SA output per person up 2.7% to $92,465, below the national $98,629
State Final Demand reached $177.2bn in the year to June 2026, with growth of 3.7% against a 10-year average of 3.1%. Per person output of $92,465 rose 2.7%, the fastest of the eight states and territories but still below the national $98,629. The June quarter added 0.0%, against 0.8% in the same quarter of 2025. The unemployment rate in South Australia stands at 4.2% as at September 2026, below the 10-year average of 5.2% and the national 4.7%. The rate fell 0.51 percentage points in the September month, the largest fall since August 2024. Total employment grew 0.5% over the year, slower than the national 1.2%, while full-time employment rose 1.1%. Against the other states, SA ranks state final demand growth highest of 8 states (2026-Jun) and unemployment rate lowest of 6 reporting (2026-Sep).
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 state final demand up 3.7%, fastest of the eight states and territories
State final demand grew 3.7% in the year to June 2026, the fastest of the eight states and territories, while population grew 1.0% to March 2026, second-slowest. Unemployment stood at 4.2% in September 2026, the lowest of the six reporting states. Capital city house prices rose 13.2% over the year but fell 1.0% in the June quarter. Consumer prices rose 5.0% in the year to September 2026, and real wages fell 0.6 percentage points over the year to June 2026.
1
State final demand grew 3.7% in the year to June 2026, the fastest of the eight states and territories and ahead of the national 3.1%.
2
Capital city house prices rose 13.2% in the year to June 2026, against the national 5.5%, but fell 1.0% in the June quarter.
3
Unemployment stood at 4.2% in September 2026, the lowest of the six reporting states and 0.5pp below the national 4.7%.
4
CPI rose 5.0% in the year to September 2026, above the national 4.3% and the third-fastest of the eight states and territories.
5
Wage Price Index growth of 3.6% to June 2026 is the fastest of the eight states and territories, 0.4pp above the national 3.2%.
What X is saying about the South Australia economy
6 recent postsThis is one of the largest public housing sites in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.
And it’s getting transformed.
All the old internal fixtures have been removed and the units are now being refitted to be more energy efficient – including insulation, air conditioning and new http
Are we actually capable of delivering major infrastructure projects anywhere near their original projected budgets anymore? The new Women’s and Children’s Hospital is already facing warnings of another substantial cost increase, despite its $3.2 billion budget. And it’s hardly an
Global recognition means more visitors, more jobs and more support for South Australian businesses.
That’s what Australia’s first MICHELIN Guide is about - and it’s only in South Australia. https://t.co/hpRriASSKx
Truly, they’re eye watering numbers. South Australia’s debt is forecast to reach almost $54 billion by 2030, with annual interest expenses climbing to $3.5 billion. That’s approximately 9% of our state revenue going towards servicing debt rather than delivering services to South
Retail diesel price pressure continues to build in South Australia.
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Wholesale diesel has risen 4.8¢/L since 21st October, while our local bowser price remains https
Watchdog failing to meet SA childcare inspection deadline https://t.co/uAEtLjvNeV #Education #Childcare #Safety #Australia
Posts about the South Australia economy from the last 14 days, collected 29 Oct 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 output per person up 2.7% to $92,465, below the national $98,629
State Final Demand reached $177.2bn in the year to June 2026, with growth of 3.7% against a 10-year average of 3.1%. Per person output of $92,465 rose 2.7%, the fastest of the eight states and territories but still below the national $98,629. The June quarter added 0.0%, against 0.8% in the same quarter of 2025.
State Final Demand in South Australia totalled $44.5bn in the June quarter of 2026, with $177.2bn over the rolling year. Annual growth of 3.7% sits above the 10-year average of 3.1%. The rate has eased from 3.9% in the March quarter, but remains above the 3.0% of a year earlier. In the June quarter itself State Final Demand was flat at 0.0%, against 0.8% a year earlier.
Per person, State Final Demand was $92,465 over the year to June 2026, up 2.7% from 2.8% in the March quarter and 1.9% a year earlier. The 10-year average level is $84,374, and the current figure sits 9.6% above it. Headline growth of 3.7% ran ahead of the per person rate of 2.7% because population grew 1.0% over the year to March 2026, which diluted the gain per person. Nationally, per person growth was 1.6%.
