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TRANSPORT
AFFORDABILITY
INDEX
SEPTEMBER QUARTER 2020
released November 2020
AAA 2
Table of contents Foreword Transport Affordability Index: September 2020 4 Section One Summary of results 6 Section Two Detailed results 12 Section Three State by state comparison 20 Section Four Background and methodology 29 TRANSPORT AFFORDABILITY INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2020 3
Foreword
Transport costs steady as
economy awaits recovery
Transport costs, like the economy, are showing early, tentative signs of
recovery back into growth as Australia emerges from the pandemic-fuelled
downturn.
After falling significantly in the first half of 2020, this edition of the AAA’s
Transport Affordability Index shows that average transport costs in the third
quarter of 2020 increased by 1.2 per cent compared to the previous quarter.
The national average household weekly transport costs were $309 in the
September quarter, which is up from $306 in the June quarter, but still down
on the $318 recorded in March. For the typical metropolitan household, this
equates to a yearly transport expenditure of $17,813; and $14,093 for the
typical regional household.
The quarter saw a cost increase lower than the rate of inflation. A recovery in Michael Bradley
incomes, continuing low interest rates and fuel prices all contributed to making
transport more affordable. This will be welcome news for those households
Managing Director
suffering the effects of the COVID-19 recession.
Australian Automobile
Loan repayments and fuel remain the largest cost inputs, with the average Association
cost of transport as a percentage of income now at 12.4 per cent for the
typical household.
When it comes to transport, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane remained
the nation’s most expensive capital cities, while Alice Springs, Geelong and
Bunbury were the most expensive regional centres.
The AAA’s quarterly Affordability Index measures household transport costs
in all capital cities. Additionally, the Index measures a regional centre in each
state and the Northern Territory to give an indicative picture of household
transport costs across the regions.
It is important to note that the Index measures transport costs over a normal
week. With restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic still in effect in
some jurisdictions, many households have a reduced ‘transport footprint’ – in
particular expenditure on fuel, road tolls and public transport – which is not
measured in this report.
AAA 4
TRANSPORT AFFORDABILITY INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2020 5
Section One
Summary of results
Household total weekly transport costs
In the September quarter, transport costs increased Regional The average weekly transport expenditure
slightly for the benchmark capital city and regional for households in the benchmark regional centres was
households. $271 compared with $269 in the previous quarter.
Capital cities The average total weekly transport cost for Alice Springs remained the regional centre with the
benchmark capital city households was $343 compared highest total weekly transport costs at $286 per week,
with $337 in the previous quarter. down from $289 in the June quarter. Wagga Wagga
remained the least expensive at $249 per week, up
Sydney remained the most expensive capital city for total
from $248.
transport costs with weekly costs at $412 per week, up
from $406 in the previous quarter. Hobart remained the
least expensive capital with weekly costs of $294, about
the same as the previous quarter.
Capital cities Regional
Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg. Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg.
Sydney Wagga Wagga
Melbourne Geelong
Brisbane
Townsville
Perth
Bunbury
Adelaide
Mount Gambier
Hobart
Darwin Launceston
Canberra Alice Springs
$0 $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $0 $100 $200 $300 $400 $500
City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Sydney $427.90 $419.54 $405.70 $411.51 1 Wagga Wagga $261.57 $256.57 $248.06 $248.90 7
Melbourne $401.26 $394.03 $380.33 $387.74 2 Geelong $307.07 $295.46 $280.58 $285.72 2
Brisbane $395.81 $389.08 $374.17 $385.18 3 Townsville $268.47 $263.35 $251.64 $255.71 6
Perth $346.04 $338.79 $324.95 $329.62 4 Bunbury $303.92 $298.55 $285.14 $283.80 3
Adelaide $324.94 $314.61 $301.97 $307.65 6 Mount Gambier $286.16 $281.11 $266.33 $270.18 4
Hobart $310.90 $305.29 $293.72 $294.00 8 Launceston $284.92 $279.62 $264.56 $266.31 5
Darwin $317.88 $309.48 $300.51 $300.06 7 Alice Springs $305.52 $299.97 $288.90 $286.48 1
Canberra $336.13 $330.46 $316.79 $324.70 5 Regional avg. $288.23 $282.09 $269.32 $271.02
Capital avg. $357.61 $350.16 $337.27 $342.56
AAA 6Section One
Household total annual transport costs
In the September quarter, the typical Australian city per annum for city households and $2,620 per annum for
household’s average annualised cost of transport regional households. However, there are other motoring
increased by $275 to $17,813. taxes and charges that the Index does not seek to analyse.
The greatest increases in transport costs were recorded in In most of the benchmark regional centres, residents
Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne – equivalent to $573, typically drive further than their capital city counterparts,
$411 and $386 per year, respectively. These were mainly so they pay more in total on fuel. The exceptions are
due to higher fuel prices. Wagga Wagga and Townsville; residents in these centres
typically drive less than their state capital counterparts.
The average annual cost of transport for the typical
regional household increased by $88. The typical In Victoria and South Australia, regional households pay
regional household would spend $14,093 per annum on less for registration, CTP and licensing due to lower CTP
transport if the September quarter costs held constant. premiums for regional centres. While in New South Wales,
The greatest increases among the benchmark regional city households will ultimately pay less for registration,
centres were recorded in Geelong, Townsville and Mount CTP and licensing due to free registration as a result
Gambier, where transport costs increased by $267, $212 of the Toll Relief Scheme. But in Queensland, Western
and $200 per year respectively when compared to the Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory regional
previous quarter. This was also mainly due to higher fuel drivers pay the same state levies as city drivers. If
prices compared to the June quarter. people in those states’ regional centres have higher fuel
consumption they will pay more in motoring taxes than
Fuel excise, registration, Compulsory Third Party (CTP)
their city counterparts.
and licensing alone cost the typical two-car family $2,641
Capital cities Regional
City 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 Change Rank City 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 Change Rank
Sydney $21,096.52 $21,398.76 $302.24 1 Wagga Wagga $12,899.37 $12,942.92 $43.55 7
Melbourne $19,776.94 $20,162.57 $385.63 2 Geelong $14,590.36 $14,857.64 $267.29 2
Brisbane $19,456.73 $20,029.43 $572.70 3 Townsville $13,085.07 $13,297.13 $212.06 6
Perth $16,897.15 $17,140.25 $243.11 4 Bunbury $14,827.08 $14,757.39 -$69.69 3
Adelaide $15,702.44 $15,998.00 $295.56 6 Mount Gambier $13,849.28 $14,049.13 $199.85 4
Hobart $15,273.41 $15,287.76 $14.35 8 Launceston $13,757.28 $13,848.34 $91.06 5
Darwin $15,626.57 $15,603.09 -$23.48 7 Alice Springs $15,022.82 $14,897.03 -$125.78 1
Canberra $16,473.23 $16,884.28 $411.05 5 Regional avg. $14,004.47 $14,092.80 $88.33
Capital avg. $17,537.87 $17,813.02 $275.14
Average taxes 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 Change Average taxes 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 Change
Fuel excise $1,112.49 $1,112.49 Fuel excise $1,166.77 $1,166.77
Registration, $1,524.41 $1,528.52 Registration,
$4.11 $1,448.41 $1,452.83 $4.42
CTP and licensing ($1,571.54)* ($1,575.64)* CTP and licensing
$2,636.90 $2,641.01 $4.11
Household total ($2,684.03)* ($2,688.13)* Household total $2,615.18 $2,619.60 $4.43
* The figures bracketed in the table above show the fees and charges
that would apply in the absence of the Toll Relief Scheme in NSW.
