Australia’s peak motoring body has released its latest Transport Affordability Index showing average weekly costs have risen more than $70 a week throughout 2021.

The AAA data shows average weekly household transport costs have increased by as much as $70.18 in capital city households to $413.71 a week and by $70.17 in regional households to average $341.68 per week.

Sydney is Australia’s most expensive capital city for transport costs averaging $485.13 per week, followed by Melbourne ($457.12) and Brisbane ($454.70). Bunbury and Alice Springs are the most expensive regional cities tied at $360.88 per week followed by Geelong ($357.28).

As a proportion of household income, nationally transport costs rose 2.8% from 12.6% in 2020 to 15.4%. The Tasmanian cities of Launceston (18.5%) and Hobart (18.2%), followed by Brisbane (17.7%) had the highest transport costs as a portion of household income.  

AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley said: “Rising fuel prices continue to be a significant contributor to cost of living pressures across both regional and metropolitan Australia.

“With a federal election and two state elections this year, this index is a timely reminder that policies that further increase transport costs need to be avoided.”

Full breakdown and comparison tables on the affordability index available here: Transport Affordability – AAA – Data Dashboard