Average monthly household expenditure2 rose 4.4 per cent3 per annum, from $3,810 in 2007/08 to $4,720 in 2012/13 (Chart 1.1a, 1.1b). The increase in average monthly household expenditure between 2007/08 and 2012/13 was higher than the 2.6 per cent per annum increase registered over the previous 5 years from 2002/03 to 2007/08.