Personal Inflation Calculator
Calculate your personal inflation rate using official ABS sub-category data. See how your lifestyle affects your cost of living.
Answer these questions to calculate your personal inflation rate. Each question maps directly to an ABS CPI sub-category.
Do you rent?
Rents: +6.4%/yr vs New dwelling: +2.9%/yr
Do you own a car?
Fuel: -6.7%/yr, Vehicles: +1.5%/yr vs Public transport: +4.5%/yr
Do you pay for childcare?
Childcare: +4.2%/yr (daycare, after-school care, etc.)
Do you pay school fees?
School fees: +4.5%/yr (private or public school costs)
Do you drink alcohol?
Alcohol: +4.3%/yr (4.1% of CPI basket)
Do you smoke?
Tobacco: +12.2%/yr (highest inflation category)
Do you have private health insurance?
Premiums: +3.0%/yr (2% of CPI basket)
Do you have pets?
Pets & vet services: +4.5%/yr
How often do you eat out?
Groceries: +2.8%/yr vs Meals out: +2.6%/yr
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
CPI data from the Consumer Price Index, Australia (December 2024 Quarter). Sub-category weights from the Annual Weight Update.
Mortgage interest data from the Selected Living Cost Indexes (SLCI), which tracks costs including mortgage interest for different household types.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CPI measures price changes for an average Australian household. This calculator adjusts for your specific situation by including or excluding ABS sub-categories based on your lifestyle - for example, excluding rent costs if you own your home. For mortgage holders, we also include mortgage interest from the ABS Selected Living Cost Indexes.
All data comes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. CPI categories use the Consumer Price Index (December 2024 Quarter). Mortgage interest charges use the Selected Living Cost Indexes (SLCI), which tracks costs for different household types.
The ABS deliberately excludes mortgage interest from CPI because it would create a circular effect - when the RBA raises rates to fight inflation, including mortgage interest would make inflation appear higher, potentially leading to more rate rises. Instead, mortgage interest is tracked in the SLCI.
Mortgage interest charges rose 14.7% in the year to December 2024, down from a peak of 91.6% in June 2023. This is why employee households (who are more likely to have mortgages) had 4.0% cost of living increases compared to the 2.4% headline CPI.
The ABS tracks "Rents" (+6.4%/yr) and "New dwelling purchase" (+2.9%/yr) as separate sub-categories. If you rent, we include rent inflation; if you own outright, we include dwelling purchase costs. If you have a mortgage, you can enable that option to see your cost of living including mortgage interest.
Tobacco prices have risen 12.2% annually due to excise tax increases. While tobacco is only 2.5% of the average basket, smokers experience this high inflation rate while non-smokers exclude it entirely.
Automotive fuel actually fell 6.7% over the year to December 2024. Car owners also face motor vehicle costs (+1.5%) and maintenance (+3.8%). Non-drivers rely more on public transport (+4.5% inflation) but avoid fuel and vehicle costs entirely.
This calculator uses official ABS data from December 2024. The CPI was 2.4% annually, while cost of living for employee households was 4.0%. Your actual inflation depends on your specific purchasing habits - this gives you a more personalized estimate than headline figures.
Private health insurance premiums increased 3.03% in April 2024, a government-regulated increase. About 45% of Australians have private health insurance - if you don't have it, this cost doesn't affect you.
Slightly. Groceries (food at home) rose 2.8% while meals out and takeaway rose 2.6% in 2024. The slider lets you adjust based on your eating habits - someone who eats out frequently will have slightly different food inflation than someone who cooks at home.
This calculator provides estimates only based on ABS CPI data and is for informational purposes only. Individual circumstances may vary. Consult a financial professional for personal advice.
Last updated: February 2026