SA State Final Demand rose 3.7%, leading the eight states and territories
State Final Demand in South Australia reached $177.2bn in the year to June 2026, delivering annual growth of 3.7%. This performance outpaced the national rate of 3.1% by 0.6pp, ranking as the fastest of the eight states and territories. Per capita demand reached $92,465, with 2.7% annual growth also leading all jurisdictions as state economic momentum accelerated. South Australia's unemployment rate stood at 4.1% in July 2026, sitting 0.4pp below the national 4.5% and ranking as the lowest of the six reporting states. The jobless rate sits 1.17pp beneath its 10-year average of 5.24%. Total employment expanded 1.0% over the year to 990k workers, supported by full-time jobs rising 1.2% as labour market tightness persisted across the state. Against the other states, SA ranks state final demand growth highest of 8 states (2026-Jun) and unemployment rate lowest of 6 reporting (2026-Jul).
Cash rate and bond yields, exchange rates and commodities, and equities and superannuation are national series with no state breakdown — see the Australia page.
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The South Australia economy this week
5 key pointsSA grew State Final Demand by 3.7%, outpacing the national 3.1% by 0.6pp
South Australia recorded the fastest State Final Demand growth of the eight states and territories at 3.7% in the year to June 2026, outpacing the national 3.1% by 0.6pp. Labour conditions remained tight, with unemployment falling to 4.1% in July 2026, the lowest of the six reporting states, as wage growth reached 3.6%. However, cost pressures intensified as inflation reached 4.4%, the second-fastest of the eight states and territories, driven by an 8.5% rise in housing costs.
1
State Final Demand grew 3.7% in the year to June 2026, the fastest of the eight states and territories and 0.6pp faster than Australia's 3.1%.
2
The unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in July 2026, the lowest of the six reporting states and 0.4pp below the national 4.5%.
3
The Wage Price Index increased 3.6% over the year to June 2026, the fastest of the eight states and territories and 0.4pp above Australia's 3.2%.
4
Consumer price inflation stood at 4.4% in July 2026, the second-fastest of the eight states and territories and 0.9pp faster than Australia's 3.5%.
5
The new-build share of dwelling purchase lending reached 24.8% in June 2026, the highest of the eight states and territories and 6.6pp above Australia's 18.2%.
What X is saying about the South Australia economy
6 recent postsI’m in Whyalla tonight talking to workers following an important announcement about the future of the Whyalla Steelworks. The administrator, KordaMentha, has announced that efforts to restart the Whyalla Steelworks blast furnace over recent months have been unsuccessful.
It's a sad day for Whyalla workers with news 600 jobs will be cut. My heart goes out to workers & their families. After years of uncertainty & millions of dollars of public spending it's a tragedy. Workers must receive their entitlements & have enterprise agreements honoured.
#BREAKING: Hundreds of workers in Whyalla will lose their jobs as a result of a decision to permanently shut down the blast furnace at the South Australian town's steelworks. It is expected the decision will mean 500 workers will be out of a job, as well as more than 100 contract
Victor Harbor residents face insurance premium hikes of more than $400 a month after their suburb was designated a flood zone, with some now considering selling. 📌 READ MORE: bit.ly/4cIKXGh
South Australia is among the states at odds with the Commonwealth over its plans to cut net overseas migration. Premier Peter Malinauskas is urging his federal counterparts not to follow One Nation's lead in a 'race to the bottom'. @JasminTeurlings
JUST IN: South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas was asked about LIV Adelaide 2027: "...they intend to be here next year (but)...I'm reading everything everyone else is, and I'm not banking on the fact that they will be...if they're not, it doesn't cost us anything." 1/5👇
Posts about the South Australia economy from the last 14 days, collected 19 Sep 2026. Each post was matched to its own X status ID before publication. Views are the authors' own.