TRANSPORT AFFORDABILITY INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2020 7Section One
Household average weekly expenses
Overall, there was an increase in household average Roadside assistance and insurance were the smallest
weekly transport expenses. transport expenses.
The increase in transport costs over the quarter was There were a few notable differences between capital city
driven by changes in all cost categories: and regional transport costs:
• Fuel – prices increased in all capital cities and regional • Households in most regional areas spend more on fuel
centres except Hobart, Bunbury and Alice Springs. because they usually drive more and generally face
higher fuel prices than their city counterparts.
• Toll roads – toll road costs increased for Sydney and
Melbourne due to scheduled quarterly indexation • Most states offer lower comprehensive premiums
and increased in Brisbane due to scheduled annual on new and used cars in regional areas compared to
indexation from 1 July 2020. capital cities.
• Comprehensive insurance – premiums increased • In South Australia, registration, CTP and licensing
most notably in Brisbane, Townsville and Canberra. costs were $239 cheaper in regional areas due to
lower CTP premiums. In Victoria registration, CTP and
• Car loan payments – the average upfront cost for
licensing costs remained $110 cheaper for the regional
purchasing new cars increased in all jurisdictions,
household due to lower CTP premiums. Sydney vehicle
offsetting decreases in interest rates.
owners are eligible for free vehicle registration costs
• Public transport – public transport fares increased under the state’s Toll Relief Scheme, but regional
slightly in Adelaide. households must pay for registration.
• Registration, CTP and licensing – registration and • In all other jurisdictions, registration and CTP costs are
CTP costs increased slightly in all jurisdictions except the same for city and regional families.
Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania.
• Because regional households rarely utilise toll roads,
• Car maintenance – costs increased slightly in most the Index assumes they don’t incur tolls.
jurisdictions. • Because many regional areas lack public transport, the
• Roadside assistance – costs increased slightly. Index assumes regional households don’t use public
transport.
The ranking of average expenses for the typical city
and regional families remained largely the same The Index assumes that city and regional households
over the quarter, with the exception of registration, have the same costs for purchasing and financing a new
CTP and licensing costs becoming a greater expense car and for roadside assistance. Because city and regional
than servicing and tyre costs for the typical regional households drive similar cars, the same assumptions
household. Car loan payments remain the largest about fuel efficiency and fuel mix are applied.
expense in the representative families’ transport budgets.
AAA 8Section One
Capital cities Regional
Q4 ’19 Q1 ’20 Q2 ’20 Q3’20 Q4 ’19 Q1 ’20 Q2 ’20 Q3’20
Car loan payments Car loan payments
Registration and licensing Registration and licensing
Insurance Insurance
Servicing and tyres Servicing and tyres
Fuel Fuel
Public transport Public transport
Tolls Tolls
Roadside assist Roadside assist
$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140
Expenses Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank Expenses Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Car loan payments $130.90 $127.37 $128.13 $128.46 1 Car loan payments $130.85 $127.33 $128.10 $128.43 1
Registration, CTP Registration, CTP
$29.53 $29.33 $29.32 $29.39 6 $27.90 $27.85 $27.85 $27.94 3
and licensing and licensing
Insurance $24.87 $25.10 $24.90 $25.49 7 Insurance $19.73 $20.33 $20.00 $20.23 5
Servicing Servicing
$29.41 $29.07 $29.47 $29.51 5 $27.86 $27.48 $27.88 $27.91 4
and tyres and tyres
Fuel $76.23 $72.21 $58.23 $62.13 3 Fuel $79.82 $77.04 $63.43 $64.43 2
Public transport $41.18 $41.44 $41.44 $41.53 4 Public transport - - - - -
Tolls $62.43 $62.82 $63.22 $63.89 2 Tolls - - - - -
Roadside assist $2.08 $2.08 $2.08 $2.09 8 Roadside assist $2.06 $2.06 $2.06 $2.07 6
NOTE: The toll figure is averaged only across the three cities where
tolls are charged. All other expenses are averaged across all
capital cities.
TRANSPORT AFFORDABILITY INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2020 9Section One
Affordability: transport costs as share of income
The relationship between a region’s income and costs Regional household transport costs were 11.7 per cent
determines local purchasing power – or affordability. of average income, compared to 12.0 per cent in the
Measuring transport costs as a share of income determines previous quarter.
local affordability: the higher the percentage of income,
Among the regional centres, Bunbury recorded
the lower the affordability.
the largest decrease – 0.7 per cent lower than the
For example, in total dollar terms Hobart has the lowest previous quarter.
total transport costs, while Sydney has the highest. But
Across Australia, regional households earned $220 per
when this cost is measured as a share of typical household
week less than their city counterparts (based on ABS
income, Hobart – not Sydney – ranks as the Australian city
data). But the difference was more pronounced in New
with the least affordable transport costs.
South Wales and South Australia: households in Wagga
Nationally, the average cost of transport as a percentage of Wagga and Mount Gambier earned considerably less per
income for the typical household was 12.4 per cent, down week than their city counterparts, $268 and $258 per
from 12.8 per cent in the June quarter. week less on average, respectively.
For the typical Australian capital city household, the The affordability rankings of all capital cities and all
average cost of transport was 13.2 per cent of average other regional centres, excluding Perth and Adelaide,
income, compared to 13.5 per cent in the previous quarter. remained unchanged from the previous quarter.
Perth replaced Adelaide as the third-most affordable
capital city in the September quarter.
Capital cities Regional
Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg. Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg.
Sydney Wagga Wagga
Melbourne Geelong
Brisbane
Townsville
Perth
Bunbury
Adelaide
Mount Gambier
Hobart
Darwin Launceston
Canberra Alice Springs
0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16%
City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Sydney 14.4% 14.1% 13.6% 13.4% 4 Wagga Wagga 9.7% 9.4% 9.1% 8.9% 7
Melbourne 15.3% 14.8% 14.3% 13.8% 3 Geelong 12.2% 11.5% 10.9% 10.6% 5
Brisbane 16.4% 15.6% 15.0% 15.2% 2 Townsville 11.6% 11.0% 10.5% 10.5% 6
Perth 14.1% 13.5% 13.0% 12.4% 6 Bunbury 13.3% 12.8% 12.3% 11.6% 4
Adelaide 14.1% 13.5% 12.9% 12.6% 5 Mount Gambier 13.9% 13.4% 12.7% 12.4% 3
Hobart 16.8% 16.3% 15.7% 15.4% 1 Launceston 16.9% 16.5% 15.6% 15.4% 1
Darwin 13.5% 12.9% 12.6% 12.3% 7 Alice Springs 13.8% 13.3% 12.8% 12.5% 2
Canberra 12.3% 12.3% 11.8% 11.3% 8 Regional avg. 13.1% 12.6% 12.0% 11.7%
Capital avg. 14.6% 14.1% 13.5% 13.2%
AAA 10TRANSPORT AFFORDABILITY INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2020 11
Section Two
Detailed results
Household weekly car loan payment costs
The upfront costs for purchasing a new car increased in the least expensive city for car loan payments. The largest
all jurisdictions – on average by $591, offsetting lower increase among the capital cities was seen in Adelaide,
interest rates which decreased by 0.72 per cent in all where weekly car loan payments increased by 38 cents
jurisdictions. As a result, the cost of car loan payments per week (equating to $20 per year).
increased in all locations.
