1 in 3 Aussies overspend on dining out despite cost of living pressures

Gen Zs were the most likely to fork out too much on restaurant meals and takeaway.

Nearly one-third of Australians (32%) admit they overspend on dining out or takeout, despite the cost of living crisis, according to Money.com.au’s survey.

The survey found that younger Australians, particularly Gen Z (40%), were the most likely to fork out too much on restaurant meals and takeaway, followed by Millennials (37%).

In contrast, older Australians were the least likely to splurge on meals out and food delivery, with Gen X at 26% and Boomers at 21%.

“Our survey found that overspending on dining out or takeaway is the second worst financial habit reported, only behind not budgeting or tracking expenses,” said Sean Callery, finance expert at Money.com.au. 

“This tells us that, for many Australians, the ease and enjoyment of dining out often take priority over sticking to a budget.”

Victorians and Queenslanders were more likely to report spending big on dining out (34%), followed by people in New South Wales (32%).

Western Australians (25%) and South Australians (24%) were less inclined to splurge on eating out.