Households might be holding back on their spending, but there’s one thing Australians have been happy to splash out on recently: booze.

According to the latest data from the ABS released this morning, spending growth in April was almost unchanged, increasing by just 0.1 percent for the month. However, when looking only at goods, there was a 1.2 percent decrease.

Despite households being cautious with their expenses due to ongoing high inflation and rising interest rates, they appear willing to spend more on alcohol recently.

A survey conducted by comparison site Canstar Blue revealed that Australians are now spending an average of $77 monthly on wine. This marks a 17 percent increase compared to the same period last year, when the average spending was $66.

The jump in beer spending has been even steeper: up 30 per cent, going from $76 to $99.

That’s well in excess of inflation, as the average price of beer rose a far more modest 4.5 per cent in the 12 months to March.

“The Easter holidays helped pick up spending slightly for the month of April, but these latest figures show households chose to spend more on experiences than on discretionary items, like clothing and footwear,” Canstar Blue spokesperson Eden Radford said.

“Despite spending on alcoholic beverages and tobacco falling for the month, Canstar Blue research shows average monthly spending specifically on wine and beer has increased over the last year, with survey data showing $99 for beer and $77 for wine.

“If this month’s figures are anything to go by, households will continue to keep a close eye on their budgets, with many likely holding out for big sale seasons or tax returns, before making any big purchases.”

Yesterday’s relatively weak GDP figures have fuelled expectations that the Reserve Bank will reduce interest rates again when it next meets in July, with the market now pricing in an 86 per cent chance of a cut, up from 81 per cent on Tuesday.