Housing, energy, groceries, transport and insurance make up most Australian households' regular spending, and the balance between them looks different depending on where you live and your circumstances. This page is a general starting point, with links to more detailed guides across the site.
Housing and rent
For most households, rent or mortgage repayments are the single biggest cost. Rental prices vary enormously between capital cities and regional areas, and between states. Our renting guide covers the basics of leases, bonds and tenant rights, and our moving guide looks at what a move typically costs.
Energy and utilities
Electricity and gas bills have risen substantially in recent years, and comparing retailers or considering solar are two of the most common ways households try to bring costs down. See our sister site energy.lifeisnew.org for what typically drives a bill up and what to check before switching providers.
Everyday spending
Groceries, transport, phone and internet plans, and insurance round out most budgets. Reviewing these periodically — rather than assuming a provider's price is still competitive — tends to make more practical difference than one-off cuts.
If money is tight
If you're struggling to cover essential costs, it's worth checking what support you may be eligible for through Centrelink, and looking at state-based concessions on energy and council rates, which many households don't realise they qualify for. There's no shame in checking early — it's almost always easier to deal with a budget problem before it grows.