Eggspensive: Aussies plan to shell out $4.4 billion this Easter
Australians are gearing up for a big Easter spending spree, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,061 respondents revealed almost 2 in 3 (61%) Australians – equivalent to 12.7 million people – plan to celebrate Easter.
The average person plans to spend $1,185 on chocolate, food, eating out, and travel – totalling $4.4 billion over the festivities.
The research found 1 in 6 (16%) plan on travelling over the long-weekend, forking out $660 on average for flights and accommodation – up 40% from last year.
A quarter (25%) plan to entertain guests. For feasts and fancy decorations, Aussies will loosen their purse strings to the tune of $616 million.
Nearly 1 in 3 (28%) will dine out instead, spending $126 per person – up 5% from last year.
More than half of Australians (54%) plan to indulge, spending a whopping $644 million on Easter chocolates, while 12% will spend $110 on Easter-themed clothing such as novelty pyjamas.
Angus Kidman, money expert at Finder, said consumers will be looking for more bang for their buck this Easter.
"Easter is exacerbating cost-of-living pressures, prompting some to rethink how they mark the occasion.
Kidman said there are simple ways to save money when planning for the holiday.
"Many Australians need to stick to a strict budget this Easter given the current economic climate.
"Start shopping early and price check everything before setting foot in a supermarket to get the best deals – this also helps avoid impulse purchasing.
"And if you're travelling, consider sharing accommodation costs with friends or family to keep travel costs down."
Kidman urged Aussies to reduce their Easter spend if they were feeling the pinch.
"Have a close look at what you're spending and where the opportunities are to save.
"This is particularly important with most households facing private health insurance hikes on April 1 and a possible tax bill later in the year," Kidman said.
How much do you plan to spend on Easter?
| Category | Percentage of population spending | Average spend |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | 54% | $57 |
| Travel | 16% | $660 |
| Entertaining (e.g. food for Easter meals, decorations etc) | 28% | $104.00 |
| Eating out | 25% | $126 |
| Clothing (e.g. pyjamas) | 12% | $110 |
| Other | 4% | $128 |
| I don't plan to spend any money on Easter | 39% | N/A |
| Total | 61% | $1,185 |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,061 respondents – 650 who plan to celebrate Easter – March 2024. Figures are rounded to the nearest dollar. |
Here are some ways to reduce your spend this Easter.