“Our data shows that the average Aussie spends $199.46 on groceries per week, which is around $864 a month or $10,372 a year,” Ms Hadnagy says.
Average grocery bill in Australia
Aussie households spend on average $152 per week on groceries, according to Canstar Blue's July 2022 survey of supermarket shoppers. This equates to almost $659 a month or $7,904 a year.
On average, groceries cost between $250 and $550 per month for one person. However, expenses can vary depending on location, dietary choices and personal spending habits. If you don't budget for groceries and instead just buy what you need — and want — at intervals throughout the month, you could be overspending.
The average Aussie household spent $185 on their weekly grocery spend in February 2023 – up $37 a week compared to last February, according to Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker. That's a whopping $1,924 increase per household over 12 months – or $18.8 billion more nationwide.
Meanwhile, collaborative database Expatistan estimates the current cost of living in Australia is roughly $4,258 per month for a single person or $7,690 per month for a family of four, just for the bare essentials.
The average Australian household now spends $185 a week on groceries, according to the CST, up $37 a week compared to 12 months prior. This is a total cost increase of $1,924 per year. This increase in grocery prices, along with housing costs, has significantly impacted Australians' financial security.
Single Australians are forking out an average of $300 a week on food and takeaways. Households tend to do much better, spending an average of about $150 a week on groceries. However, many of us don't have a regular food budget and one in three people don't bother to keep track of their food costs at all.
Average Daily Costs
While meal prices in Australia can vary, the average cost of food in Australia is AU$53 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Australia should cost around AU$21 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.
The average two-person household can expect to spend between $510-$820 per month on groceries. The average moderate cost between these two figures is around $655 per month. And broken up into weekly costs, here is what the average two-person household might expect to spend: Thrifty: $119.40 per week.
How much money do you have saved? Well, according to new data, the average Aussie has $34,507 stashed away. Aussie men aged 50-64 had the most saved at $106,236, according to the new data from NAB. Meanwhile, young women aged 18-29 had the least amount stashed away, at $11,153.
The average Australian household had a net worth of $1.021 million in early 20221, but actual net worth varies widely across individuals.
"We suggest the achievement of a new peak in food inflation (excluding tobacco) is due to ongoing cost pressures on suppliers due to commodities and the domestic supply chain including labour."
Summary of cost of living in Australia: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,877.2$ (5,828.9A$) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,099.0$ (1,652.2A$) without rent.
There is no “one size fits all” plan for all but it is understood that an individual may need approximately $20,000 each year and an average family needs more than $50,000 a year to get by in Australia.
Depending on these factors, the cost of groceries in Sydney could range from around $400 to $800 on average. If we're looking at a single person spending in a month, this averages out to roughly $373 spending on groceries and food in general.
Australians also have to pay for some of the most expensive groceries on Earth, with basic items such as bread and apples costing up to 50 per cent more than countries with a similar GDP. Daily Mail Australia has broken down the cost of everyday basics compared to the rest of the world.
Breakfast at a standard cafe (food plus a coffee or juice) can cost anywhere up to $20 for a full English breakfast or other substantial meal. A main meal in a mid-range restaurant is around $25 - $35. Upper mid-range averages around $35 - $45.
The average food budget for a single person is between $250 and $300 a month, but that's just a guideline. If you can buy meals at a discount or visit family and eat with them, you might be able to spend less. Figure out the budget that works for you.
The average full-time Australian worker who earns $80,049 per annum (current full time adult weekly earnings) is spending $889 of that on lunches, $320 on wardrobe changes, $4,794 on transport costs, $587 on education, $17,760 on child-care (based on 70 hours at average costs) and $16,768 on tax (not including tax ...
The average household spent $108,291 in 2021, equivalent to $2,083 per week. Rent and dwelling costs are the largest expense by far, costing the average household $445 per week. Food comes in second place ($215), followed by spending on recreation and culture ($211) and insurance and other financial services ($176).
Compare this to the UK, a member of the European Union and close to many countries that produce plenty of food eaten in season. Food in the UK is 26% cheaper than food in Australia. Generally, food is cheaper in the UK. Only the price of milk and local cheeses is lower in Australia – all else is more expensive.
The Australian public accesses care within the public health system for free or at a lower cost through Medicare (funded by tax). The private system includes health service providers that are owned and managed privately, such as private hospitals, specialist medical and allied health, and pharmacies.
Why is Australia's cost of living so high? Expert commentators point to high inflation combined with stagnating wages and insecure work as reasons that many Australians are struggling to pay for essential needs like food, housing and utilities.