64% of Australians are anxious about the rising costs of living

By Maria Gil · Wednesday, 8 June 2022 · 2 min read

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young boy shocked at how much it costs to live

With the cost of living on the rise, new Mozo research has found that many Australians are stressed and anxious about their financial future–64% to be exact.

Financial stress isn’t new, but when wages can’t keep up with inflation, it makes living a bit more challenging and could lead to increased debt.

“With inflation spiralling out of control and a series of interest rate hikes on the horizon, it’s clear many households are starting to feel financial stress,” says Mozo spokesperson, Tom Godfrey.

Our research found that 11% of Australians are about $100 in debt after paying their regular monthly expenses. And more than half (54%) of Aussies are concerned about their level of debt, with 15% saying that they will struggle to repay it in the future.

But why?

Well for starters, the price of everything is going up from groceries to petrol and even mortgage repayments.

Earlier this year, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the consumer price index report, which shows that inflation went up by 5.1%--well above the RBA’s 2-3% target.

And now that the era of low home loan interest rates is over, many Australians are seeing rates go up along with their repayments. Anywhere you look, you can see that prices are heading upward.

Saving money on everyday items and expenses

That’s why many Aussies are trying to find ways to rejig their budgets and lower expenses.

“Cutting back on discretionary spending can help you get your finances back on track, but if costs keep rising, it’s important to try to identify how to reduce some of the bigger costs you face such as your mortgage,” says Godfrey.

Many Australians are already cutting back on their spending. Some of the top things people are trying to reduce are eating out (47%), takeaway food (45%), entertainment (38%), clothing (28%) and groceries (20%).

If financial stress is hitting your home check out our nifty calculators to help you rework your finances. We have budget calculators and home loan refinancing calculators. Alternatively, you can start using our repayment calculator below to see how you can save money.

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Last updated 13 January 2025 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

Important disclosures

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This table shows a range of products, and we may receive payment if you use the links provided. It does not show all providers or all products from the providers. Mozo is paid a fee by the product issuer if you use a link on our site to go to their site from ours, make an inquiry, or you take out a product with them. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo. You do not pay any extra for using our service.

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WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

How Initial Monthly Repayments figures are estimated

Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

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Want free expert advice on your home loan?

If you've not found the right product here then we can put you in touch with an Aussie broker.

What you'll get:

Advice from a fully accredited home loan expert
Help matching your needs with 25+ lenders
Someone to negotiate rates with lenders on your behalf
Guidance - every step of the way

Book an appointment with Aussie

New purchase

Refinance

Speak to a broker

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^* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

^** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

Maria Gil

Money writer

Maria Gil writes across all of our personal finance areas here at Mozo. Her goal is to help you think smarter about money and have more in your pocket. Maria earned a journalism degree in Florida in the United States, where she has contributed to major news outlets such as The Miami Herald. She also completed a masters of digital communications at the University of Sydney. When Maria isn’t busy with all things finance, you can find her tucked away reading fantasy books. She is also ASIC RG146 (Tier 2) certified for general advice.

64% of Australians are anxious about the rising costs of living