South Australia's 3.7% growth outpaced the national 3.1% and is the fastest of the eight states and territories. Western Australia was next at 3.5%, while the Northern Territory recorded the slowest rate, at -1.9%. On a per person basis the state again leads at 2.7%, ahead of New South Wales at 2.1%. State Final Demand is the state measure used here, because state GDP is not published.
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
SA population up 1.0%, second-slowest of the eight states and territories
South Australia's population reached 1.9 million as at March 2026, growing 1.0% over the year. Net overseas migration added 17,406 persons, down 9.8%, while net interstate migration was a loss of 1,208 persons. Natural increase fell 12.2% over the year and is at its lowest level in five years.
South Australia's population reached 1.9 million as at March 2026, rising 1.0% over the year. That is below the 10-year average growth of 1.1% and the national 1.4%. The annual rate has held at 1.0% against a quarter earlier, and was 1.1% a year earlier, so it is little changed over the year. The March quarter added 0.3%, below the usual 0.5% for that time of year and the weakest March quarter in five years.
Net overseas migration was 17,406 persons over the year to March 2026, down 9.8% after falling 5.0% a quarter earlier. Growth sits 14.6pp below its 10-year average growth of 4.8%, and the level is 13.9% above its 10-year average of 15.3k. It is down 41.8% from its high of 29.9k in September 2023. Natural increase was 2.4k, down 12.2%, against 10-year average growth of -9.0%, and 45.7% below its 10-year average level of 4.5k. Net interstate migration was a loss of 1,208 persons, a smaller loss than its 10-year average of 1.6k.
Among the eight states and territories, South Australia's 1.0% growth is second-slowest, with Tasmania slowest at 0.6% and Western Australia fastest at 2.1%. On net interstate migration per 1,000 people, South Australia recorded -0.6, mid-pack, with Western Australia highest at 3.3 per 1,000 and the Northern Territory lowest at -5.9. Net interstate migration nets to zero across Australia, so these figures show movement between states rather than size.
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)
16,429
+11.9%
Australia 208,219 (+7.5%)
SA as at 2026-Sep
Dwelling Approvals per 1,000 People
8.6 per 1,000
+11.7%
Australia 7.5 per 1,000 (+7.1%)
SA as at 2026-Sep
SA dwelling approvals up 9.4%, mid-pack among the eight states and territories
Dwelling approvals in South Australia reached 16.0k in the year to August 2026, up 9.4% against the national 9.5%. Approvals per 1,000 people reached 8.3, equal second-highest of the eight states and territories. Completions were the stage where the latest move turned, falling 3.7% in the June quarter, although they remain 6.1% higher than a year earlier.
Dwelling approvals reached 16.0k over the year to August 2026, 25.8% above the 10-year average level of 12.7k. Per 1,000 people, approvals were 8.3 against a 10-year average of 7.0, which is 18.4% above it. The annual figure rose 5.4% in the August quarter, about twice its usual quarterly move and the largest rise since May 2025, after 6.1% in the May quarter. Approvals are at their highest level in five years, having been at a five-year low of 11.3k in May 2024.
Approvals of 16.0k sit 25.8% above their 10-year average level of 12.7k. Commencements of 15.4k are 25.9% above their average of 12.2k and rose 16.5% year on year, their highest level in five years. Completions of 13.6k are 21.9% above their average of 11.1k, but fell 3.7% in the June quarter, the first quarterly fall after two rises. Approvals comprise 10.4k houses, up 3.8%, and 5.5k attached dwellings, up 22.0%. The clearest turn is at completions, not at approvals or commencements.
South Australia's approvals growth of 9.4% is mid-pack among the eight states and territories, with the Northern Territory fastest at 22.5% and Victoria slowest at 2.3%. Per 1,000 people, South Australia's 8.3 is equal second-highest with Queensland, behind Western Australia at 8.6, and the national figure is 7.5. Commercial approvals value stood at 2,406 in August 2026, up 45.1% against 10-year average growth of 13.6%. Office approvals rose 66.5%, retail 28.3% and industrial 40.6%.
