When you think about the biggest worries on Australians’ minds, you might assume it’s all about the economy. You’d be right — to an extent. But what this new Gallup survey shows is far more worrying. While other countries are fixated on economic growth, Aussies are feeling the weight of something much more fundamental: food and housing.
The Real Concerns: Food and Shelter
Gallup’s recent global survey asked around 1,000 people from 107 countries about their top concerns, and the results are eye-opening. While many countries are concerned about economic growth, Australians are more focused on basic needs. In fact, about 3% of Australians listed food and housing as their main worries — a percentage that’s higher than most other developed nations.
Interestingly, Australia ranks third on the list of countries where housing crises are most significant. Along with Ireland and Canada, Australians are grappling with rising house prices, limited affordable housing, and a growing divide between the haves and the have-nots. It’s no wonder that younger Australians are particularly feeling the strain, as they’re being priced out of the housing market.
Housing Satisfaction Hits Rock Bottom
The survey also highlighted a sharp decline in satisfaction with housing availability in Australia. In just a decade, the percentage of Australians satisfied with affordable housing dropped from almost 50% to just 25%. That’s a huge shift, and it speaks volumes about how difficult it is for many to find a place to live, let alone buy. The issue isn’t just homeownership; even renting has become an unaffordable nightmare for many.
This dissatisfaction comes at a time when rents and property prices are skyrocketing. The demand for homes continues to outstrip supply, pushing up prices even further. And let’s not forget that young adults are now at the greatest disadvantage, with wages failing to keep up with rising costs.
Rising Living Costs and Inflation
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently reported that living costs for households rose across the board in the 12 months leading up to the December 2025 quarter. The increase ranged from 2.3% to 4.2%, with housing, food, and non-alcoholic drinks contributing most to the pressure. Inflation continues to outpace wage growth, and it’s eating into household budgets. These increasing costs, combined with higher interest rates, make it harder for Aussies to keep up.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the struggle, pointing to both temporary factors like the energy rebate and travel costs, and persistent issues like housing affordability. Despite measures to help, many are still left trying to juggle basic expenses like food and rent.
A Rising Tide of Concern
The growing concern over food and housing in Australia signals deeper issues with the country’s economic structure. While we often focus on economic growth, it’s clear that many Australians can’t even afford the basics anymore. The increase in the cost of living, combined with stagnant wages and an under-supplied housing market, leaves people wondering how they’re supposed to keep up.
What does all of this mean for the future? Well, if housing affordability and food security continue to slip away from ordinary Australians, the problem will only get worse. It’s time for the government and policymakers to focus on these fundamental issues—because if we can’t get the basics right, it’s hard to see how we’ll move forward. The good news? This survey shines a light on the problem. The bad news? We need some real action before it’s too late.
