Surge in Annual Transport Costs Places Strain on Australian Households

Published on December 15, 2023

Transport costs have surged by over $1,000 (US$672) annually in some Australian cities, averaging over $24,000 (US$16,126) and stressing household budgets. The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) reported a 4 percent increase in transportation costs over the past three months, exceeding triple the consumer price index. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane households face the highest costs, averaging over $27,000 (US$18,140) annually. Notably, increases were in specific regional towns such as Alice Springs ($21,691), Geelong ($21,604), and Bunbury in Western Australia ($21,511), where weekly transport costs surpassed $400 for the first time. AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley said continually rising transport costs are a “heavy burden” at a time when Australians are feeling cost-of-living pressures....

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