Economy
GDP & Economic Output
State Final Demand
$177.2bn
+3.7%
Australia $2,753.8bn (+3.1%)
SA as at 2026-Jun
State Final Demand per Capita
$92,465
+2.7%
Australia $98,629 (+1.6%)
SA as at 2026-Jun
SA State Final Demand rose 3.7%, leading the eight states and territories
State Final Demand in South Australia reached $177.2bn in the year to June 2026, delivering annual growth of 3.7%. This performance outpaced the national rate of 3.1% by 0.6pp, ranking as the fastest of the eight states and territories. Per capita demand reached $92,465, with 2.7% annual growth also leading all jurisdictions as state economic momentum accelerated.
State Final Demand in South Australia totalled $44.5bn in the June 2026 Quarter, with $177.2bn over the rolling year. Annual demand expanded 3.7% over the year, up from 2.8% recorded in the quarter. The state's economic expansion maintained strong momentum through the middle of 2026, accelerating from earlier quarters to deliver the highest rate of domestic demand growth in the country.
On a per capita basis, State Final Demand reached $92,465 per person annually as at June 2026, which is 9.6% above its historical average of $84,374. While headline demand grew 3.7%, per capita demand rose 2.7% as population gains absorbed part of the increase. Quarterly per capita demand reached $23,228, sitting 8.9% higher than its average of $21,333, reflecting rising output per resident.
South Australia outpaced the national average across both headline and per capita measures. With annual demand growth of 3.7%, the state grew 0.6pp faster than Australia's 3.1%, recording the fastest growth of the eight states and territories ahead of Western Australia at 3.5% and the Northern Territory at -1.9%. Per capita growth of 2.7% also led the nation, outpacing New South Wales at 2.1%.
SA against the other states
1
State Final Demand growth — Highest of 8 states
at 3.7% (2026-Jun)
1
State Final Demand per Capita growth — Highest of 8 states
at 2.7% (2026-Jun)
States are compared on State Final Demand. GDP by state is not published - national GDP is on the Australia page.
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Population & Migration
Population
1,916,836
+1.0%
Australia 27,921,150 (+1.4%)
SA as at 2026-Mar
Net Overseas Migration
17,406
-9.8%
Australia 292,137 (-5.6%)
SA as at 2026-Mar
Net Interstate Migration
-1,208
+1,128 people
SA as at 2026-Mar
South Australia population grew 1.0% to 1.9 million in March 2026
South Australia's population reached 1.9 million in March 2026, expanding 1.0% over the year. Growth trailed the national 1.4% by 0.4pp, recording the second-slowest rate among the eight states and territories. Net overseas migration fell 9.8% to 17,406 persons, while net interstate migration registered a loss of 1,208 people, placing the state mid-pack for interstate flows.
South Australia's population reached 1.9 million as at March 2026, recording an annual increase of 1.0%. This rate of expansion represents a deceleration from earlier post-pandemic highs and trails the national growth rate of 1.4% by 0.4pp. Population growth in South Australia registered as the second-slowest of the eight states and territories, ahead of Tasmania at 0.6% but well behind Western Australia's nation-leading 2.1%.
A breakdown of population growth reveals weakening across external inflows and natural change. Net overseas migration added 17,406 persons over the year to March 2026, contracting 9.8% compared to a 10-year average expansion of 4.8%, a gap of 14.6pp. Natural increase contributed 2.4k people, falling 12.2% over the year against its historical average decline of 9.0%, reflecting a slowing natural replacement rate.
Interstate movements remained in deficit, with South Australia recording a net loss of 1,208 persons to other states over the year, though this represented an improvement of 1,128 people compared to the prior year. On a population-adjusted basis, net interstate migration stood at -0.6 per 1,000 people, ranking mid-pack among the eight states and territories behind Western Australia at 3.3 and ahead of the Northern Territory at -5.9.
SA against the other states
7
Population growth — 2nd lowest of 8 states
at 1.0% (2026-Mar)
5
Net Interstate Migration per 1,000 People — 5th of 8 states
at -0.6 per 1,000 (2026-Mar)
Net interstate migration is ranked per 1,000 residents so it is not simply a ranking of state size. Australia-wide it nets to zero.
