29 April 2025: New research from Compare Club has found that the cost-of-living crisis is the key factor shaping voter decisions this election, with 76% of Australians saying it will strongly influence how they vote, rising to 80% among 35-44 year-olds.
Housing affordability (41%) is the top priority for voters, followed by rising grocery prices (32%) and high energy costs (16%). These essential household expenses are expected to dominate decision-making at the ballot box this week.
The research also highlights gender differences: grocery prices are a bigger concern for women (35%) than men (29%), while energy costs weigh more heavily on men (21%) compared to women (12%).
"The final countdown is on and cost-of-living pressures are clearly top of mind for Australians heading to the polls," said Kate Browne, Head of Research at Compare Club.
"Housing affordability, soaring grocery prices and rising energy costs are really hitting home, and voters want real action. With three-quarters of Australians saying cost-of-living policies will shape their vote, candidates need to pay close attention."
Generational and Gender Policies Divide
Support for first home buyer assistance is strongest among young voters, with 64% of 18–24-year-olds backing it, the highest level of support for any policy. Fuel costs are the top concern for 25–34-year-olds, with 43.5% ranking it as a major issue.
Other key concerns include cracking down on corporate profits (21%) and reducing immigration (28%). Immigration, in particular, is a bigger priority for older Australians, with 41% of over-55s listing it among their top three concerns, compared to just 22% of 25–34-year-olds.
Housing Affordability at Breaking Point For the first time in Australia, Millennials and Gen Z will outnumber Baby Boomers at the ballot box. Housing affordability is the defining issue for younger voters, with 64% of 18–24-year-olds ranking it as their top concern.
Across the country, 81% of Australians say buying a home in their area is no longer realistic, while 88% believe renting is becoming unaffordable. A strong majority 85.5% want greater government support for first home buyers.
Housing pressure is also driving people to consider relocating: 59.2% of Australians say they would be open to moving away from their city or town due to rising costs, climbing to 75% among those under 35.
"It's no surprise that housing is the top concern for voters, particularly young people, who are increasingly relocating in search of affordability," said Ms Browne. "But moving isn’t always an easy solution; it can mean sacrificing job opportunities or leaving behind vital support networks of family and friends. We are ears this week to see if and how candidates will address these concerns".
Climate Concern Falls, but Energy Link Remains Strong As energy prices surge, affordability has overtaken climate action as the top concern for many Australians.
More than half (52%) say they are very concerned about electricity and gas prices, while 49% are worried about energy companies making large profits. A further 45% are concerned about the lack of transparency in energy pricing, with concern especially high among voters over 55.
At the same time, concern about climate change has declined since the last pre-election cycle, dropping from 60% to 55% nationally and from 72% to 66% among 18–to 24-year-olds. However, climate concern linked to affordability remains strong, with 73% of Australians saying they care about climate policy when it directly impacts their energy bills.
Healthcare and Mental Health Still Pressing, But Not Prioritised
While reducing electricity bills (53%) and boosting Medicare (43.2%) were the most commonly selected top-three priorities, healthcare access remains a major concern.
61% of Australians say they avoid going to the doctor due to cost
93% believe public hospitals are under too much pressure
82% say bulk billing is harder to find
59% don’t believe private health insurance is worth the money
Mental health funding is supported by 89%, yet only 18% rank it among their top three issues. Women are twice as likely as men to support expanded mental health care (23% vs 11%).
"The data shows Australians are feeling the squeeze and want action on the basics: housing, healthcare and household bills. This election will come down to who can present the most credible plan for economic relief," said Browne.
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Notes for Editors
*Nationally representative survey of 1000 Australians conducted via an independent survey platform and completed on Apr 23, 2025
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Alice Cooke
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About Compare Club
Compare Club is one of Australia’s fastest-growing personal finance marketplaces. It helps Australians save money by navigating complicated and important financial decisions. Compare Club’s panel of experts offers bespoke advice to over 3.6 million members making 1 million product enquiries per year on key financial decisions, including health insurance, electricity and gas bills, and personal, car, and home loans. Compare Club is locally owned and employs 350 passionate staff across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane and another 50 staff in Indonesia and the Philippines.
