91% love their neighbourhood but only 33% can afford to live
A survey found 58% of Canberrans report expenses rising faster than income, and 37% have experienced financial stress.
Reported by region.com.au
ShareWhy it matters
The city stays liveable but many households are cutting basics to survive. A growing gap has opened between quality of life and financial survival.
Key facts
- 91.3 percent
- Rate neighbourhood liveable
- 33.3 percent
- Believe costs affordable
- 58.2 percent
- Expenses outpace income
- 12.4 percent
- Ran out of food
- The contrast is stark: while 91% of Canberrans rate their neighbourhood as liveable, just 33% believe living costs are affordable.
- The University of Canberra's 2025 survey revealed 58% say expenses are outpacing their pay.
- Financial strain forces hard choices: residents cut heating, switch to cheaper food, skip doctor visits and delay medication.
- More than one in 10 respondents (12.4%) ran out of food with no money to buy more.
- Two interest rate cuts in 2025 briefly helped wellbeing, but the survey warns that 2026's rate rises may undo those gains.
- The strain falls hardest on people aged 30 to 49, parents, renters and those with disabilities.