SA against the other states
6
Dwelling Approvals (rolling year) growth — 3rd lowest of 8 states
at 11.9% (2026-Sep)
2
Dwelling Approvals per 1,000 People — 2nd highest of 8 states
at 8.6 per 1,000 (2026-Sep)
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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 price $975,000, up 13.2% but down 1.0% in June quarter
The median house price in South Australia's capital city reached $975,000 in June 2026, up 13.2% over the year against the national 5.5%. Most measures in this section fell in the June quarter, although most remain higher than a year earlier. Capital city houses sit at 9.22 times annual household income, against a 10-year average of 8.06.
The median house price in South Australia's capital city reached $975,000 in June 2026, up 13.2% over the year. That compares with average annual growth of 8.3% over the past decade. The June quarter brought a fall of 1.0%, when a June quarter usually rises about 2.3%, and it was the weakest June quarter in five years. The annual rate eased from 15.6% in the March quarter to 13.2%, against 9.7% a year earlier. Regional house prices reached $584,500, up 15.7%, though they fell 2.6% in the June quarter. Nationally, regional prices are $745k, up 8.9%.
Capital city houses are priced at 9.22 times annual household income, above the 10-year average of 8.06 and 14.4% higher than that average. That is above the 9x line for serious unaffordability and below the 10x line for severe. Attached dwellings in the capitals are at 6.85 times income against an average of 6.25. Regional houses at 5.53 times income are more affordable than capital houses at 9.22 times. The capital multiple fell 2.2% in the June quarter, when a June quarter usually rises about 1.1%.
Capital city house sales totalled 19.2k over the year to June 2026, up 6.4% on the prior year, against 10-year average growth of 1.1% and an average level of 17.2k. Quarterly capital city house sales were below the same quarter a year earlier. Regional house sales of 7.2k rose 3.1%. Among the eight states and territories, capital city price growth of 13.2% is mid-pack, with the Northern Territory fastest at 21.4%. Regional price growth of 15.7% is the second-fastest of the seven reporting states and territories, behind Western Australia at 20.9%.
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 $6.3bn, up 12.6%, against the national 6.6%
Housing finance commitments totalled $6.3bn in June 2026, up 12.6% on a year earlier against the national 6.6%. Owner-occupier lending grew 13.1% and investor lending 11.7%. New builds took 24.8% of dwelling purchase lending, the highest of the eight states and territories, against the national 18.2%.
Housing finance commitments totalled $6.3bn in June 2026, up 12.6% compared to a year ago. Lending sits 60.8% above its 10-year average level of $3.9bn. Total lending fell 12.9% in March 2026 before rising 11.6% in June, when a June quarter usually rises about 16.6%. Annual growth has slowed from 17.5% in the March quarter. Lending remains 2.8% below its five-year high of $6.5bn in December 2025.
Owner-occupier lending of $3.9bn makes up 61.0% of total lending, up 13.1% year on year, against 60.7% a year earlier. Investor lending of $2.5bn makes up 39.0%, up 11.7%, against 39.3% a year earlier. Investors account for 39.0% of new lending, above the 10-year average of 31.0%, which is 8.1 percentage points above it. Owner-occupier growth of 13.1% is above its 10-year average of 5.9%, and investor growth of 11.7% is above its average of 9.1%.
Lending for new builds, meaning construction and newly erected dwellings, totalled $1.6bn, up 30.7%, against a 10-year average of $940m. Lending for existing dwellings totalled $4.8bn, up 7.7%. New builds captured 24.8% of dwelling purchase lending, above the average since 2019 of 21.5%, a gap of 3.27pp. Nationally the new-build share is 18.2%, and South Australia's share is the highest of the eight states and territories, with Western Australia next at 24.4%. New-build lending grew 30.7% over the year against 7.7% for existing dwellings.
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)
$546/wk
+6.4%
Australia $633/wk (+5.5%)
SA as at 2026-Jun
Median Rent Growth
6.4%
-1.5pp
Australia 5.5% (-0.3pp)
SA as at 2026-Jun
Rent as a Share of Earnings
26.8%
+0.7pp
Australia 29.4% (+0.6pp)
SA as at 2026-Jun
SA median rent growth 6.4%, second-lowest of five reporting states
The median rent in South Australia reached $563 a week in the June quarter, with $546 over the rolling year. Rolling-year growth of 6.4% is 1.1pp above Australia's 5.3%, though it is the second-lowest of the five reporting states. Rent takes 26.8% of average full-time earnings, the lowest of the five reporting states, against the national 29.3%.