Regional households incurred the same costs in this
The average cost of car loan payments increased by category as their capital city counterparts because it is
around 33 cents per week, or $17 per year. assumed that interest rates and new car purchases costs
are the same in regional and capital city locations.
Among the capital city households, in the September 2020
quarter Melbourne remained the most expensive capital The rankings in this category were unchanged compared
city to take out a loan for a new car. Brisbane remained to the previous quarter.
Capital cities Regional
Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg. Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg.
Sydney Wagga Wagga
Melbourne Geelong
Brisbane
Townsville
Perth
Bunbury
Adelaide
Mount Gambier
Hobart
Darwin Launceston
Canberra Alice Springs
$120 $122 $124 $126 $128 $130 $132 $134 $120 $122 $124 $126 $128 $130 $132 $134
City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Sydney $131.57 $127.36 $128.62 $128.92 2 Wagga Wagga $131.57 $127.36 $128.62 $128.92 2
Melbourne $131.45 $127.95 $128.70 $129.00 1 Geelong $131.45 $127.95 $128.70 $129.00 1
Brisbane $130.44 $126.98 $127.72 $128.04 8 Townsville $130.44 $126.98 $127.72 $128.04 7
Perth $130.64 $127.19 $127.93 $128.28 5 Bunbury $130.64 $127.19 $127.93 $128.28 4
Adelaide $130.77 $127.31 $128.04 $128.43 4 Mount Gambier $130.77 $127.31 $128.04 $128.43 3
Hobart $130.56 $127.10 $127.84 $128.18 6 Launceston $130.56 $127.10 $127.84 $128.18 5
Darwin $130.55 $127.38 $127.83 $128.14 7 Alice Springs $130.55 $127.38 $127.83 $128.14 6
Canberra $131.20 $127.69 $128.37 $128.67 3 Regional avg. $130.85 $127.33 $128.10 $128.43
Capital avg. $130.90 $127.37 $128.13 $128.46
AAA 12Section Two
Household weekly vehicle registration, CTP and driver’s licence costs
Registration, CTP and licensing costs increased slightly remained the least expensive at $22.13 a week (up from
in all jurisdictions except Victoria, Western Australia and $22.09 a week). The annualised difference between
Tasmania, over the quarter. Bunbury and Mount Gambier is $493.
Canberra remained the most expensive capital city for Registration, CTP and licensing costs were cheaper for
registration, CTP and licensing at $36.14 a week (up from regional households in South Australia and Victoria
$36.12 a week), while Hobart remained the least expensive because state government policies impose different
($22.73 a week). When the September quarter figures are regional and metropolitan pricing structures in relation
annualised, the typical Hobart household spends $697 less to CTP premiums. The New South Wales Toll Relief
per year than the typical Canberra household. Scheme means the typical Sydney household pays less
for vehicle registration than the typical Wagga Wagga
Bunbury remained the most expensive regional centre in
household.
this cost category ($31.62 a week), while Mount Gambier
Capital cities Regional
Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg. Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg.
Sydney Wagga Wagga
Melbourne Geelong
Brisbane
Townsville
Perth
Bunbury
Adelaide
Mount Gambier
Hobart
Darwin Launceston
Canberra Alice Springs
$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 $40 $0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 $40
City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Sydney $24.79 $24.50 $24.50 $24.60 7 Wagga Wagga $27.85 $27.78 $27.78 $27.86 5
($31.94) ($31.75) ($31.75) ($31.85) (3)*
Geelong $31.05 $31.05 $31.05 $31.05 2
Melbourne $33.17 $33.17 $33.17 $33.17 2
Townsville $29.74 $29.74 $29.74 $30.05 4
Brisbane $29.74 $29.74 $29.74 $30.05 5
Bunbury $31.87 $31.62 $31.62 $31.62 1
Perth $31.87 $31.62 $31.62 $31.62 3
Mount Gambier $22.09 $22.09 $22.09 $22.13 7
Adelaide $26.69 $26.69 $26.69 $26.73 6
Launceston $22.73 $22.73 $22.73 $22.73 6
Hobart $22.73 $22.73 $22.73 $22.73 8
Alice Springs $29.97 $29.97 $29.97 $30.14 3
Darwin $29.97 $29.97 $29.97 $30.14 4
Regional avg. $27.90 $27.85 $27.85 $27.94
Canberra $37.31 $36.23 $36.12 $36.14 1
Capital avg. $29.53 $29.33 $29.32 $29.39
* The figures bracketed in the table above show registration, CTP and
licensing costs and rankings in the absence of the Toll Relief Scheme in NSW.
TRANSPORT AFFORDABILITY INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2020 13Section Two
Household weekly comprehensive insurance costs
In the September quarter, the weekly cost of in insurance premiums of $2.93 a week (equivalent to
comprehensive insurance for both the benchmark new $152 per year).
and used vehicles increased slightly for the typical
The typical Australian regional centre household paid
Australian city household.
less for comprehensive insurance compared to its capital
Melbourne replaced Darwin as the most expensive city city counterpart because of lower premiums.
for comprehensive insurance ($31.73 a week); Perth
The largest difference between the capital city and regional
remained the cheapest ($14.39 a week). When these
counterparts was in Victoria. The typical Geelong household
costs are annualised, the Perth household spends $902
spends $11.78 a week (or $613 a year) less on comprehensive
per year less on comprehensive insurance than the
insurance than the typical Melbourne household.
typical Darwin household. Canberra recorded the largest
increase in comprehensive insurance premiums among Mount Gambier replaced Alice Springs as the most
the city households, rising by $3.58 per week (equivalent expensive regional centre for comprehensive insurance,
to $186 per year). Brisbane also saw a large increase while Bunbury remained the cheapest.
Capital cities Regional
Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg. Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg.
