New Zealand's cost of living surge led to significant shifts in household spending patterns, with food, housing, and utilities increasing by 28.1%, 15.5%, and 13.5% respectively.

New Zealand's cost of living surge led to significant shifts in household spending patterns between June 2019 and June 2023, with food, housing, and utilities increasing by 28.1%, 15.5%, and 13.5% respectively, accounting for 82.2% of total household expenditure. The proportion spent on recreation and culture fell from 9.6% to 8.3%, and communication decreased from 2.9% to 2.5%. Personal contributions to saving schemes saw a significant 63.8% increase. The average weekly household expenditure increased by 18.4% to NZ$1,598 after deductions, with housing and household utilities accounting for 24.9% of net average weekly household expenditure.