It’s an iconic Australian tradition: a balmy evening, the smell of vinegar and hot oil, and a big package of fish and chips to share. But for many families, that simple pleasure is now a stark reminder of the escalating cost of living.
A viral photo recently sparked collective shock online, highlighting the dramatic price surge for this quintessential Aussie meal. Today, feeding a family of four from the local takeaway can easily cost over $100. Just two decades ago, back in 2003, that same meal might have set you back less than $20.
Fish and Chip shop menu from around 2003
byu/ConsistentTumbleweed inmelbourne
The eye-watering difference is more than just inflation; it’s a tangible symbol of the financial pressures currently gripping Australian households.
The True Price of a Takeaway
While Australians don’t need a reminder of the rising cost of groceries, rent, and fuel, the data confirms the pain at the counter. Recent reports from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveal a significant jump in the cost of eating out:
- Since 2019, the cost of eating out in Australia has increased by a staggering 34 per cent.
- In the past year alone, menu prices—covering dining in, takeout, and delivery—have climbed by 4.3 per cent.
This rapid rise means that even small, affordable luxuries like a Friday night takeaway are quickly moving out of reach for many budgets.
I even remember a time where we would head to the local and swap a few empty bottles of 1 litre soft drink for a couple of dollars worth of chips with chicken salt (the only way to have them). The shop would just recycle those bottles to get the money back.
It’s fun to reminisce about the days when a $20 note could cover a full family dinner, but the reality of the $100 takeaway is a tough pill to swallow. As families continue to juggle household expenses, the fight to maintain those simple, nostalgic pleasures is becoming tougher than ever.
