Aussies emerge from winter hibernation, but essentials expected to dominate spring spending

As Australians welcome the warmer weather, a Bankwest Spend Lens survey suggests essential costs will continue to take the biggest bite out of household budgets this spring.

The survey, conducted in July 2026, was completed by 1,005 Australians aged 18+ with results weighted to be nationally representative of the Australian adult population.

• 46% of those surveyed financially hibernated by staying home more during winter to save money
• Saving more and covering everyday expenses are the leading financial priorities in spring
• Travel is the most common savings goal amongst those surveyed, followed by building an emergency fund

Nearly half of those surveyed (46%) said they financially hibernated during winter, and the same proportion expect to spend more on social activities, shopping or home projects during the spring.

While the survey revealed Australians expect their overall expenditure to rise slightly during the spring season, the largest anticipated increases are concentrated in essential and everyday costs.

Groceries are the most cited area in which Australians expect to spend more this spring (39%), followed by household bills (35%), travel and holidays (23%), and fuel and transport (19%).

Cost of living pressures have impacted savings confidence, with 40% of Australians admitting saving feels less achievable than it did a year ago.

Despite this, saving is firmly on many Australians’ agendas with saving more (25%) tied with covering everyday household expenses (25%) as the biggest financial priorities over the coming months.

Travel is the leading reason Australians are saving (38%) ahead of building an emergency fund (31%).

The survey also found savings priorities vary across life stages with Gen Z respondents more focused on first home and lifestyle goals, while Millennials are more likely to prioritise reducing debt.

Baby Boomers told the survey they are most likely to be saving for holidays and travel while building an emergency fund remains a consistent priority across every age group.