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Australia is among the countries hit hard by inflation, resulting in a rise in the cost of living. If you are living or planning to move to Australia, it is important to be aware of the food costs in the country and whether they are expensive. On average, a person living in Australia spends $166 – $232 weekly on groceries and food. However, the cost of food in Australia can be cheaper or more expensive depending on your preferences. Compared to other countries, food prices in Australia are generally high. For example, vegetable prices can go up to $6.65 per kg, which is considered very high for many countries.
Food Prices in Australia in 2023: What to Expect
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that food prices in Australia have been increasing mainly due to inflation. In the first quarter of 2022, prices of food rose by 4.3%. From September 2021 to September 2022, fruit and vegetable prices increased by 16.2% and dairy products by 12.1%. This trend makes Australia an even more expensive place to live in. In fact, Australia holds the 9th place in the world for the highest food index.
How Much Do People Spend on Food in Australia?
The amount of money spent on food and groceries in Australia varies depending on the size and eating habits of the family. Generally, urban and city centers tend to have higher food prices compared to less populated areas. Here is a breakdown of the average weekly spending on groceries for different household sizes in Australia:
- One-person household: $102
- Two-person household: $146
- Three-person household: $169
- Four-person household: $181
- Five or more person household: $215
The prices also vary by state, with New South Wales and Canberra having the most expensive food prices in Australia. According to Yocket, international students in Australia spend an average of $140 – $281 on food and groceries.
Supermarket Prices in Australia
Supermarket prices in Australia can vary depending on factors such as the cost of goods from distributors, supply and demand, and location. The two main supermarket chains in Australia are Woolworths and Coles, which together hold over 60% of the market share. Other notable supermarkets include Aldi and Foodworks. Although these stores compete for the market, grocery prices are generally around the same in all stores.
Here is a snapshot of supermarket prices from Woolworths’ online store as of November 2022:
- Mini-Roma tomatoes: $12 per kg
- Washed white potatoes: $0.81 each
- Spring onion: $2.80 for a bunch
- Green zucchini: $1.58 each
- Woolworths baby leaf spinach (120 g): $3.00
- Shallot French onion: $0.70 each
- Cucumber: $0.80 each
- Capsicum: $2.73 each
- Schweppes tonic water four pack: $5.00
- Classic Coca-cola 1.25l: $1.77
- Pepsi Max 2l: $3.00
- Woolworths beef sausages (8 pieces): $7.00
- Woolworths beef rump steak (300g): $12.00
- Soy milk: $4.50 per liter
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, many Australian households have started to reduce their supermarket spending, with a 29% reduction reported in September 2022. The average weekly grocery bill in Australian supermarkets is as follows:
- ALDI: $157
- Coles: $154
- Woolworths: $151
- IGA: $140
Eating Out Prices in Australia
Eating out in Australia can be quite expensive, with Australians spending an average of $230 per month on restaurant dining and fast food. Prices for eating out can vary depending on the type of cuisine and the location. Here are some examples of typical prices for eating out in Australia:
- Pizza: $7
- Dinner for two: $90
- Meat pie: $5
- Lunch menu: $15
- Coffee: $5
- Drink at the bar: $14
- Glass of wine: $7
- Bottle of water: $4.41
- Tea: $4
Some sources predict that coffee prices in Australia will rise to $7 per cup by the end of 2022. Different cuisines also have different average prices, with Asian restaurants averaging $37 per meal and Chinese restaurants averaging $35. Other international cuisines have the following average prices:
- French: $42
- Italian: $41
- Japanese: $35
- Mexican: $37
Fast food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Hungry Jack’s offer relatively cheaper options in Australia. For example, McDonald’s and Burger King charge $8.40 for a regular meal and $2.50 for a cheeseburger.
Eastern European Foods Sydney
If you are looking for Eastern European foods in Sydney, www.harigon.com.au is the place to go. They offer a wide range of authentic Eastern European products, including meats, cheeses, breads, and more. Whether you are craving pierogies, sausages, or traditional pastries, you can find it all at www.harigon.com.au. With their focus on quality and authenticity, you can trust that you are getting the real taste of Eastern Europe. So, if you are in Sydney and looking for Eastern European foods, be sure to check out www.harigon.com.au.