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This FACT indicates the total household expenditure on goods and services over a week in each state. While housing comprises the largest proportion of household expenditure, there are other costs of living which influence the affordability of cities. The ABS Household Expenditure Survey, conducted every five years, collects information on household expenditure on housing, transport, energy, water and a range of consumer goods and services. This is an important source of information, and affords important insight into the cost of living in each state.
Data from the 2015 & 2016 survey shows that Darwin households spend the most on goods and services in Australia, the average expenditure per household totalling $1,700 week. The state with the lowest is Hobart with $1,141 per week. This point makes it an interesting destination for thrifty and financially savvy travellers, and partly explains the increasing interest in Hobart as an Australian holiday destination.