How much regional Victorians are paying at supermarkets compared to city dwellers
Regional Victorians are paying more at their supermarket check out than their city counterparts — and it’s only going to get worse. See the differences here.
Leader
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Regional Victorians are already paying a 13 per cent mark-up at the supermarket as economists warn further price hikes will hit consumers’ pockets.
RMIT associate professor of economics Bilgehan Karabay says families can expect to pay more for essential goods in the coming weeks as rising fuel prices are passed on by supply chains.
“We can already see some effects already in Australia and across the world,” professor Karabay says.
“The main driver is the gas prices as Russia is shut-out of the global economy and disruptions hit supply networks.”
Both Coles and Woolworths have recently announced cost pressures are going up, warning retailers will be forced to pass on the burden to consumers.
Recent trips to the supermarket by Leader journalists last week identified a price disparity between Melbourne supermarkets and those located in regional Victoria.
On average a 25-item supermarket list will cost Melburnians about $123.50, while regional Victorians face $139.60 on average for the same goods.
Prices varied widely across Victoria, ranging from $117.15 at a Coles store in Bayswater to $163.85 for the same goods at Woolworths in Cowes.
Mel Rodakis says she is “immensely” concerned her local supermarket has been identified as the most expensive store in regional Victoria involved in the investigation.
She takes pride in providing her family with healthy meals and fresh produce but said it was ”very difficult to provide the best” for her family given the costs.
Professor Karabay says the disparity is nothing new, but the differences could become more pronounced as competition within the city forces supermarkets to keep prices low.
“In some areas there are not many consumers or competitors which will allow shop owners to reflect much of the cost to their customers,” he said.
“Conversely in the larger urban areas increased competition will give consumers choice, which will pressure the shops to remain competitive.”
He said cost increases would not hit all goods equally with discretionary items, such as the fancy box of chocolates bought as a treat, are likely to remain stable, while essential goods and fresh produce will rise.
“These are the products shoppers will always have in their cart, which means demand is inelastic and shoppers won’t be able to swap for alternative items if the price rises,” Professor Karabay said.
Regional prices
Ballarat Central Woolworths
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $2.25
1kg of Pink Lady apples $4.50
1kg of brown onions $3.00
1 head of lettuce $3.00
1kg of broccoli $7.90
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $15.00
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $5.50
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $8.00
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $7.00
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $3.00
220g jar of Vegemite $6.50
500g Barilla spaghetti $1.95
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.70
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $16.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice (not stocked)
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $4.00
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $4.00
395g tin of Milo $8.50
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $2.25
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $3.50
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $4.05
Total: $138.80
Bendigo Shopping Centre Coles
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.70
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $1.70
1kg of Pink Lady apples $4.50
1kg of brown onions $2.90
1 head of lettuce $4.50
1kg of broccoli $4.50
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $23.00
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $2.75
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $5.80
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $9.50
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $2.00
220g jar of Vegemite $4.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.70
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $16.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $2.30
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $3.50
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $3.90
395g tin of Milo $6.00
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $5.00
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $3.90
Total: $135.20
Warrnambool East Woolworths
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $2.35
1kg of Pink Lady apples $4.50
1kg of brown onions $2.90
1 head of lettuce $3.00
1kg of broccoli $7.90
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $13.50
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $5.00
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $11.00
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $7.00
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $3.00
220g jar of Vegemite $3.50
500g Barilla spaghetti $1.95
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $16.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice (not stocked)
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $3.00
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $3.70
395g tin of Milo $8.80
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $2.25
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $3.50
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $3.45
Total: $132.75
Woolworths Cowes, Phillip Island
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $2.25
1kg of Pink Lady apples $4.50
1kg of brown onions $3.00
1 head of lettuce $3.00
1kg of broccoli $7.90
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $20.00
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $6.50
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $11.00
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $9.50
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $3.00
220g jar of Vegemite $5.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $1.95
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $30.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $4.80
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $6.00
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $3.80
395g tin of Milo $8.00
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $2.25
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $3.50
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $4.45
Total: $163.85
Shepparton Coles
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $1.70
1kg of Pink Lady apples $4.50
1kg of brown onions $3.00
1 head of lettuce $3.90
1kg of broccoli $4.50
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $18.00
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $2.75
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $5.75
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $7.00
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $2.00
220g jar of Vegemite $4.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.70
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $16.60
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $2.30
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $3.50
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $3.35
395g tin of Milo $6.00
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $3.50
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $3.90
Total: $125.40
Lavington Square Coles, Albury
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $1.75
1kg of Pink Lady apples $4.50
1kg of brown onions $3.00
1 head of lettuce $3.90
1kg of broccoli $4.50
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $15.00
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $2.75
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $5.80
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $5.50
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $2.00
220g jar of Vegemite $4.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.70
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $16.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $2.30
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $3.50
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $2.35
395g tin of Milo $6.00
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $3.50
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $3.90
Total: $119.40
Mildura Woolworths
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $5.00
1.25l Coke $3.40
1kg of Pink Lady apples $3.90
1kg of brown onions $3.00
1 head of lettuce $4.00
1kg of broccoli $6.90
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $15.00
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $6.50
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $5.30
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $9.30
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $4.00
220g jar of Vegemite $5.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.70
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.50
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $16.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $5.75
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $4.00
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $2.00
395g tin of Milo $8.00
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $5.00
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $4.30
Total: $142.5
Mildura Coles
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $3.40
1kg of Pink Lady apples $3.50
1kg of brown onions $3.00
1 head of lettuce $2.80
1kg of broccoli $7.90
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $13.50
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $12.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $5.50
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $5.80
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $8.50
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $4.00
220g jar of Vegemite $4.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $3.00
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.30
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $16.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $2.30
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $4.90
