Melbourne has become the most expensive city in Australia for transportation, with average annual costs for households reaching $29,546. This surge is driven by rising insurance and fuel prices, straining family budgets.
The Australian Automobile Association’s latest report shows that transport costs across Australian cities increased by 10.5% in the year to June, nearly three times the inflation rate. Melbourne tops the Transport Affordability Index, with weekly travel expenses averaging $568.19. It also ranks as the third least-affordable city in terms of transport costs relative to household income.
Geelong is the second-most expensive regional area, trailing Alice Springs but ahead of Launceston and Wagga Wagga, with an average weekly cost of $444.93. Vehicle registration and licensing fees remain stable, with Canberra being the most expensive. Despite these hikes, public transport costs have slightly decreased.
Michael Bradley of the AAA highlights transport costs as a significant and unavoidable expense, impacting both businesses and households.
