Data reveals Aussies’ unchanged habits during cost of living crunch

New data has revealed Australians are unwilling to budge on small luxuries, despite sky rocketing cost of living expenses.

Australians are unwilling to budge on small luxuries, despite sky rocketing cost of living expenses, new data has revealed.

The study, from comparison website Compare The Market, found that alcohol, takeaway meals, coffee and health and beauty appointments are among the top things Australians aren’t prepared to go without.

And more than a quarter of Australians said they weren’t willing to cut their social outings as cost-of-living pressures continue to put a strain on households.

Takeaway meals and coffees are a high priority for Aussies, with 17.3 per cent unwilling to give up fast food or ordering in their favourite caffeinated beverage.

One in five Gen Zers surveyed said wouldn’t give up their fast food as costs continue to rise, compared to just 11 per cent of Boomers.

Natasha Innes, from Compare the Market, said Baby Boomers valued socialising more than any other generation at 33.2 per cent, opposed to 22.2 per cent of Gen Z when asked the same question.

Australians haven’t given up small luxuries despite the cost of living crisis.

“Meal delivery services like Uber Eats and Menulog are great for those nights where you don’t have time to cook or want to treat yourself, but it can come at a cost,” Ms Innes said. “There are usually delivery fees involved and it’s pretty easy for costs to add up – especially if you use these apps regularly.

“Similarly, purchasing a coffee on the way to work every day may only seem like $5 or $6, but that’s around $25 a week, $108 a month or $1,300 a year. It really adds up.”

The data also revealed health and beauty treatments weren’t something Aussies were willing to give up.

In fact, 17.2 per cent admitted it would be the last thing they’d give up if they were under financial pressure.

Baby Boomers were again the generation most likely to prioritise their health and beauty at 20.2 per cent, followed closely by Gen Z at 18.8 per cent and Millennials at 18.2 per cent.

Just 11.7 per cent of gen Xers said they wouldn’t give up these treatments.

Originally published as Data reveals Aussies’ unchanged habits during cost of living crunch