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Property
Development Activity
Dwelling Approvals (rolling year)
15,307
+5.1%
Australia 206,298 (+8.8%)
SA as at 2026-Jul
Dwelling Approvals per 1,000 People
8.0 per 1,000
+3.9%
Australia 7.4 per 1,000 (+7.2%)
SA as at 2026-Jul
SA approved 15,307 dwellings in July 2026, delivering 8.0 per 1,000 residents
South Australia approved 15,307 dwellings in the year to July 2026, representing an annual increase of 5.1%. At 8.0 approvals per 1,000 residents, the state exceeded the national figure of 7.4 and ranked mid-pack among the eight states and territories. Construction activity showed strong downstream conversion, with completions expanding 17.4% and commercial build values rising 81.4%.
A total of 15,307 dwellings were approved in South Australia over the rolling year to July 2026, representing annual growth of 5.1%. On a per capita basis, this equates to 8.0 approvals per 1,000 persons, rising 3.9% year-on-year and tracking above the national benchmark of 7.4 per 1,000. While dwelling approvals continued to expand, the rate of growth lagged Australia's 8.8% by 3.7pp as approvals leveled off from earlier peaks.
Pipeline conversion strengthened across South Australia as earlier approvals transitioned into active construction. Dwelling commencements rose 15.4% over the year to March 2026 to reach 14.9k dwellings, while dwelling completions expanded 17.4% to 14.0k dwellings over the same timeframe. With completions and commencements outpacing approvals growth, the building sector successfully reduced previous backlogs.
Non-residential activity provided substantial momentum alongside residential delivery. Total commercial building approval value surged 81.4%, sitting 66.1pp above its 10-year average of 15.3%. This surge was led by office construction value expanding 141.3% against an average of 21.8%, while industrial approvals climbed 55.6% and retail gained 52.3%, reinforcing broad-based capital investment across South Australia.
SA against the other states
6
Dwelling Approvals (rolling year) growth — Equal 3rd lowest of 8 states
at 5.1% (2026-Jul)
4
Dwelling Approvals per 1,000 People — 4th of 8 states
at 8.0 per 1,000 (2026-Jul)
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Housing Market
Capital City House Price
$975k
+13.2%
Australia $1.09m (+5.5%)
SA as at 2026-Jun
Regional House Price
$585k
+15.7%
Australia $745k (+8.9%)
SA as at 2026-Jun
SA capital house prices reached $975,000 in June 2026, gaining 13.2%
South Australia recorded rapid property price gains in the year to June 2026, with Adelaide house prices rising 13.2% to $975,000 and regional houses gaining 15.7% to $584,500. Growth in Adelaide outpaced the national 5.5% by 7.7pp to sit mid-pack among the eight states and territories, while regional appreciation ran second-fastest among reporting jurisdictions as affordability worsened.
The median house price in Adelaide reached $975,000 in the June 2026 Quarter, expanding 13.2% over the year. Regional house prices reached $584,500, climbing 15.7% over the same period, while Adelaide attached dwellings reached $725,000 following a 9.8% annual gain. Rapid growth maintained strong upward momentum across both metropolitan and country markets, with regional attached property values jumping 20.9% against a 10-year average growth rate of 6.5%.
Housing affordability worsened substantially as price appreciation ran ahead of household earnings. Adelaide houses were priced at 9.22x annual household income in June 2026, sitting 14.4% above the 10-year average of 8.06x and firmly in seriously unaffordable territory. Metropolitan attached dwellings offered relatively better access at 6.85x income, while regional houses stood at 5.53x income, exceeding their historical average of 4.69x by 17.9%.
South Australia outpaced the nation across both major markets, with Adelaide house price growth of 13.2% exceeding Australia's 5.5% by 7.7pp to rank mid-pack among the eight states and territories. Regional house price growth of 15.7% outpaced the national 8.9% by 6.8pp, ranking as the second-fastest of the seven reporting states and territories behind Western Australia at 20.9% and ahead of the Northern Territory at 1.3%.