Sydney Wagga Wagga
Melbourne Geelong
Brisbane
Townsville
Perth
Bunbury
Adelaide
Mount Gambier
Hobart
Darwin Launceston
Canberra Alice Springs
$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 $0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35
City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Sydney $26.86 $26.88 $26.56 $26.76 5 Wagga Wagga $19.51 $20.27 $20.02 $19.42 5
Melbourne $32.94 $32.59 $31.49 $31.73 1 Geelong $20.68 $20.48 $19.47 $19.95 4
Brisbane $24.64 $26.36 $25.21 $28.13 3 Townsville $20.06 $21.49 $20.53 $22.96 3
Perth $15.21 $16.24 $15.33 $14.39 8 Bunbury $11.46 $12.39 $11.54 $11.64 7
Adelaide $27.38 $27.60 $27.60 $27.29 4 Mount Gambier $23.60 $25.83 $25.83 $25.56 1
Hobart $19.60 $19.25 $20.10 $20.84 7 Launceston $16.33 $16.04 $16.76 $17.38 6
Darwin $32.50 $31.34 $31.65 $29.97 2 Alice Springs $26.51 $25.80 $25.83 $24.71 2
Canberra $19.80 $20.58 $21.26 $24.84 6 Regional avg. $19.73 $20.33 $20.00 $20.23
Capital avg. $24.87 $25.10 $24.90 $25.49
AAA 14Section Two
Household total weekly servicing and tyre costs
The cost of servicing and tyres increased slightly over the The cost of servicing a new car is the same across both
September quarter for both the typical capital city and regional and city locations, as these costs are based on
regional households. the manufacturers’ servicing schedule. The difference
between regional and city households is attributable to
Overall, the cost of maintaining a representative new and
differences in the cost of servicing the older car and the
used car remained highest in Canberra ($38.23 a week)
cost of tyres.
and lowest in Adelaide ($23.84 a week). The annualised
difference between the typical households in Canberra Costs associated with the older car, and tyres for
and Adelaide is $748. both cars, are based on data from the ABS Household
Expenditure Survey (HES)1 and indexed in line with the
Among the regional locations, the cost of maintaining
CPI for maintenance and repair of motor vehicles. 2
both a new and used car remained most expensive in
Alice Springs ($33.60 a week) and cheapest in Launceston
($22.56 a week). The annualised difference between the
Alice Springs and Launceston households is $574.
Capital cities Regional
Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg. Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg.
Sydney Wagga Wagga
Melbourne Geelong
Brisbane
Townsville
Perth
Bunbury
Adelaide
Mount Gambier
Hobart
Darwin Launceston
Canberra Alice Springs
$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 $40 $0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 $40
City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Sydney $29.91 $29.50 $30.09 $29.63 5 Wagga Wagga $28.04 $27.62 $28.18 $27.76 4
Melbourne $30.85 $30.65 $30.95 $31.09 2 Geelong $29.53 $29.32 $29.61 $29.74 3
Brisbane $24.82 $24.15 $24.27 $24.25 7 Townsville $25.30 $24.62 $24.75 $24.73 5
Perth $30.20 $30.03 $30.56 $30.59 3 Bunbury $32.61 $32.46 $33.03 $33.07 2
Adelaide $23.81 $23.41 $23.84 $23.84 8 Mount Gambier $23.91 $23.50 $23.93 $23.94 6
Hobart $27.64 $27.46 $27.89 $28.06 6 Launceston $22.34 $22.07 $22.45 $22.56 7
Darwin $30.15 $29.62 $30.02 $30.36 4 Alice Springs $33.31 $32.78 $33.21 $33.60 1
Canberra $37.89 $37.76 $38.14 $38.23 1 Regional avg. $27.86 $27.48 $27.88 $27.91
Capital avg. $29.41 $29.07 $29.47 $29.51
TRANSPORT AFFORDABILITY INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2020 15Section Two
Household weekly fuel costs
The cost of fuel increased across the country in the the previous quarter. If Hobart had the same prices as
September quarter. The average Australian capital Darwin, its typical household would save $4.37 per week
city retail price of regular unleaded petrol increased (or $227 a year).
by 9.4 cents per litre, from 113.5 cents per litre to
Regional households generally spend more on fuel as
122.9 cents per litre. If fuel prices remained at that
they drive further on average than their capital city
level, fuel expenditure for the typical city household
counterparts. The exceptions are Wagga Wagga and
would increase by $203 per year.
Townsville, as people in these centres drive fewer total
Hobart remained the capital city with the highest fuel kilometres than their city counterparts.
expenditure. Its average petrol price was 124.2 cents per
Regional households also generally pay more per
litre in the September quarter, down 2.1 cents per litre
litre for fuel. Averaged across the regions, the cost
from the previous quarter. Darwin was the capital with the
of regular unleaded petrol increased by 2.7 cents a
lowest fuel prices and fuel expenditure. Its average price
litre, from 118.5 to 121.2 cents per litre. Alice Springs
for unleaded petrol was 118.0 cents per litre in the quarter,
remained the regional household with the highest petrol
up 2.0 cents per litre from the June quarter.
prices – 129.1 cents per litre. Geelong remained the
The typical Hobart household spent $63.92 a week on regional centre with the cheapest regional petrol prices
fuel in the September 2020 quarter – down $1.04 from at 116.2 cents per litre.
Capital cities Regional
Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg. Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg.
Sydney Wagga Wagga
Melbourne Geelong
Brisbane
Townsville
Perth
Bunbury
Adelaide
Mount Gambier
Hobart
Darwin Launceston
Canberra Alice Springs
$0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50 $60 $70 $80 $90 $100 $0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50 $60 $70 $80 $90 $100
City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Sydney $78.01 $73.96 $58.01 $63.16 3 Wagga Wagga $52.43 $51.36 $41.29 $42.77 7
Melbourne $75.86 $71.07 $56.83 $62.95 4 Geelong $92.16 $84.47 $69.55 $73.78 2
Brisbane $76.94 $71.53 $56.90 $63.48 2 Townsville $61.03 $58.62 $46.99 $48.03 6
Perth $73.92 $69.52 $55.32 $60.55 7 Bunbury $95.25 $92.79 $78.93 $77.10 1
Adelaide $76.59 $69.92 $56.12 $60.98 6 Mount Gambier $83.81 $80.40 $64.45 $68.14 4
Hobart $80.18 $78.56 $64.96 $63.92 1 Launceston $90.78 $89.49 $72.60 $73.20 3
Darwin $72.82 $69.27 $59.14 $59.55 8 Alice Springs $83.28 $82.14 $70.17 $67.99 5
Canberra $75.56 $73.83 $58.53 $62.45 5 Regional avg. $79.82 $77.04 $63.43 $64.43
Capital avg. $76.23 $72.21 $58.23 $62.13
AAA 16Section Two
Household weekly public transport costs
The typical household in Bunbury continued to have In the September quarter, the cost of public transport
the highest fuel expenditure among the benchmark remained unchanged across all cities, except Adelaide
regional centres at $77.10 per week (or $4,009 per which increased by 70 cents per week ($36 per year).
year) because Bunbury residents tend to drive
The typical Darwin household spends $42.10 per week
longer distances than people in the other benchmark
($2,189 per year) less on public transport costs than its
regional centres. Wagga Wagga continued to have
equivalent household in Perth.
the lowest fuel expenditure among the benchmark
regional centres at $42.77 per week (or $2,224 per The Index assumes the regional households do not incur
year) because its residents typically drive less than public transport costs as the locations analysed lack
people in the other benchmark regional centres. reliable services and have low usage rates.
