Australian consumers are pulling back on restaurant visits and takeout orders as rising costs across the board force them to reassess discretionary spending, according to new polling data from The Daily Aus and Commonwealth Bank.
The survey found that dining out, takeaway, and café food ranked among the most frequently cited cost increases affecting everyday Australians, alongside groceries and utility bills, which have noticeably risen over the past year.
“Friday night takeaway seems to be off the cards for many people,” the report noted, with respondents pointing to rising prices for meals, drinks, and casual dining that have changed how often they venture out to eat.
What costs more? “Everything”
The findings paint a challenging picture for the restaurant industry as consumers grapple with what many describe as universal price increases. When asked which costs more now, one in five respondents answered “everything,” frequently citing the rising costs of “life,” “living,” and “survival.”
Groceries ranked as the top concern, accounting for roughly one in three responses. But restaurant spending emerged as a key area where consumers are making cuts, suggesting dining out has shifted from a routine expense to a carefully considered splurge.
Coffee called out as a barometer
Even small indulgences aren’t escaping scrutiny. Around one in 10 respondents specifically mentioned coffee price increases, with many tracking exactly how much more their regular order costs compared to last year. As a near-daily purchase for many Australians, coffee has become a barometer for broader cost-of-living pressures.
Commonwealth Bank economist Harry Ottley explained that while inflation rates may have moderated recently, the cumulative effect of sharp price jumps over recent years means everyday costs remain significantly higher than before.
“The challenge for young people is the difference between the rate of change and the level,” Ottley said. “Overall, inflation might have eased recently, but prices jumped sharply over the past few years, and they haven’t come back down, so everyday costs are still much higher.”
The pressure extends beyond food, with electricity bills, petrol, insurance, transport costs, and housing expenses all contributing to tighter household budgets. Together, these increases are forcing consumers to prioritise essentials over the ‘everyday extras’ that restaurants and cafés represent.
