A new survey suggests households across Sunraysia and the Mallee are making lasting changes to their spending habits as they respond to increased cost-of-living pressures.
Almost two-thirds (61%) of Australians who’ve altered their spending behaviours say the changes reflect a long-term lifestyle shift.
However, the sentiment is even stronger in regional households where nearly three-quarters (73%) have made changes and more than two-thirds (68%) see them as permanent.
The national YouGov survey, the first in NGM Group’s new What Matters Most research series, found that 72% of Victorians have changed how they spend over the past year.
Among those who have made changes, more than half (52%) say it has improved their quality of life, and nearly half (47%) report feeling more in control of their finances – a clear sign of the adaptability and resilience of Victorian households.
Many of these shifts are happening in everyday routines – from keeping a closer eye on budgets (58%) to choosing more affordable products (55%).
The second report in the What Matters Most series will be released in early 2026.
Image: Wallet Tape Measure Economical – Free photo on Pixabay