The median rent in South Australia reached $563 per week in the June quarter, with $546 over the rolling year, which is 13.6% below the national $632. Rolling-year growth of 6.4% is up from 5.9% a quarter earlier and below the 8.0% of a year earlier. Growth in the June quarter itself was 6.6% year on year, against 6.5% a year earlier. National rent growth on the rolling year is 5.3%.
Capital city rents reached $587 a week in the June quarter, up 6.3%, and sit 37.3% above the rest of the state, where regional rents reached $437, up 10.6%. The premium is 1.54pp below its 10-year average of 38.84%. For dwelling type, 2-bed unit rents of $503 over the rolling year rose 5.9%, against 5.6% for 3-bed houses at $583, so units grew faster over the year.
New bonds lodged reached 56.4k over the rolling year to June 2026, up 1.2%, and the rolling total is at its highest level in five years. Among the five reporting states, South Australia's 6.4% rent growth is second-lowest, with Tasmania highest at 9.5% and New South Wales lowest at 5.6%. Market rent growth of 6.4% exceeds CPI rents growth of 4.3%, which covers the whole stock of rentals, and wage growth of 3.1%. Victoria's figures are the latest published (September 2025 quarter); the national series carries Victoria forward until the Victorian department publishes.
SA against the other states
4
Median Rent Growth — 2nd lowest of 5 reporting
at 6.4% (2026-Jun)
1
Rent as a Share of Earnings — Lowest of 5 reporting
at 26.8% (2026-Jun)
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
4.2%
-0.3pp
Australia 4.7% (+0.3pp)
SA as at 2026-Sep
Total Employment
991k
+0.5%
Australia 14.78m (+1.2%)
SA as at 2026-Sep
SA unemployment 4.2%, the lowest of six reporting states
The unemployment rate in South Australia stands at 4.2% as at September 2026, below the 10-year average of 5.2% and the national 4.7%. The rate fell 0.51 percentage points in the September month, the largest fall since August 2024. Total employment grew 0.5% over the year, slower than the national 1.2%, while full-time employment rose 1.1%.
The unemployment rate in South Australia stands at 4.2% as at September 2026. That is below the 10-year average of 5.2%, a gap of 1.04 percentage points. The latest month fell 0.51 percentage points, and the three months to September fell 0.13 percentage points. The rate sits above its five-year low of 3.4% in February 2024, and 1.19 percentage points below its five-year high of 5.36% in October 2021.
Total employment stood at 991.3k in September 2026, up 0.5% over the year, an increase of 4,963 persons, and below its 10-year average growth of 2.0%. Full-time employment rose 1.1%, an increase of 7,137 persons, against its 10-year average growth of 2.2%. Full-time employment is 1.4% below its high of 659.9k in January 2026. The labour force stood at 1.03m, up 0.2% over the year.
Among the six reporting states, South Australia's unemployment rate is the lowest, with Western Australia next at 4.2% and Victoria highest at 5.0%, and it sits 0.5pp below the national rate. On employment growth, South Australia's 0.5% is second-slowest of the six reporting states, behind Tasmania's -3.0%, while Western Australia is fastest at 3.7%. The Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory are not in this comparison, as their latest data are March 2026.
SA against the other states
1
Unemployment Rate — Lowest of 6 reporting
at 4.2% (2026-Sep)
5
Total Employment growth — 2nd lowest of 6 reporting
at 0.5% (2026-Sep)
Not in this comparison: NT (latest 2026-Mar), ACT (latest 2026-Mar).
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Job Advertisements
Job Advertisements
42,734
+3.2%
Australia 632,452 (+0.3%)
SA as at 2026-Sep
SA job ads 42.7k, up 3.2%, second-fastest of the eight states and territories
Job advertisements in South Australia totalled 42.7k in September 2026, 25.8% above the 10-year average of 34.0k and 6.9% below the five-year high of 45.9k in June 2023. Year on year they rose 3.2%, although the latest quarter fell 0.1%. Sales advertisements rose 7.3% in the September quarter, the largest quarterly rise since March 2022.