Capital cities
Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg.
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Perth
Adelaide
Hobart
Darwin
Canberra
$0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50 $60 $70
City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Sydney $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 3
Melbourne $44.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 4
Brisbane $55.44 $56.52 $56.52 $56.52 2
Perth $62.10 $62.10 $62.10 $62.10 1
Adelaide $37.70 $37.70 $37.70 $38.40 5
Hobart $28.00 $28.00 $28.00 $28.00 7
Darwin $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 8
Canberra $32.20 $32.20 $32.20 $32.20 6
Capital avg. $41.18 $41.44 $41.44 $41.53
TRANSPORT AFFORDABILITY INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2020 17Section Two
Household weekly costs of toll roads
Only three Australian cities – Sydney, Melbourne and (or $1,751 per year) less on tolls than the typical Sydney
Brisbane – use toll roads. The toll road costs increased household.
for Sydney and Melbourne due to scheduled quarterly
In Sydney, the Index assumes that one member of the
indexation and increased in Brisbane due to scheduled
family uses toll roads only two days per week to travel to
annual indexation from 1 July 2020. Costs increased by
central Sydney because toll costs are high and alternate
52 cents per week ($27 per year) in Sydney, 60 cents per
routes are available.
week ($31 per year) in Melbourne and 90 cents per week
($47 per year) in Brisbane. The Index assumes one member of the benchmark
household uses toll roads every weekday in Melbourne
The typical Sydney household continues to incur the
and Brisbane.
greatest costs for toll road usage, while the typical
household in Melbourne replaced Brisbane as the one The Index assumes that the regional households do not
with the lowest toll costs among these three cities. The incur regular toll costs as there are no toll roads in these
typical Melbourne household spends $33.68 per week regional centres.
Capital cities
Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg.
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Perth
Adelaide
Hobart
Darwin
Canberra
$0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50 $60 $70 $80 $90
City Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Sydney $84.60 $85.16 $85.76 $86.28 1
Melbourne $50.80 $51.40 $52.00 $52.60 3
Brisbane $51.90 $51.90 $51.90 $52.80 2
Perth - - - - -
Adelaide - - - - -
Hobart - - - - -
Darwin - - - - -
Canberra - - - - -
Capital avg. $62.43 $62.82 $63.22 $63.89
AAA 18Section Two
Household weekly costs of roadside assistance
The differences between states for roadside assistance
costs are not large. Tasmania has the highest ongoing
roadside assistance costs at $118 per year, while
Queensland and the Northern Territory have the lowest at
$99 per year.
Roadside assistance costs are based on state and
Northern Territory motoring clubs’ basic or standard
packages, but services included in these packages vary
from club to club.
The Index assumes that the regional households face the
same costs as their capital city counterparts, as roadside
assistance providers offer standard state-wide pricing.
States
Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Q3’20 avg.
NSW
VIC
QLD
WA
SA
TAS
NT
ACT
$0.00 $0.50 $1.00 $1.50 $2.00 $2.50
State Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
NSW $2.17 $2.17 $2.17 $2.17 3
VIC $2.19 $2.19 $2.19 $2.19 2
QLD $1.90 $1.90 $1.90 $1.90 7
WA $2.10 $2.10 $2.10 $2.10 5
SA $1.98 $1.98 $1.98 $1.98 6
TAS $2.19 $2.19 $2.19 $2.27 1
NT $1.90 $1.90 $1.90 $1.90 7
ACT $2.17 $2.17 $2.17 $2.17 3
National avg. $2.08 $2.08 $2.08 $2.09
TRANSPORT AFFORDABILITY INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2020 19Section Three
State by state comparison
Capital city vs regional comparison by state
New South Wales Sydney Wagga Wagga Victoria Melbourne Geelong
Car loan payments Car loan payments
Registration and licensing Registration and licensing
Insurance Insurance
Servicing and tyres Servicing and tyres
Fuel Fuel
Public transport Public transport
Tolls Tolls
Roadside assist Roadside assist
$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140
Queensland Brisbane Townsville Western Australia Perth Bunbury
Car loan payments Car loan payments
Registration and licensing Registration and licensing
Insurance Insurance
Servicing and tyres Servicing and tyres
Fuel Fuel
Public transport Public transport
Tolls Tolls
Roadside assist Roadside assist
$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140
South Australia Adelaide Mount Gambier Tasmania Hobart Launceston
Car loan payments Car loan payments
Registration and licensing Registration and licensing
Insurance Insurance
Servicing and tyres Servicing and tyres
Fuel Fuel
Public transport Public transport
Tolls Tolls
Roadside assist Roadside assist
$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140
Northern Territory Darwin Alice Springs
Car loan payments
Registration and licensing
Insurance
Servicing and tyres
Fuel
Public transport
Tolls
Roadside assist
$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140
AAA 20Section Three
New South Wales weekly costs of transport
Sydney transport costs increased and remained Australia’s Wagga Wagga remained the benchmark regional centre with
most expensive city for transport. In the September the lowest transport costs – both in total cost ($248.90 a week
quarter, the typical Sydney household spent $411.51 a week or $12,943 a year) and in terms of the local income-to-cost ratio
(equivalent to $21,399 a year) on transport (up $5.81 a week (at 8.9 per cent, down from 9.1 per cent in the previous quarter).
or $302 per annum from the previous quarter). Transport
Transport costs increased over the September quarter by
costs measured as a percentage of average income
84 cents per week a week (equivalent to $44 per annum),
decreased from 13.6 per cent to 13.4 per cent. Under this
driven largely by higher fuel prices which increased by $1.48 a
metric, Sydney remained the fourth-least affordable city
week – equivalent to $77 a year (assuming fuel prices remained
for transport. This increase was mainly attributable to
constant). Car loan payments also increased in line with Sydney
higher fuel expenditure, which rose by $5.16 per week,
and registration, CTP and licensing costs increased marginally.
equated to $268 per annum (assuming costs remained
Insurance costs decreased slightly by $31 per annum and
constant).
servicing and tyre costs decreased by $22 per annum.
Sydney’s toll costs increased by $27 per annum due to
The typical Wagga Wagga household incurs lower fuel
scheduled quarterly indexation from 1 July 2020. Car loan
expenditure than its Sydney counterpart since Bureau of
payments and insurance premiums also increased by $16
Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE)
and $10 per annum, respectively. Registration, CTP and
data suggests that it travels less than the city household. A
licensing costs increased marginally.
representative Wagga Wagga family also paid slightly less for
Servicing and tyre costs decreased by $24 per year. unleaded petrol in the September quarter – 3.5 cents per litre
Public transport and roadside assistance costs remained less compared to its city counterpart. Roadside assistance costs
unchanged. remained unchanged. The Index assumes that limited options
mean the Wagga Wagga household does not incur any public
transport costs.
