Data Visualisation Assignment 3 - Storytelling with Open Data

Cost of Living in Australia: CPI Insights

Khyati Parmar (S4110186)

Introduction and Objectives

Introduction

The cost-of-living crisis has become a pressing concern for many Australians. Essential items such as food and housing have seen unprecedented price hikes.

To explore these changes, this project analyses Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics


Objectives
  • Analyse CPI trends for key categories (Food, Housing, All Groups)
  • Highlight periods of steep inflation
  • Inform citizens and policymakers through effective data storytelling

How Has Inflation Shifted Over Time?

All Groups CPI Trends – An Overview

The All Groups CPI represents average price movement across all household spending categories.

The left chart shows a steady long-term rise in CPI, with noticeable spikes post-1990 and post-2020. The right chart confirms that each decade has seen progressively higher CPI, indicating persistent inflationary pressure over time.

Shelter Shock: Housing CPI in Focus

Housing CPI Over Time

Housing CPI reflects costs influenced by mortgage rates, rent, interest rates, and urban expansion.

The steep rise post-2000 highlights the housing affordability crisis, with volatility during the GFC and COVID-19 recovery. The density plot shows broad spread in housing CPI values, indicating unequal impact across regions or housing types.

Who’s Rising Faster? Comparing Categories

CPI Trends (2010–2024) – A Comparative View

This slide presents a side-by-side comparison of CPI trends across three key categories: All Groups (overall inflation), Housing, and Food. It highlights how price patterns have evolved over time.

Since 2020, Housing and Food CPI have risen faster than the overall index, highlighting their role in driving inflation and household cost pressures.

Stacked View: What’s Driving Overall CPI?

Stacked Area Chart – Category Contributions

This snapshot highlights the latest 2024 CPI values across key spending categories. The bar and dot plots provide a clear comparison of areas most impacted by inflation.

Housing’s share in overall CPI has grown significantly over time. This stacked view reveals how housing dominates recent CPI shifts, followed by food -indicating core household expenses are becoming increasingly expensive.

2024 Snapshot: Where Are We Now?

Latest CPI Figures – Bar & Dot Plot (2024)

The 2024 snapshot offers a clear view of inflation in Australia, with housing leading and food close behind—highlighting the rising pressure on everyday essentials.

Housing CPI leads all categories, reflecting the continued pressure on household budgets in 2024. Food follows, reinforcing the cost-of-living burden across basic needs.

Conclusion and References

Key Takeaways:
  • CPI across all categories is rising, but housing and food are leading contributors
  • Post-2020, the rate of increase has accelerated, suggesting inflationary challenges are persistent.
  • Policymakers should prioritise housing affordability and food system resilience to ease public pressure.


References