Entertainment and recreation spending encompasses a wide range of activities including streaming subscriptions, sporting events, gym memberships, holidays, gaming, concerts, and cultural activities. After falling sharply during COVID lockdowns, entertainment spending has recovered strongly as Australians resumed normal social and recreational activities.
The ABS Monthly Household Spending Indicator tracks recreation and culture spending using bank transaction data. The category captures spending on streaming services, sporting and recreational equipment, cultural activities, and other entertainment expenditures across all states and territories.
The growth of subscription streaming services for video, music, and gaming has created a new recurring household expense that many Australians have accumulated across multiple platforms. The total cost of multiple streaming subscriptions can be substantial.
Holiday and travel spending is a significant component of total entertainment expenditure. Domestic tourism recovered strongly after border reopening, while international travel has returned to near pre-pandemic levels. Rising airfares and accommodation costs have increased the cost of holidays in recent years.
Data sourced from ABS Monthly Household Spending Indicator recreation and culture category. Updated monthly with quarterly aggregations.