Sydney Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Wagga Wagga Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20
Car loan payments Car loan payments
Registration and licensing Registration and licensing
Insurance Insurance
Servicing and tyres Servicing and tyres
Fuel Fuel
Public transport Public transport
Tolls Tolls
Roadside assist Roadside assist
$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140
Sydney Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank Wagga Wagga Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Car loan payments $131.57 $127.36 $128.62 $128.92 1 Car loan payments $131.57 $127.36 $128.62 $128.92 1
Reg. and licensing $24.79 $24.50 $24.50 $24.60 7 Reg. and licensing $27.85 $27.78 $27.78 $27.86 3
($31.94) ($31.75) ($31.75) ($31.85) (5)*
Insurance $19.51 $20.27 $20.02 $19.42 5
Insurance $26.86 $26.88 $26.56 $26.76 6
Servicing and tyres $28.04 $27.62 $28.18 $27.76 4
Servicing and tyres $29.91 $29.50 $30.09 $29.63 5
Fuel $52.43 $51.36 $41.29 $42.77 2
Fuel $78.01 $73.96 $58.01 $63.16 3
Public transport - - - - -
Public transport $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 4
Tolls - - - - -
Tolls $84.60 $85.16 $85.76 $86.28 2
Roadside assist $2.17 $2.17 $2.17 $2.17 6
Roadside assist $2.17 $2.17 $2.17 $2.17 8
Total $261.57 $256.57 $248.06 $248.90
Total $427.90 $419.54 $405.70 $411.51
* The figures bracketed in the table above show the costs and rankings The Index assumes that limited options mean the Wagga Wagga
that would apply to the Sydney household in the absence of the Toll household does not incur any public transport costs.
Relief Scheme.
TRANSPORT AFFORDABILITY INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2020 21Section Three
Victoria weekly costs of transport
Melbourne remained Australia’s second-most expensive Geelong had yearly transport costs of $14,858 and replaced
city for transport. The typical household spent the Bunbury as the regional centre with the second-highest costs
equivalent of $20,163 a year on transport – an increase of (previously third-highest). When transport costs are considered
$7.42 a week (or $386 a year) from the previous quarter. as a percentage of average income (10.6 per cent compared
Transport costs as a percentage of average income to 10.9 per cent in the previous quarter), Geelong remained
decreased from 14.3 per cent to 13.8 per cent compared the third-most affordable regional centre for transport.
to the previous quarter. Melbourne remained the third-
Weekly transport costs increased by $5.14 (equivalent to
least affordable city under the income metric.
$267 a year), mostly because of higher fuel expenditure. Fuel
The increase in transport costs over the quarter was expenditure increased by $4.22 per week (equated to $220
mainly attributable to higher fuel prices. Fuel expenditure per annum). In the September quarter, Geelong had average
increased by $6.12 per week (equivalent to $318 per year). unleaded petrol prices of 116.2 cents per litre – cheaper than
Melbourne’s toll costs increased by $31 per annum due all capital cities and regional centres, except Perth. While its
to scheduled quarterly indexation from 1 July 2020. Car petrol prices are low compared to other regional centres, fuel
loan payments and insurance premiums also increased by expenditure was the second-highest among all benchmark
$16 and $13 per annum, respectively. Servicing and tyre centres. BITRE data suggests that the typical Geelong family
costs increased marginally. travels greater distances than other regional centres.
Registration, CTP and licensing, public transport and Comprehensive insurance premiums also increased by
roadside assistance costs remained constant over the $25 per annum. Car loan payments increased in line with
quarter. Melbourne, and servicing and tyre costs increased marginally.
Registration, CTP and licensing, and roadside assistance costs
remained unchanged in the September quarter.
Melbourne Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Geelong Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20
Car loan payments Car loan payments
Registration and licensing Registration and licensing
Insurance Insurance
Servicing and tyres Servicing and tyres
Fuel Fuel
Public transport Public transport
Tolls Tolls
Roadside assist Roadside assist
$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140
Melbourne Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank Geelong Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Car loan payments $131.45 $127.95 $128.70 $129.00 1 Car loan payments $131.45 $127.95 $128.70 $129.00 1
Reg. and licensing $33.17 $33.17 $33.17 $33.17 5 Reg. and licensing $31.05 $31.05 $31.05 $31.05 3
Insurance $32.94 $32.59 $31.49 $31.73 6 Insurance $20.68 $20.48 $19.47 $19.95 5
Servicing and tyres $30.85 $30.65 $30.95 $31.09 7 Servicing and tyres $29.53 $29.32 $29.61 $29.74 4
Fuel $75.86 $71.07 $56.83 $62.95 2 Fuel $92.16 $84.47 $69.55 $73.78 2
Public transport $44.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 4 Public transport - - - - -
Tolls $50.80 $51.40 $52.00 $52.60 3 Tolls - - - - -
Roadside assist $2.19 $2.19 $2.19 $2.19 8 Roadside assist $2.19 $2.19 $2.19 $2.19 6
Total $401.26 $394.03 $380.33 $387.74 Total $307.07 $295.46 $280.58 $285.72
AAA 22Section Three
Queensland weekly costs of transport
Brisbane’s typical household had weekly transport Townsville’s typical household transports costs increased
costs of $385.18 in the September quarter (or $20,029 a by $4.08 a week to $255.71 a week (or $13,297 a year) in
year) – Australia’s third-highest city for transport costs. the September quarter. This is considerably less than its
Transport costs as a percentage of average income were Brisbane counterpart. BITRE data suggests that Townsville
15.2 per cent compared to 15.0 per cent in the previous residents travel slightly less than people in Brisbane.
quarter, making Brisbane the second-least affordable
Townsville remained the second-least expensive regional
city. Brisbane was the only location measured where
centre, and the second-most affordable when costs are
affordability worsened over the quarter.
considered as a percentage of average income (10.5 per
Transport costs increased by $11.01 a week (or $573 a cent – unchanged from the previous quarter). The increase
year) largely due to higher fuel prices. Fuel expenditure in transport costs was largely due to higher comprehensive
increased by $6.58 per week (equated to $342 per year) and insurance premiums, with total comprehensive insurance
comprehensive insurance also increased by $2.93 per week costs increasing by $2.42 per week or $126 per annum. Fuel
(equated to $152 per year). Brisbane’s toll costs increased expenditure also increased by $1.05 per week (equated to
by $47 per annum due to scheduled annual indexation $54 per annum). Car loan payments and registration, CTP
from 1 July 2020. Car loan payments and registration, and licensing costs increased in line with Brisbane.
CTP and licensing costs also increased by $17 and $16 per
Servicing and tyre costs decreased marginally, while
annum, respectively.
roadside assistance costs remained constant in the
Brisbane remained the second-most expensive city for September quarter. Compared to other regional centres,
public transport costs but remained the cheapest city for Townsville remained relatively inexpensive for servicing
car loan payments. and tyres, fuel, and roadside assistance.