Job advertisements in South Australia totalled 42.7k in September 2026, 25.8% above the 10-year average of 34.0k. Ads sit 6.9% below the five-year high of 45.9k in June 2023. Year on year they rose 3.2%, although the September quarter itself fell 0.1%, the turn that matters most in this section. Average growth over 10 years is 7.1%, so the annual rate sits below that pace.
Professional job ads of 11.4k fell 0.8% year on year, against 10-year average growth of 9.0%, a gap of 9.8pp. The professional level is 24.5% above its average of 9.1k, but the category is the one below its average growth. Industrial ads of 9.3k rose 9.2%, above the 10-year average growth of 7.8%, and sit 31.9% above their average level. Sales ads of 3.9k rose 7.6%, against average growth of 6.4%, and sit 23.0% above their average level.
Job advertisements in South Australia rose 3.2% over the year, against 0.3% nationally, a gap of 2.9pp. Among the eight states and territories, South Australia is second-fastest, behind Western Australia at 6.8%, while the Northern Territory was slowest at -6.9%. National job advertisements totalled 632,452 in September 2026, against South Australia's 42,734.
SA against the other states
2
Job Advertisements growth — 2nd highest of 8 states
at 3.2% (2026-Sep)
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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 wages grew 3.6% to June 2026, fastest of the eight states and territories
Wages in South Australia grew 3.6% over the year to June 2026 as measured by the Wage Price Index, the fastest of the eight states and territories and 0.4pp above the national 3.2%. Full-time weekly earnings reached $2,034 in May 2026, up 3.6%. Real wages fell 0.6 percentage points over the year to June 2026, with inflation at 4.2% over the same twelve months.
Wages grew 3.6% over the year to June 2026, as measured by the Wage Price Index. That is above the 10-year average wage growth of 2.7%. The rate is up from 3.1% in the March quarter and from 3.4% a year earlier. The June quarter rose 1.1%, when a June quarter usually rises about 0.6%, the largest June quarter rise in five years.
Average weekly full-time earnings were $2,034 in May 2026, growth of 3.6%, against 10-year average growth of 3.3%. Annualised, full-time workers earned $105,131 over the year to May 2026, up 4.1%, against 10-year average growth of 3.4%. Real wages: over the year to June 2026, wages rose 3.6% while inflation was 4.2% over the same twelve months, so real wages fell 0.6 percentage points.
South Australia's full-time weekly earnings of $2,034 are 5.7% below the national $2,156, though growing 0.1pp faster. Wage Price Index growth of 3.6% is the fastest of the eight states and territories, with Queensland next at 3.4% and the Northern Territory slowest at 2.8%. South Australia's wage growth sits 0.4pp above the national 3.2%.
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 up 1.9% to $23.3bn, mid-pack per person
Household consumption in South Australia totalled $23.3bn in the June quarter of 2026, up 1.9% over the year, in line with its 10-year average growth of 1.9%. Food rose 2.6%, above its average of 0.8%, while power fell 2.2% and transport fell 0.5%. Per person consumption growth of 0.9% is mid-pack among the eight states and territories.
Household consumption expenditure totalled $23.3bn in the June quarter 2026, up 1.9% over the year, against 2.1% a quarter earlier and 1.7% a year earlier. Per person, consumption reached $12,153, up 0.9%, against 1.0% a quarter earlier, and sits 4.0% above its 10-year average level of $11,688. This is from the quarterly National Accounts.
Essentials: food rose 2.6%, above its 10-year average growth of 0.8%, and its level is the highest in five years. Health grew 4.0%, above 3.5%. Power fell 2.2%, below its average of -0.9%, after a 4.8% fall in the June quarter, the largest since September 2023. Transport fell 0.5%, against average growth of 3.1%. Rent and dwellings grew 1.1%, below 1.5%. Discretionary: recreation grew 1.0% against 3.5%, alcohol and tobacco fell 1.4% against 1.1%, cafes and restaurants grew 2.7% against 3.5%, and clothing grew 0.9% against 4.0%.
Among the eight states and territories, South Australia's per person consumption growth of 0.9% is mid-pack, with Tasmania fastest at 1.5% and Victoria slowest at 0.0%. There is no national comparator for this measure. The discretionary categories tracked are each below their 10-year average growth, while food and health are above theirs.
