Spring cleaning contributes to lift in household spending in September
Fact checked
Households spent $77.4 billion in September, an increase of $172.9 million from the previous month, in seasonally adjusted terms, according to the latest ABS Monthly Household Spending Indicator (MHSI), released today.
Recreation and culture, which includes items such as cultural and sporting events, pets, and pet services, and recreational services, drove the rise in spending, with a total monthly spend of $13.3 billion, up $149.1 million from the previous month.
Only three other categories recorded an increase in monthly spending for September: food (+$71.2 million), health (+$66.6 million), and furnishings and household equipment (+$20.1 million).
The category of furnishings and household equipment recorded its second-largest monthly spend, on record, at $5.4 billion, with ABS commentary crediting the purchase of household tools and appliances for adding to the lift, aligning with the arrival of the spring cleaning season.
← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →
| Monthly Household Spending Indicator: September 2025 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Sep-25 | Change month-on-month | Change year-on-year |
| Total | $77.4 billion | +$172.9 million
+0.2% |
+$3.8 billion
+5.1% |
| Food | $12.3 billion | +$71.2 million
+0.6% |
+$739.8 million
+6.4% |
| Alcoholic beverages and tobacco | $2.9 billion | -$22.1 million
-0.8% |
-$596.9 million
-17.3% |
| Clothing and footwear | $4.3 billion | -$24.1 million
-0.6% |
+$154.2 million
+3.7% |
| Furnishings and household equipment | $5.4 billion | +$20.1 million
+0.4% |
+$184.5 million
+3.5% |
| Health | $9.2 billion | +$66.6 million
+0.7% |
+$690.0 million
+8.10% |
| Transport | $12.9 billion | -$51.8 million
-0.4% |
+$575.2 million
+4.7% |
| Recreation and culture | $13.3 billion | +$149.1 million
+1.1% |
+$966.4 million
+7.8% |
| Hotels, cafes and restaurants | $9.7 billion | -$28.8 million
-0.3% |
+$459.1 million
+5.0% |
| Miscellaneous goods and services | $7.5 billion | -$7.4 million
-0.1% |
+$593.8 million
+8.7% |
Source: ABS Monthly Household Spending Indicator, September 25, seasonally adjusted data. Prepared by Canstar.
With September heralding a new season, households looking to spruce up their homes or kick off a spring clean were likely on the hunt for the tools and appliances to help them with the job.
Canstar research shows that when purchasing new appliances, shoppers are savvy, doing their research or looking for a sale before buying. For example:
Canstar spokesperson, Eden Radford, says, “September brought warmer weather and a change in season, which is likely what encouraged households to get out, enjoy some recreation and culture, and get stuck into spring cleaning.”
“The latest spending figures show households kept busy in September, buying the tools or appliances to help them around the home or garden.
“Consumers certainly weren’t making these purchasing decisions blindly, however. Research shows shoppers made sure to research, compare, and purchase items on sale, proving Aussies are certainly savvy when they need to spend.”
This article was reviewed by our Consumer Editor Meagan Lawrence before it was updated, as part of our fact-checking process.
Any advice provided on this website is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this advice is right for you. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination before making a purchase decision. Canstar provides an information service. It is not a credit provider, and in giving you information about credit products Canstar is not making any suggestion or recommendation to you about a particular credit product. Research provided by Canstar Research AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 437917. You must not reproduce, transmit, disseminate, sell, or publish information on this website without prior written permission from Canstar.