SA against the other states
4
Capital City House Price growth — 4th of 8 states
at 13.2% (2026-Jun)
2
Regional House Price growth — 2nd highest of 7 reporting
at 15.7% (2026-Jun)
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Housing Finance
Housing Finance Commitments
$6.3bn
+12.6%
Australia $99.0bn (+6.6%)
SA as at 2026-Jun
New-Build Share of Lending
24.8%
+3.4pp
Australia 18.2% (+2.1pp)
SA as at 2026-Jun
SA housing finance reached $6.3bn in June 2026, expanding 12.6%
South Australia recorded $6.3bn in housing finance commitments in the June 2026 Quarter, growing 12.6% year-on-year. Growth outpaced the national rate of 6.6% by 6.0pp to sit mid-pack among the eight states and territories. Lending for new builds captured 24.8% of purchase lending, leading the nation and standing 3.27pp above its average since 2019 as construction appetite expanded.
Housing finance commitments in South Australia totalled $6.3bn in the June 2026 Quarter, expanding 12.6% compared to a year ago. Growth accelerated over the year and significantly exceeded the national pace of 6.6% by 6.0pp. Across the jurisdictions, South Australia's credit expansion placed it mid-pack among the eight states and territories, trailing Tasmania's 28.3% growth but running well ahead of New South Wales at 1.3%.
Owner-occupiers accounted for the primary share of borrowing, taking $3.9bn in commitments following 13.1% annual growth. Investor lending reached $2.5bn, climbing 11.7% over the year. Capital allocation toward new construction was particularly elevated across both segments: owner-occupier new-build financing reached $1.1bn compared to an average of $612m, while investor new-build lending stood at $505m against an average of $248m.
Lending for new builds totalled $1.6bn, exceeding its historical average of $940m by 67.0%, while lending for existing dwellings reached $4.8bn, up 38.8% on its $3.4bn average. New builds captured 24.8% of purchase lending, rising 3.27pp above the average since 2019 of 21.5%. This share was 6.6pp above the national 18.2%, ranking as the highest of the eight states and territories ahead of Western Australia at 24.4%.
SA against the other states
4
Housing Finance Commitments growth — 4th of 8 states
at 12.6% (2026-Jun)
1
New-Build Share of Lending — Highest of 8 states
at 24.8% (2026-Jun)
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Rental Market
Median Rent (rolling year)
$535/wk
+5.9%
Australia $625/wk (+5.6%)
SA as at 2026-Mar
Median Rent Growth
6.0%
-3.2pp
Australia 5.6% (-1.8pp)
SA as at 2026-Mar
Rent as a Share of Earnings
26.6%
+0.3pp
Australia 29.4% (+0.5pp)
SA as at 2026-Mar
SA median rent reached $535/wk in March 2026, rising 5.9% annually
The median rent in South Australia reached $543 per week in the March 2026 Quarter, or $535 on a rolling-year basis, reflecting annual growth of 5.9%. South Australia sat 14.4% below the national median of $625 per week. Rental affordability remained relatively favourable, with rent absorbing 26.6% of full-time earnings, the second-lowest share among the five reporting states.
The median rent in South Australia reached $543 per week in the March 2026 Quarter, or $535 per week on a rolling-year basis. Annual growth in the rolling-year median registered at 5.9%, edging 0.3pp ahead of the national 5.6% pace. While rents continued to rise, spot median growth of 6.0% cooled from its 10-year average of 9.19%, falling 3.2pp over the prior twelve months as tenant capacity constraints capped further acceleration.
Adelaide commanded a premium over regional tenancies, with capital city rents reaching $566 per week on annual growth of 5.2%. Demand for family accommodation remained elevated, pushing rolling-year 3-bedroom house rents to $576 per week, 41.2% above the long-term average of $408.00. Four-bedroom houses averaged $683 per week, sitting 72.7% higher than their historical norm of $395.48 and reflecting sustained pressure in larger homes.
Rent absorbed 26.6% of average full-time weekly earnings in South Australia, sitting 2.8pp below the national 29.4% to rank as the second-lowest of the five reporting states behind Tasmania at 26.2%. In growth terms, South Australia's 6.0% rent growth was equal second-lowest of the five reporting states, level with New South Wales. Note that Victoria's figures reflect September 2025 and are carried forward nationally.
