Regional Australians paying $21,000 a year on transport

Regional Australians are paying $420 a week on transport, as families struggle with the cost of living.

The average regional household is spending more than $420 a week on transport, adding up to a shocking $21,900 per year as the cost of living continues to bite.

The annual household transport costs rose by another $261 dollars in the June quarter of 2024, compared to the previous quarter.

The bulk of the costs came from rising car loan repayments, spiralling comprehensive car insurance and petrol costs.

Car loan repayments on average cost households $211 while fuel came in at $103.

Regional households are spending $420 a week on transport costs.

Insurance was another $40, servicing and tyres cost $34 and registration, CTP and licensing sat at $30.

Bush residents were spending 16.5 per cent of their total income on transport costs.

In NSW, Wagga Wagga residents were forking out $20,135 a year while the most expensive, equalling $387 per week.

Wagga Wagga state MP Dr Joe McGirr said regional households were continuing to feel cost of living pressures with transport being a major burden on family budgets.

“Around Wagga and in the farming communities around Wagga, people are driving considerable distances to work or to access services,” he said.

Dr Joe McGirr, MP for Wagga Wagga

“A lot of people have dual cab utes and they are more expensive to buy, insure and run.

“It reflects road distances, and it also reflects the work they have to do.”

Dr McGirr said the electric vehicle boom that had taken over metropolitan areas was not a reality for regional Australians.

“There are people using EVs but the number of charging stations is still relatively small compared to the city,” he said.

“I don’t think the technology is there yet, so they are relying on diesel and petrol.”

Dr McGirr said regionals Australians are burdened by transport costs.

Dubbo Mayor and Regional Cities NSW chair Matthew Dickerson said the cost of living was a challenge, but it was still cheaper to live in the regions than in Sydney.

“As cost of living pressures bite, you could still live frugally in a regional location,” he said.

“If it’s tough to survive in Sydney, come to regional Australia.”

Mr Dickerson said access to public transport would help regional Australians bring down transport costs.

“Access to public transport is really important.”

Originally published as Regional Australians paying $21,000 a year on transport