Band 6+: The table below shows the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family in 1991 and 2001. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The given table compares the expense per month in 6 categories (food electricity and power, average Australian household clothing, housing, transport and other goods and Services) of an average household in 1991 and 2001.

A quick glance at the graph reveals that the cost of living in Australia increased, with only clothing and transport being two parts people spent on less.

Non-essential goods and services made up a majority of monthly expenditure, accounting for $250 in 1991 and $270 in 2001. Food, the second most category people spent on ($155 in 1991), and housing ($ 95 in 1991) increased merely by $5. Electric power and water, on the other hand, saw a significantly rising number, starting with a modest $75 before almost doubling ($120) in ten years later.

In contrast, transport was allocated less $25 ($70 in 1991 and $ 45 in 2001) and clothing which ranked last in the bill ($30 in 1991) experienced a further drop to $20. This was calculated to totally $40 elevating expense per month after ten years passed.