The table illustrates the monthly spending patterns of an average Australian household in 1991 and 2001.
Overall, while the amounts spent on electricity and water as well as transport showed significant changes, expenditure on food, clothing, and housing remained relatively stable over the ten-year period. Notably, other goods and services accounted for the highest proportion of spending in both years.
In detail, the amount spent on food remained relatively consistent, at $155 in 1991 and $160 in 2001. Similarly, housing costs showed only a slight increase from $95 to $100. Spending on clothing declined modestly, falling from $30 to $20.
In contrast, monthly expenditure on electricity and water rose sharply from $75 to $120. Meanwhile, spending on transport decreased from $70 to $45. Other goods and services continued to be the largest spending category, although no exact figures are provided in the table. Overall, total monthly expenditure increased slightly from $675 in 1991 to $715 in 2001.