The table shows the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family in 1991 and 2001, measured in Australian dollars.
Overall, the total spending increased slightly in 2001 compared to 1991. Families spent more money on electricity and water, housing, food, and other goods and services, while spending on clothing and transport decreased.
In 1991, the highest expenditure was on other goods and services, at 250 dollars per month. This figure increased a little to 270 dollars in 2001. Spending on food also rose slightly from 155 to 160 dollars. In addition, housing costs went up from 95 to 100 dollars.
Electricity and water showed the biggest increase during the period. Australian families spent 75 dollars on this category in 1991, but the figure climbed to 120 dollars in 2001. On the other hand, expenditure on transport fell from 70 to 45 dollars. Similarly, clothing spending decreased from 30 to 20 dollars.
Finally, the total monthly expenditure increased from 675 dollars in 1991 to 716 dollars in 2001.