The table compares the average monthly spending of Australian households on six categories of goods and services in 1991 and 2001. The figures are given in Australian dollars.
Overall, household expenditure increased slightly over the period. Other goods and services represented the largest proportion of expenditure in both years, whereas clothing remained the least expensive category. While spending on most items increased, transport and clothing were the only categories to experience a decline.
In 1991, Australian households spent the most money on other goods and services, at $250 per month. Food was the second largest category, with an average of $155. Housing and electricity and water accounted for $95 and $75 respectively. Meanwhile, transport and clothing had lower figures, at $70 and $30.
By 2001, spending on other goods and services had risen to $270, while food expenditure increased slightly to $160. Electricity and water experienced the most significant growth, reaching $120, compared with $75 in 1991.