The table compares the monthly spending of an average Australian family in six categories in the years 1991 and 2001, with figures measured in Australian dollars.

Overall, total household spending grew noticeably over the 10-year period. It is also clear that the amount of expenditure on food, electricity and water and housing increased throughout the period, the reverse occurred for other categories.

In 1991, the largest proportion of monthly expenses went to food at 155 AUD, which rose slightly to 160 AUD, maintaining its position as the biggest expenditure category. Similarly, the monthly expenditure on communal bills, such as electricity and water rose from 75 AUD in 1991 to 120 AUD in 2001. Housing also experienced a modest increase of 5 AUD, from 95 to 100 over the period.

In contrast, spending on transport fell considerably, dropping from 70 AUD in 1991 to 45 AUD in 2001. Although a common family spent 30 AUD on clothing in 1991, this figure ended the span with 20 AUD.

As for the total spending, a typical Australian household spent 675 AUD per month in 1991, and this figure grew by 40 AUD in 2001.