The Living Cost Indexes (LCIs) recorded increases between 0.5% and 1.5% in the June 2026 quarter, with Insurance and financial services, Food and non-alcoholic beverages, and Housing as key contributors. Annual increases over the past year ranged from 3.7% to 4.7%. Employee households saw the largest quarterly rise of 1.5%, driven by mortgage interest charges linked to the RBA’s cash rate hikes. Pensioner and beneficiary households (PBLCI) rose 3.2% over six months, outpacing the 2.0% CPI increase. Food price growth was widespread, while housing costs rose due to rent and utility price increases. Quarterly growth varied by household type, with self-funded retirees showing the smallest rise. Annual data showed housing remained the primary cost driver for all groups, followed by food and insurance expenses.
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