The brutal impact of Australia's cost-of-living crisis: 'Who can afford to dine out?'
It seems the cost-of-living crisis is hitting Australians where it hurts – our social lives.
RBA interest hikes, skyrocketing grocery prices, and major rental increases have stopped everyday Aussies enjoying the finer things in life, including going out to dinner.
A Nine.com.au reader poll has revealed some sobering statistics about how the average earner has suffered during this tough economic period.
We polled 591 Australians on how often they go out to eat, and a staggering 29 per cent of people said they "never" dine out at a restaurant, with many claiming it is an indulgence they simply can't afford.
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Nearly a third of people said they never go out to eat at a restaurant. Nine/Orla Maher
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The small majority of people, at 34 per cent, said they can only afford to eat at a restaurant once a month.
And 26 per cent of people said they only had enough cash to splash on restaurant bills between two to three times per month.
The results were quite telling when it comes to dining out more than four times a month, which amounts to around once per week.
Just seven per cent of people said they visit restaurants on a weekly basis, around 4-5 times per month.
And a paltry four per cent of people said they could afford going six or more times.
The cost-of-living crisis is changing how Australians dine out. Getty Images/iStockphoto
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According to our survey, most Australians would jump at the chance to be served meals at a nice restaurant. But inflation just doesn't allow for it anymore.
"I'd love to be able to dine out at least once a month but cost-of-living is rising and pensions aren't," one respondent said.
"Who can afford to dine out?" another said. "I actually have to cross things off my shopping list that are non-essential."
One participant also shared their method of "dining out" that doesn't break the bank.
"Our 'dining out' consists of buying a meal for one and getting two plates," they commented.
"I don't know how older Australians who rent and get pensions survive."
Some respondents said they can't afford to enjoy a restaurant meal anymore. Getty Images/iStockphoto
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According to Finder.com.au research, Nine.com.au readers are not alone.
In February 2023, it found more than half of Australians (51 per cent) were cutting back on eating and drinking out.
And more than a third of people (36 per cent) said they have been forced to limit how often they go to social events such as movies, sports games, and concerts.