SA against the other states
4
Median Rent Growth — Equal 2nd lowest of 5 reporting
at 6.0% (2026-Mar)
2
Rent as a Share of Earnings — 2nd lowest of 5 reporting
at 26.6% (2026-Mar)
Not in this comparison: VIC (latest 2025-Sep), NT (no data), ACT (no data). Rent series are published on different schedules by each state. Every rank here is taken at one common quarter; states without a value at that quarter are listed with their own latest period instead.
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Jobs & wages
Employment
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
-0.2pp
Australia 4.5% (+0.2pp)
SA as at 2026-Jul
Total Employment
990k
+1.0%
Australia 14.81m (+1.3%)
SA as at 2026-Jul
SA unemployment fell to 4.1% in July 2026, running 0.4pp below Australia
South Australia's unemployment rate stood at 4.1% in July 2026, sitting 0.4pp below the national 4.5% and ranking as the lowest of the six reporting states. The jobless rate sits 1.17pp beneath its 10-year average of 5.24%. Total employment expanded 1.0% over the year to 990k workers, supported by full-time jobs rising 1.2% as labour market tightness persisted across the state.
The unemployment rate in South Australia stood at 4.1% as at July 2026, down 0.2pp compared to a year ago. At 4.07%, the jobless rate remains near historical lows and tracks 1.17pp below its 10-year average of 5.24%. Labour conditions tightened over the past twelve months even as national unemployment ticked up, underscoring resilient local hiring conditions across South Australia.
Total employment reached 990k persons in July 2026, representing an annual expansion of 1.0% with 989.87k workers recorded. The composition of job creation favored full-time positions, which grew 1.2% over the year to 650.51k workers. This solid expansion in full-time employment indicates sound underlying labor demand, even as structural shifts affect regional heavy industry and urban services.
South Australia's 4.1% unemployment rate was 0.4pp below Australia's 4.5%, ranking as the lowest of the six reporting states ahead of Queensland at 4.2% and Victoria at 5.1%. On employment growth, South Australia's 1.0% increase was 0.3pp slower than the national 1.3%, ranking as the third-slowest of the six reporting states behind Queensland's 1.9% gain but ahead of Tasmania's 0.6% contraction.
SA against the other states
1
Unemployment Rate — Lowest of 6 reporting
at 4.1% (2026-Jul)
4
Total Employment growth — 3rd lowest of 6 reporting
at 1.0% (2026-Jul)
Not in this comparison: NT (latest 2026-Mar), ACT (latest 2026-Mar).
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Job Advertisements
Job Advertisements
43,000
+3.3%
Australia 627,215 (-1.7%)
SA as at 2026-Jul
SA job ads reached 43,000 in July 2026, leading the nation with 3.3% growth
Job advertisements in South Australia totalled 43,000 in July 2026, increasing 3.3% over the year. South Australia was the fastest of the eight states and territories for recruitment activity, outpacing a national contraction of 1.7% by 5.0pp. Hiring demand was driven by industrial and trades vacancies, which climbed 11.4%, while professional and sales job advertisements softened.
Job advertisements in South Australia totalled 43,000 in July 2026, rising 3.3% compared to a year ago. South Australia diverged sharply from the national downturn, recording positive recruitment growth while Australian job ads contracted 1.7%. However, current expansion of 3.3% tracked below the state's 10-year average growth rate of 7.4% by 4.1pp, indicating that overall hiring demand has moderated from earlier post-pandemic highs.
Recruitment trends diverged markedly across occupation categories. Industrial and trades job ads served as the primary standout, reaching 9.5k listings on an 11.4% annual increase, sitting 3.1pp above the 10-year average of 8.3%. In contrast, professional advertisements totalled 11.5k, growing just 0.3% against a historical average of 9.2%, while sales vacancies contracted 1.1% against typical 5.0% growth.