Brisbane Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Townsville Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20
Car loan payments Car loan payments
Registration and licensing Registration and licensing
Insurance Insurance
Servicing and tyres Servicing and tyres
Fuel Fuel
Public transport Public transport
Tolls Tolls
Roadside assist Roadside assist
$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140
Brisbane Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank Townsville Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Car loan payments $130.44 $126.98 $127.72 $128.04 1 Car loan payments $130.44 $126.98 $127.72 $128.04 1
Reg. and licensing $29.74 $29.74 $29.74 $30.05 5 Reg. and licensing $29.74 $29.74 $29.74 $30.05 3
Insurance $24.64 $26.36 $25.21 $28.13 6 Insurance $20.06 $21.49 $20.53 $22.96 5
Servicing and tyres $24.82 $24.15 $24.27 $24.25 7 Servicing and tyres $25.30 $24.62 $24.75 $24.73 4
Fuel $76.94 $71.53 $56.90 $63.48 2 Fuel $61.03 $58.62 $46.99 $48.03 2
Public transport $55.44 $56.52 $56.52 $56.52 3 Public transport - - - - -
Tolls $51.90 $51.90 $51.90 $52.80 4 Tolls - - - - -
Roadside assist $1.90 $1.90 $1.90 $1.90 8 Roadside assist $1.90 $1.90 $1.90 $1.90 6
Total $395.81 $389.08 $374.17 $385.18 Total $268.47 $263.35 $251.64 $255.71
TRANSPORT AFFORDABILITY INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2020 23Section Three
Western Australia weekly costs of transport
Perth’s typical household weekly transport costs Bunbury’s typical household weekly transport costs were
were $329.62 (or $17,140 per annum) in the September $283.80 (annualised to $14,757) in the September quarter,
quarter – an increase of $4.68 a week ($243 a year) from a decrease of $1.34 (or $70 per annum) from the previous
the previous quarter. Perth replaced Adelaide as the third- quarter. Bunbury replaced Geelong as the regional centre
most affordable city (previously fourth-most affordable) with the third-highest transport costs (previously second-
when transport costs are considered as a share of highest costs). Transport costs as a share of average
average income at 12.4 per cent (compared to 13.0 per income also decreased from 12.3 per cent to 11.6 per cent,
cent in the previous quarter). with Bunbury remaining as the fourth least affordable
regional centre.
The increase in transport costs was mainly attributable
to higher fuel prices with fuel expenditure increasing The decrease in transport costs was driven by lower fuel
by $5.23 per week (equivalent to $272 per annum). Car prices, with fuel expenditure decreasing by $1.83 per
loan payments increased by $18 per annum due to week (or $95 per annum). Car loan payments increased
higher upfront purchasing costs for new cars offsetting in line with Perth and both comprehensive insurance
lower interest rates on new car loans. Servicing and tyre premiums and servicing and tyre costs also increased
costs increased marginally. Comprehensive insurance marginally. All other costs remained unchanged.
premiums decreased by $49 per annum and all other
Bunbury remained the most expensive regional centre
costs remained constant.
for registration, CTP and licensing, and fuel expenditure.
In total dollar terms, Perth was Australia’s fourth-most Bunbury still had the lowest comprehensive insurance
expensive capital city for transport. Perth remained the prices.
least expensive city for comprehensive insurance but
remained the most expensive for public transport.
Perth Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Bunbury Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20
Car loan payments Car loan payments
Registration and licensing Registration and licensing
Insurance Insurance
Servicing and tyres Servicing and tyres
Fuel Fuel
Public transport Public transport
Tolls Tolls
Roadside assist Roadside assist
$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140
Perth Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank Bunbury Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Car loan payments $130.64 $127.19 $127.93 $128.28 1 Car loan payments $130.64 $127.19 $127.93 $128.28 1
Reg. and licensing $31.87 $31.62 $31.62 $31.62 4 Reg. and licensing $31.87 $31.62 $31.62 $31.62 4
Insurance $15.21 $16.24 $15.33 $14.39 6 Insurance $11.46 $12.39 $11.54 $11.64 5
Servicing and tyres $30.20 $30.03 $30.56 $30.59 5 Servicing and tyres $32.61 $32.46 $33.03 $33.07 3
Fuel $73.92 $69.52 $55.32 $60.55 3 Fuel $95.25 $92.79 $78.93 $77.10 2
Public transport $62.10 $62.10 $62.10 $62.10 2 Public transport - - - - -
Tolls - - - - - Tolls - - - - -
Roadside assist $2.10 $2.10 $2.10 $2.10 7 Roadside assist $2.10 $2.10 $2.10 $2.10 6
Total $346.04 $338.79 $324.95 $329.62 Total $303.92 $298.55 $285.14 $283.80
AAA 24Section Three
South Australia weekly costs of transport
Adelaide’s weekly household transport costs of $307.65 Mount Gambier’s typical household spent $270.18 a week
(annualised at $15,998) remained the third-least on transport in the September quarter (or $14,049 per year
expensive among capital cities for total transport costs. if all costs remained constant) – an increase of $3.84 a week
Adelaide replaced Perth as the fourth-most affordable from the previous quarter. Mount Gambier remained the
city (previously third-most affordable) when costs are third-least affordable regional centre for total transport
considered as a percentage of average income at 12.6 per costs with costs as a percentage of income decreasing from
cent (compared to 12.9 per cent in the previous quarter). 12.7 per cent to 12.4 per cent in the September quarter.
Transport costs increased by $5.68 per week (or $296 per Mount Gambier’s increase in transport costs was mostly
annum) due to higher fuel prices where fuel expenditure attributable to higher fuel prices, with fuel expenditure
increased by $4.87 per week (or $253 per annum). Public increasing by $3.69 per week ($192 per year, assuming costs
transport costs increased by $36 per annum and car loan remained constant). Car loan repayments increased in line
repayments increased by $20 per annum. Registration, with Adelaide and registration, CTP and licensing costs
CTP and licensing costs also increased marginally. also increased marginally. Comprehensive insurance costs
Comprehensive insurance premiums decreased by decreased by $14 per year and all other costs remained
$16 per year, while all other costs remained unchanged constant.
in the quarter.
Mount Gambier had relatively low costs for most categories
Adelaide remained the least expensive capital city for compared to other benchmark regional centres, but was
servicing and tyres. most expensive for comprehensive insurance.
Adelaide Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Mount Gambier Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20
Car loan payments Car loan payments
Registration and licensing Registration and licensing
Insurance Insurance
Servicing and tyres Servicing and tyres
Fuel Fuel
Public transport Public transport
Tolls Tolls
Roadside assist Roadside assist
$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140
Adelaide Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank Mount Gambier Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Car loan payments $130.77 $127.31 $128.04 $128.43 1 Car loan payments $130.77 $127.31 $128.04 $128.43 1
Reg. and licensing $26.69 $26.69 $26.69 $26.73 5 Reg. and licensing $22.09 $22.09 $22.09 $22.13 5
Insurance $27.38 $27.60 $27.60 $27.29 4 Insurance $23.60 $25.83 $25.83 $25.56 3
Servicing and tyres $23.81 $23.41 $23.84 $23.84 6 Servicing and tyres $23.91 $23.50 $23.93 $23.94 4
Fuel $76.59 $69.92 $56.12 $60.98 2 Fuel $83.81 $80.40 $64.45 $68.14 2
Public transport $37.70 $37.70 $37.70 $38.40 3 Public transport - - - - -
Tolls - - - - - Tolls - - - - -
Roadside assist $1.98 $1.98 $1.98 $1.98 7 Roadside assist $1.98 $1.98 $1.98 $1.98 6
Total $324.94 $314.61 $301.97 $307.65 Total $286.16 $281.11 $266.33 $270.18
TRANSPORT AFFORDABILITY INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2020 25Section Three
Tasmania weekly costs of transport
Hobart’s typical household spent $294.00 per week Launceston’s household transport costs were $266.31 per
(annualised at $15,288) on transport in the September week, equivalent to $13,848 a year – an increase of $1.75
quarter, an increase of 28 cents per week ($14 per annum) per week (or $91 per annum) compared to the June quarter.
from the previous quarter. Launceston remained the third-least expensive regional
centre for total transport costs.
