What is the consumer price index?

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change in prices over time for a basket of goods and services consumed by households in Australia. It is commonly used to assess changes in the cost of living and inflation in the country.

Why is the consumer price index important?

It is important because it’s used to monitor inflation and to adjust certain economic indicators, such as the inflation-adjusted value of the minimum wage and the interest rates on certain types of loans. 

The CPI is also used to adjust the value of certain government benefits and to ensure that they keep pace with the cost of living, and by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to help guide monetary policy decisions, such as setting interest rates. 

Overall, the CPI is an important tool for policymakers and for anyone who is interested in tracking changes in the cost of living in Australia.

How is the consumer price index calculated?

The ABS calculates the CPI by comparing the prices of the goods and services in the ‘basket’ in the current period to their prices in a base period.

In order to calculate the CPI, the ABS collects prices for thousands of items, which are divided into 87 categories (or expenditure classes) and 11 groups. Every quarter, the ABS calculates the price changes of each item from the previous quarter and aggregates them to work out the inflation rate for the entire CPI basket. 

A positive change in the CPI indicates that prices have risen, while a negative change indicates that prices have fallen.

This 'basket' covers a wide range of goods and services, arranged in the following eleven groups: 

• Food and non-alcoholic beverages 
• Alcohol and tobacco 
• Clothing and footwear 
• Housing 
• Furnishings, household equipment and services 
• Health 
• Transport 
• Communication 
• Recreation and culture 
• Education 
• Insurance and financial services.

What does the consumer price index look like over time?

‍How the consumer price index impacts property prices?

Inflation can have an impact on property prices in a number of ways. On one hand, inflation can drive up property prices, as people have more money to spend and they may be willing to pay more for a home. When there is strong demand for housing, it can create upward pressure on prices, which can lead to increases in property values.

For example, if the inflation rate is 2% and the price of a house is $500,000, the house will be worth $510,000 at the end of the year. In this way, inflation can increase the value of people's homes and make them more valuable as an investment.

On the other hand, inflation can also make it more difficult for people to afford homes, as the prices of homes may increase faster than people's incomes. This can make it harder for people to enter the housing market, and it can contribute to housing affordability issues.

In addition, the level of inflation can also influence the decisions of policymakers and investors, which can affect property prices. 

For example, if the inflation rate is high, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may decide to raise the interest rate in order to reduce the level of inflation. This can make it more expensive for people to borrow money to buy homes, which can reduce demand for housing and lead to lower property prices.

When does the consumer price index change?

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on a quarterly basis. This means that the level of inflation, as measured by the CPI, is updated every three months.

The ABS collects data on the prices of the goods and services in the CPI basket from a range of sources, including retailers, service providers, and other organizations. This data is then used to calculate the overall level of inflation in the economy.

The level of inflation, as measured by the CPI, can change over time for a number of reasons. For example, if the prices of the goods and services in the CPI basket increase, the level of inflation will also increase. This can happen if there is strong demand for these goods and services, or if there is a shortage of supply.

In addition, the level of inflation can also be influenced by changes in the money supply, changes in interest rates, and changes in the level of economic activity. These factors can affect the demand for goods and services, and they can therefore impact the level of inflation in the economy.

Is the consumer price index the same as inflation?

No, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is not the same as inflation. The CPI is a measure of the level of inflation in Australia, while inflation is the general increase in the prices of goods and services over time.

The CPI is a statistical measure that is published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). It tracks the prices of a basket of goods and services that are commonly consumed by households in Australia, and it is used to calculate the overall level of inflation in the economy.

Inflation, on the other hand, is a broad economic concept that refers to the general increase in the prices of goods and services over time. It is a normal and expected part of an economy, and it typically occurs when there is strong demand for goods and services.

While the CPI is a measure of inflation, it is not the same thing as inflation. The CPI provides a snapshot of the level of inflation at a particular point in time, while inflation is a more general and ongoing phenomenon.

Is CPI better high or low?

It is generally considered better for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Australia to be low, rather than high. The CPI is a measure of the average change in prices over time for a basket of goods and services. A low CPI indicates that the cost of living is relatively stable and that prices are not increasing significantly. This can be beneficial for individuals and households, as it means that their purchasing power is not being eroded by inflation. 

On the other hand, a high CPI can be a sign of rising inflation, which can have negative consequences. High inflation can erode the purchasing power of individuals and households, making it more difficult for them to afford the goods and services that they need. It can also lead to higher interest rates and other economic disruptions, which can have broader negative effects on the economy. Overall, a low CPI is generally considered to be better for individuals and households in Australia, as it can help to maintain stable prices and purchasing power.

Get the home loan interest rate you deserve

It’s important to stay ahead of the curve to ensure you can manage your cost of living efficiently. It’s a good idea to review your home loan interest rates regularly as this can help reduce your monthly repayments. 

See what competitive offers are available to you by creating your free home loan profile in just a few minutes. In some cases, Joust Live Auction users were able to reduce their home loan rate by as much as 1% on average. 

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*The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, Joust recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. Joust recommends that you seek independent legal, financial and taxation advice before acting on any information in this article.

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