South Australia recorded the fastest growth of the eight states and territories in July 2026, expanding 3.3% while Australia contracted 1.7%, a 5.0pp growth premium. Western Australia followed at 2.9%, whereas the Northern Territory recorded a 7.7% decline. Elevated industrial advertising has historically led sustained blue-collar hiring, providing an offset to softer white-collar recruitment.
SA against the other states
1
Job Advertisements growth — Highest of 8 states
at 3.3% (2026-Jul)
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Wages & Earnings
Wage Price Index
162.0
+3.6%
Australia 161.2 (+3.2%)
SA as at 2026-Jun
Full-Time Weekly Earnings
$2,034
+3.6%
Australia $2,157 (+3.5%)
SA as at 2026-May
SA Wage Price Index grew 3.6%, leading the eight states and territories
South Australia recorded 3.6% wage growth over the year to June 2026 on the Wage Price Index, leading the eight states and territories. Growth exceeded the national 3.2% by 0.4pp. Full-time weekly earnings reached $2,034 in May 2026, rising 3.6% annually. While nominal wage increases were the highest nationally, elevated living costs continued to restrain real household purchasing power.
Wages in South Australia grew 3.6% over the year to June 2026, as measured by the Wage Price Index. The index reached 162.0, sitting 15.4% above its 10-year average of 140.4. South Australia maintained the strongest wage acceleration in the country, with growth exceeding the national rate of 3.2% by 0.4pp and ranking as the fastest of the eight states and territories ahead of Queensland at 3.4%.
Full-time weekly earnings in South Australia reached $2,034 as at May 2026, representing an annual increase of 3.6%, which translates to $105,131 per year on a 4.1% annual gain. Despite leading nominal wage growth, local pay increases remained below headline inflation of 4.4%, leading to ongoing pressure on real purchasing power as consumer prices ran ahead of employee compensation.
Across the states, South Australia's 3.6% WPI growth outpaced all other jurisdictions, led Queensland at 3.4% and ran well ahead of the Northern Territory at 2.8%. In dollar terms, South Australia's average weekly earnings of $2,034 sat 5.7% below the Australian average of $2,156, though annual earnings growth of 3.6% was 0.1pp faster than the national 3.5% rate.
SA against the other states
1
Wage Price Index growth — Highest of 8 states
at 3.6% (2026-Jun)
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Households
Household Consumption
Household Consumption
$23.3bn
+1.9%
SA as at 2026-Jun
Household Consumption per Capita
$12,153
+0.9%
SA as at 2026-Jun
SA household consumption rose 1.9% to $23.3bn in the June 2026 Quarter
South Australian household consumption expenditure reached $23.3bn in the June 2026 Quarter, growing 1.9% over the year. On a per capita basis, spending reached $12,153, representing an annual gain of 0.9% to sit mid-pack among the eight states and territories. Essential spending on food expanded 2.6%, whereas discretionary categories such as transport and alcohol contracted.
Household consumption expenditure in South Australia totalled $23.3bn in the June 2026 Quarter, expanding 1.9% over the year. Comprehensive National Accounts data shows that on a per capita basis, consumption stood at $12,153, recording annual growth of 0.9%. Per capita growth moderated as living costs restrained discretionary budgets, resulting in modest real volume increases across the state.
Consumption patterns demonstrated significant divergence between essential needs and discretionary outlays. Food consumption totalled $2.3bn, rising 2.6% over the year. Conversely, several discretionary categories weakened: transport expenditure contracted 0.5% against its 10-year average growth of 3.1%, while clothing rose 0.9% against a 4.0% average and alcohol fell 1.4% against a 1.1% average.
In cross-jurisdictional comparisons, South Australia's per capita consumption growth of 0.9% placed it mid-pack among the eight states and territories. The state trailed Tasmania's nation-leading 1.5% expansion, while tracking ahead of Victoria, where per capita consumption stalled at 0.0%. Constrained per capita volumes highlight cautious consumer behaviour amid sticky local inflation.