Hobart remained Australia’s capital city with the lowest
transport costs, but in terms of purchasing power it Launceston had the lowest average earnings among all
remained the least affordable city. Because Hobart had the capital cities and regional centres analysed by the
the lowest average earnings of any capital city, it had the Index. When costs are considered as a percentage of
least affordable transport when costs are measured as a average income (15.4 per cent compared to 15.6 per cent
percentage of average income at 15.4 per cent (compared in the previous quarter), Launceston remained the least
to 15.7 per cent in the previous quarter). Fuel expenditure affordable regional centre for transport.
decreased by $1.04 per week (equivalent to $54 per
The increase in transport costs is due to factors such as
annum). Insurance premiums increased by $38 per annum,
higher insurance costs which increased by $32 per annum.
while car loan payments increased by $18 per year due to
Fuel expenditure also increased by $31 per annum, car
higher upfront purchasing costs for new cars, offsetting
loan payments increased in line with Hobart and servicing
lower interest rates on new car loans. Servicing and tyre
and tyre costs increased marginally. Registration, CTP and
costs also increased marginally while registration, CTP and
licensing costs remained unchanged.
licensing and public transport costs remained constant.
Launceston remained relatively inexpensive for
Hobart remained the most expensive city for fuel
registration, CTP and licensing costs, and servicing
expenditure, but remained the cheapest for registration,
CTP and licensing fees. and tyres, but remained relatively expensive for fuel
expenditure.
Hobart Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Launceston Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20
Car loan payments Car loan payments
Registration and licensing Registration and licensing
Insurance Insurance
Servicing and tyres Servicing and tyres
Fuel Fuel
Public transport Public transport
Tolls Tolls
Roadside assist Roadside assist
$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140
Hobart Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank Launceston Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Car loan payments $130.56 $127.10 $127.84 $128.18 1 Car loan payments $130.56 $127.10 $127.84 $128.18 1
Reg. and licensing $22.73 $22.73 $22.73 $22.73 5 Reg. and licensing $22.73 $22.73 $22.73 $22.73 3
Insurance $19.60 $19.25 $20.10 $20.84 6 Insurance $16.33 $16.04 $16.76 $17.38 5
Servicing and tyres $27.64 $27.46 $27.89 $28.06 3 Servicing and tyres $22.34 $22.07 $22.45 $22.56 4
Fuel $80.18 $78.56 $64.96 $63.92 2 Fuel $90.78 $89.49 $72.60 $73.20 2
Public transport $28.00 $28.00 $28.00 $28.00 4 Public transport - - - - -
Tolls - - - - - Tolls - - - - -
Roadside assist $2.19 $2.19 $2.19 $2.27 7 Roadside assist $2.19 $2.19 $2.19 $2.27 6
Total $310.90 $305.29 $293.72 $294.00 Total $284.92 $279.62 $264.56 $266.31
AAA 26Section Three
Northern Territory weekly costs of transport
Darwin’s typical household spent $300.06 per week Alice Springs In the September quarter, Alice Springs was
on transport in the September quarter, a decrease of the regional centre with the highest transport costs. Its
45 cents (equivalent to $23 per annum) from the previous benchmark household spent $286.48 per week on transport,
quarter. If costs remained constant over the year, this a decrease of $2.42 a week from the previous quarter. This
would equate to $15,603 a year. was largely due to lower fuel expenditure, which decreased
by $2.18 per week (or $113 per year). Insurance costs also
Darwin remained the capital city with the second-lowest
decreased by $58 per annum.
transport costs. When transport costs are measured
as a proportion of income (12.3 per cent compared to Servicing and tyre costs increased by $21 per annum, while
12.6 per cent in the previous quarter) Darwin remained car loan payments and registration, CTP and licensing costs
the second-most affordable capital city. The decrease increased in line with Darwin. Annualised, all transport costs
in the household’s transport costs over the quarter equate to $14,897 a year, with a decrease of $126 per annum
is due to lower insurance premiums, with insurance from the previous quarter (assuming costs remained constant).
costs decreasing by $1.69 per week (equivalent to
Alice Springs remained the second-least affordable regional
$88 per year).
centre when costs are considered as a percentage of average
Fuel expenditure increased by $21 per year, servicing income – at 12.5 per cent compared to 12.8 per cent in the
and tyre costs increased by $18 per year, car loan previous quarter. Alice Springs was the only regional centre
payments increased by $16 per year and registration, where transport costs were less affordable than its city
CTP and licensing costs increased marginally. counterpart. The typical Alice Springs household spends
more on fuel than its Darwin counterpart. This is because of
All other costs remained constant.
greater distances travelled and higher fuel prices. Roadside
assistance costs remained unchanged over the quarter.
Darwin Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20 Alice Springs Q4’19 Q1’20 Q2’20 Q3’20
Car loan payments Car loan payments
Registration and licensing Registration and licensing
Insurance Insurance
Servicing and tyres Servicing and tyres
Fuel Fuel
Public transport Public transport
Tolls Tolls
Roadside assist Roadside assist
$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140
Darwin Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank Alice Springs Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Rank
Car loan payments $130.55 $127.38 $127.83 $128.14 1 Car loan payments $130.55 $127.38 $127.83 $128.14 1
Reg. and licensing $29.97 $29.97 $29.97 $30.14 4 Reg. and licensing $29.97 $29.97 $29.97 $30.14 4
Insurance $32.50 $31.34 $31.65 $29.97 5 Insurance $26.51 $25.80 $25.83 $24.71 5
Servicing and tyres $30.15 $29.62 $30.02 $30.36 3 Servicing and tyres $33.31 $32.78 $33.21 $33.60 3
Fuel $72.82 $69.27 $59.14 $59.55 2 Fuel $83.28 $82.14 $70.17 $67.99 2
Public transport $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 6 Public transport - - - - -
Tolls - - - - - Tolls - - - - -
Roadside assist $1.90 $1.90 $1.90 $1.90 7 Roadside assist $1.90 $1.90 $1.90 $1.90 6
Total $317.88 $309.48 $300.51 $300.06 Total $305.52 $299.97 $288.90 $286.48
TRANSPORT AFFORDABILITY INDEX: SEPTEMBER 2020 27You can also read
