase of 2.4% was seen in daily spending on petrol and auto, possibly due to the end of the fuel excise cut  which ended on 29th September 2022.

The growth in these non-discretionary categories has caused consumers to slow their spending in food and drink (which declined month-on-month), entertainment, and shopping (which saw only modest increases).

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.