SA against the other states
4
Household Consumption per Capita growth — 4th of 8 states
at 0.9% (2026-Jun)
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Household Spending
Household Spending
$16.6bn
+6.9%
Australia $244.5bn (+6.2%)
SA as at 2026-Jul
Household Spending per Capita
$8,674
+6.1%
Australia $8,757 (+4.9%)
SA as at 2026-Jul
SA household spending rose 6.9% to $16.6bn in July 2026, outpacing the nation
South Australian household spending reached $16.6bn in July 2026, expanding 6.9% over the year. Spending per person stood at $8,674, growing 6.1% annually to outpace the national 4.9% rate by 1.2pp and rank mid-pack among the eight states and territories. Spending was supported by recreation and clothing outlays, though elevated price levels accounted for much of the nominal expansion.
Household spending in South Australia totalled $16.6bn in July 2026, advancing 6.9% compared to a year ago and outperforming the national pace of 6.2% by 0.7pp. On a per capita basis, spending reached $8,674, sitting 26.1% above its historical average of $6,876. Annual per capita growth reached 6.1%, outpacing Australia's 4.9% rate as households maintained active transaction volumes.
Essential and discretionary spending displayed varied trajectories across monthly retail categories. Spending on food reached $2.5bn, rising 5.4% over the year. Discretionary spending saw strong gains in recreation, which climbed 10.0% against a 10-year average of 6.3%, while clothing rose 6.8% against an average of 3.9%. Conversely, spending on alcohol and tobacco fell 0.3% to $724m.
South Australia's 6.1% per capita spending increase placed it mid-pack among the eight states and territories, trailing the Northern Territory at 8.9% but running ahead of the Australian Capital Territory at 4.0%. While per capita expenditure of $8,674 sat 0.9% below Australia's $8,757, local spending momentum remained elevated even as headline inflation continued to absorb household income.
SA against the other states
4
Household Spending per Capita growth — 4th of 8 states
at 6.1% (2026-Jul)
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Inflation & Cost of Living
Consumer Price Index
103.8
+4.4%
Australia 103.1 (+3.5%)
SA as at 2026-Jul
Housing CPI
106.8
+8.5%
Australia 104.7 (+5.0%)
SA as at 2026-Jul
SA inflation reached 4.4% in July 2026, running second-fastest in the nation
Consumer price inflation in South Australia reached 4.4% in the year to July 2026, outstripping national inflation of 3.5% by 0.9pp. South Australia recorded the second-fastest inflation of the eight states and territories, sitting well above the Reserve Bank's 2-3% target band. The surge was led by housing costs, which escalated 8.5% and outpaced the national housing increase by 3.5pp.
Inflation in South Australia stood at 4.4% in the year to July 2026, with the Consumer Price Index reaching 103.8. The annual inflation rate accelerated 0.9pp ahead of the Australian benchmark of 3.5%, leaving price pressures well above the Reserve Bank of Australia's 2-3% target band. South Australia recorded the second-fastest rate of inflation among the eight states and territories, trailing Tasmania at 4.5% but running well above the Australian Capital Territory at 3.2%.
Cost pressures were heavily concentrated in shelter and domestic overheads. Housing CPI reached 106.8 in July 2026, jumping 8.5% over the year and tracking 26.5% above its historical average of 84.4. This 8.5% surge in housing costs was the second-fastest among the eight states and territories, trailing Tasmania at 8.9% and outpacing the national housing rate of 5.0% by 3.5pp. Other CPI index series recorded more moderate 2.8% annual growth to reach 103.0.
Elevated local inflation continues to create acute cost-of-living pressures across the state. South Australia's 4.4% CPI growth outpaced the national average by 0.9pp, driving sustained household budget compression. In real terms, with nominal wages growing at 3.6% over the year to June 2026, headline price increases outstripped wage gains, eroding employee purchasing power across South Australia.
SA against the other states
7
Consumer Price Index growth — 2nd highest of 8 states
at 4.4% (2026-Jul)
7
Housing CPI growth — 2nd highest of 8 states
at 8.5% (2026-Jul)
CPI is ranked lowest to highest. A low reading is not automatically a good outcome - it is stated as a position, not a verdict.
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