Economic snapshot: 4 things to watch this month
Get up to speed with the latest economic update, offering insights into Australia's financial landscape.
Australia's economic landscape is in a state of flux. Data from Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker (CST), the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and CoreLogic reveals rising home loans, climbing property prices, and increasing credit card spending. To navigate these dynamic trends, it's essential to stay informed. Our latest economic update provides a deep dive into these key indicators, analyzing their causes and exploring the potential ripple effects on your personal finances.
Highlights
- In February 2025, Credit card purchases totalled $37.15 billion, up 6.2% on the previous year, while debit card spending reached $47.57 billion, marking a 3.27% year-on-year rise.
- Total household spending in Australia amounted to $75.6 billion, with $41.1 billion allocated to goods and $34.5 billion to services.
- Australia’s unemployment rate rose to 4.1% in March 2025, up from 4.0% in February.
- Median house prices rose by an average of 5%, while median unit prices recorded an 8% increase.
Credit Card and Debit Card Usage Trends
In February 2025, the total value of credit card purchases in Australia totalled $37.15 billion in the latest period, up 0.54% from the previous month and 6.2% higher year-on-year. The number of transactions reached 316.53 million, marking a 0.27% monthly lift and a 3.2% annual increase. The average spend per card stood at $3,062.
Debit card purchases reached a record of $47.57 billion, showing a 6.36% decrease from the previous month and a 3.27% down compared to the same time last year. On average, each debit card was used for purchases amounting to $1,075.
Monthly Household spending in Australia
According to ABS, total household spending in Australia rose to $75.6 billion in February 2025, up 3.3% on the same month last year. This included $41.1 billion on goods and $34.5 billion on services, with the average household spending $7,565.
Australians spend an average of $1,190 per month on food, $330 on alcohol and tobacco, and $428 on clothing and footwear. Monthly outlays also include $532 on furnishings and household equipment and $876 on health. Transport costs average $1,273, while recreation and culture is the highest expense at $1,283. Spending on hotels, cafes and restaurants sits at $947 per month, with $707 going towards miscellaneous goods and services.
Unemployment Rate increased to 4.1%
Australia’s unemployment rate rose to 4.1% in March 2025, up from 4% the previous month, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The total number of employed people stood at 14,544,100, with full-time employment rising by 15,100 to 10,014,100. Part-time employment also increased, up 17,200 to 4,530,000. The underemployment rate remained steady at 5.9%.
House and Unit Prices
As of January 2025, median house prices have risen by an average of 5%, while median unit prices have recorded an increase of 8%.
For those considering purchasing a property, here's a snapshot of the average prices of houses and units across different capital cities, along with the corresponding 20% deposit, monthly repayment based on 80% of the average price, and the required household income to stay below mortgage stress level (30%).
For deeper dives into the numbers shaping Australia's economy, don't miss Finder's Insights Hub. Discover a wealth of statistics, consumer research, and expert commentary – your go-to source for understanding the financial landscape.
Ask a question
More guides on Finder
-
State of Women’s Wealth Report 2025
Understand how women's wealth stacks up and what you can do to grow your wealth.
-
Renting vs. Owning in Australia
Finder's Property Investment Index predicts price growth in each suburb across Australia's major cities.
-
Finder’s Cost of Living Pressure Gauge
Finder's Cost of Living Pressure Gauge measures the financial stress experienced by Australian households.
-
Finder’s Economic Positivity Index
Tracking the outlook of Finder's panel of economic experts.
-
Finder Consumer Positivity Index
Tracking how Australian consumers feel about the economy and their financial lives.
-
Finder’s Property Investment Index Hobart
Finder's Property Investment Index predicts price growth in each suburb across Australia's major cities. Find out how your suburb stacks up.
-
Finder’s Property Investment Index Adelaide
Finder's Property Investment Index predicts price growth in each suburb across Australia's major cities. Find out how your suburb stacks up.
-
Finder’s Property Investment Index Perth
Finder's Property Investment Index predicts price growth in each suburb across Australia's major cities.
-
Consumer Sentiment Tracker
Discover average home loan sizes around Australia and much more with our comprehensive guide to home loan statistics.