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
$16.8bn
+6.6%
Australia $246.9bn (+6.7%)
SA as at 2026-Sep
Household Spending per Capita
$8,746
+6.1%
Australia $8,841 (+5.9%)
SA as at 2026-Sep
South Australia's household spending rose 6.6% as every category grew
Household spending in South Australia totalled $16.8bn in the three months to September 2026, up 6.6% on a year ago against a 10-year average growth of 5.4%. Transport's 5.1% rise over the latest three months was the largest since December 2022. Spending per person grew 6.1%, mid-pack among the eight states and territories.
Household spending in South Australia totalled $16.8bn in the three months to September 2026, up 6.6% compared to a year ago. This is above average growth of 5.4%, though slightly below the national 6.7%, a gap of 0.1 percentage points. Spending per person was $8,746 in the three months to September 2026, 26.4% above the 10-year average level. Spending per person was $2,926 in September 2026 on a single-month basis, 26.0% above its average, and $34,662 per person annually, 25.9% above its average.
Every category rose over the latest three months, led by transport's 5.1%. Among essentials, food grew 4.7% against a 10-year average of 4.1%, and transport grew 9.6%, 2.9 percentage points above its average. Health grew 4.7%, below its 6.1% average, with annual growth slowing from 7.1% to 4.7% in one quarter. Discretionary spending shows no pullback: recreation grew 9.8%, 3.3 percentage points above its average, hotels and restaurants grew 7.0%, level with its 10-year average, and clothing grew 6.3% against 4.1%, reaching its highest level in five years.
Spending per person in South Australia was $8,746 in the three months to September 2026, 1.1% below the national $8,841. Per-person growth of 6.1% is 0.2 percentage points faster than Australia's 5.9%, placing South Australia mid-pack among the eight states and territories, level with Queensland. Growth across the eight ranged from 4.1% in the Australian Capital Territory to 10.7% in the Northern Territory.
SA against the other states
4
Household Spending per Capita growth — Equal 4th of 8 states
at 6.1% (2026-Sep)
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Inflation & Cost of Living
Consumer Price Index
105.0
+5.0%
Australia 104.3 (+4.3%)
SA as at 2026-Sep
Housing CPI
107.3
+7.3%
Australia 105.2 (+5.2%)
SA as at 2026-Sep
SA inflation 5.0% in September 2026, above the national 4.3%
Inflation in South Australia was 5.0% in the year to September 2026, above the national 4.3%, the 10-year average of 3.4% and the RBA's 2-3% target band. The annual rate rose from 4.7% in August 2026, with prices up 0.7% in September alone. Transport inflation of 10.6% and housing inflation of 7.3% were both above their 10-year averages.
Inflation in South Australia was 5.0% in the year to September 2026. That is above the 10-year average of 3.4% and above the RBA's 2-3% target band. The annual rate rose from 4.7% in August 2026 to 5.0% in September, as prices rose 0.7% in September 2026, against a usual 0.6% for that month. Over three months prices rose 2.5%. The five-year range runs from 1.7% in July 2025 to 8.6% in December 2022, so the current rate sits below that high.
Cost pressures: transport prices rose 10.6% over the year, against a 10-year average of 4.0%, after a 2.7% monthly rise in September 2026 and 11.8% over three months. Insurance and financial services rose 7.9%, against 4.2%, with September up 2.6%. Housing rose 7.3% against 4.0%, and recreation and culture rose 4.0% against 2.2%. Education rose 4.2% against 3.2%. Relief areas: alcohol and tobacco rose 4.0% against 6.3%, and furnishings and household goods were flat at 0.0% against 1.8%. Clothing and footwear fell 3.5% in September, the weakest September month in five years.
Among the eight states and territories, South Australia's CPI growth of 5.0% ranks third-fastest, with Tasmania fastest at 5.3% and Victoria slowest at 4.0%. Housing CPI growth of 7.3% ranks second-fastest, with the Northern Territory fastest at 7.6% and Victoria slowest at 3.8%. Real wages: over the year to June 2026, wages rose 3.6% against inflation of 4.2% over the same twelve months, so real wages fell 0.6 percentage points. That uses the June figure, a month before the September headline.
SA against the other states
6
Consumer Price Index growth — 3rd highest of 8 states
at 5.0% (2026-Sep)
7
Housing CPI growth — 2nd highest of 8 states
at 7.3% (2026-Sep)
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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