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $2.35
395g tin of Milo $8.80
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $5.00
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $4.00
Total: $137.00
Mildura IGA
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.50
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.25
1.25l Coke $3.40
1kg of Pink Lady apples $4.99
1kg of brown onions $3.39
1 head of lettuce $3.99
1kg of broccoli $6.99
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $15.99
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $14.99
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $6.49
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $6.89
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $8.50
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $4.00
220g jar of Vegemite $4.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.79
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.45
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.89
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $22.49
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $2.35
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $4.15
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $2.30
395g tin of Milo $8.89
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $5.00
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $5.19
Total: $153.87
Mildura Foodworks
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $4.20
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $4.10
1.25l Coke $3.65
1kg of Pink Lady apples $5.99
1kg of brown onions $4.49
1 head of lettuce $5.99
1kg of broccoli $8.99
Price per kg for a leg of lamb (not stocked)
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets (not stocked)
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $7.30
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $6.17
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $7.24
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $4.29
220g jar of Vegemite $4.88
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.97
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.79
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $4.05
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $10.76
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $3.50
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $9.71
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $3.11
395g tin of Milo $5.24
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.22
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $4.00
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $4.36
Total: $147.10
Melbourne Prices
Coles East Brunswick
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $1.70
1kg of Pink Lady apples $3.50
1kg of brown onions $3.00
1 head of lettuce $2.80
1kg of broccoli $8.90
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $20.00
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $4.50
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $5.80
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $6.50
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $2.00
220g jar of Vegemite $4.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.70
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $11.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice (not stocked)
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $3.60
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $3.70
395g tin of Milo $6.00
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $3.50
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $3.90
Total: $126.55
Cranbourne Park Coles
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $1.70
1kg of Pink Lady apples $3.50
1kg of brown onions $3.00
1 head of lettuce $2.80
1kg of broccoli $8.90
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $20.00
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $4.50
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $5.80
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $6.50
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $2.00
220g jar of Vegemite $4.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.70
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $11.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice (not stocked)
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $3.60
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $3.70
395g tin of Milo $6.00
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $3.50
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $3.90
Total: $126.55
Bayswater Coles
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $1.70
1kg of Pink Lady apples $3.50
1kg of brown onions $1.50
1 head of lettuce $2.80
1kg of broccoli $7.90
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $9.00
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $2.75
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $5.80
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $9.50
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $2.00
220g jar of Vegemite $4.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.70
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $16.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $2.35
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $6.00
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $2.35
395g tin of Milo $6.00
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $3.50
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $3.90
Total: $117.15
Stockland Point Cook Coles
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $1.70
1kg of Pink Lady apples $3.90
1kg of brown onions $1.50
1 head of lettuce $2.80
1kg of broccoli $8.90
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $13.50
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $2.70
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $5.80
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $8.50
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $2.00
220g jar of Vegemite $4.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.70
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $16.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $2.30
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $3.50
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $2.35
395g tin of Milo $6.00
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $3.50
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $4.95
Total: $125.55
Frankston Bayside Centre Coles
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $1.70
1kg of Pink Lady apples $3.90
1kg of brown onions $1.50
1 head of lettuce $2.80
1kg of broccoli $8.90
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $13.50
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $4.50
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $5.80
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $8.50
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $2.00
220g jar of Vegemite $4.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.70
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $16.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $2.65
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $3.50
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $3.35
395g tin of Milo $8.00
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $3.50
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $4.50
Total: $127.75
Mornington Coles
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $1.70
1kg of Pink Lady apples $3.50
1kg of brown onions $1.50
1 head of lettuce $2.80
1kg of broccoli $8.90
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $13.50
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $2.75
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $5.80
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $8.50
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $2.00
220g jar of Vegemite $4.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.70
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $15.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $2.65
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $3.50
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $3.35
395g tin of Milo $6.00
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $3.50
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $3.90
Total: $122.00
Burwood East Coles
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $5.00
1.25l Coke $1.70
1kg of Pink Lady apples $3.50
1kg of brown onions $3.00
1 head of lettuce $2.80
1kg of broccoli $8.90
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $13.50
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $2.75
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $5.80
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $8.50
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $2.00
220g jar of Vegemite $4.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.70
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $16.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $2.30
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $3.50
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $3.70
395g tin of Milo $6.00
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $3.50
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $3.90
Total: $126.20
Mount Waverley Coles Pinewood
One loaf of Wonder White Bread $3.40
2l of Pura Full Cream milk $3.30
1.25l Coke $1.70
1kg of Pink Lady apples $4.50
1kg of brown onions $2.90
1 head of lettuce $4.50
1kg of broccoli $4.50
Price per kg for a leg of lamb $13.50
Price per kg for chicken breast fillets $10.00
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 115g $2.75
Quilton 6-pack 3-ply toilet paper – $5.00
Tasty Cheese Slices 500g $5.50
Packet of Arnott’s original chocolate Tim Tams $2.00
220g jar of Vegemite $4.00
500g Barilla spaghetti $2.70
500g Leggo’s Bolognese sauce $3.00
170g Smith’s Crinkle Cut Plain Potato Chips $3.75
500g Vittoria Espresso Coffee Beans $16.00
1L of Just Juice Orange Juice $2.30
500g Flora Margarine Original Spread $3.50
500g Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas $2.35
395g tin of Milo $6.00
700g can of Pedigree Dog Food $3.00
180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Block $3.50
16 pack Libra Original Regular Tampon – $4.50
Total: $118.15
Note: Total price includes average cost of an item across all surveyed stores if item is marked not stocked.
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