Methodology
Each state score is a weighted composite of eight cost-of-living categories, calibrated against state-specific data from the AER (energy), ACCC (fuel and groceries), ABS (housing), IAG/Suncorp reports (insurance), ABS (health and transport), and the federal Department of Health (private health insurance premiums).
Scores represent relative cost pressure on a 0–100 scale: 0 is theoretically zero additional burden above the 2019 baseline, 100 is maximum observed pressure. A score of 68 represents the current national average. The weights reflect each category's share of average household expenditure per the ABS Household Expenditure Survey 2022–23.
State scores are updated quarterly or when a significant data release occurs (RBA rate decisions, AER pricing determinations, IAG/Suncorp earnings that indicate claims trends). The directional arrows show movement since March 2025.