More than 60 per cent of Western Australian households are experiencing financial stress, according to the latest consumer confidence survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA).

The survey of 1,000 people, conducted in August 2026, found that 62 per cent had experienced financial difficulties during the previous three months, an increase of eight percentage points compared with the same period in 2025.

Approximately 38 per cent reported that their monthly expenses exceeded their income, while 20 per cent had difficulty paying bills on time. Another 17 per cent had borrowed money from family or friends to cover everyday expenses.

The findings were recorded before the latest Reserve Bank interest rate increase and further rises in petrol prices.

CCIWA chief economist Daniel Kiely warned that higher borrowing costs and fuel prices would place additional pressure on household budgets.

Following the latest interest rate increase, homeowners with a $700,000 mortgage were estimated to be paying approximately $446 more per month than at the beginning of 2026. Another rate increase could lift that additional cost to $559 per month.

The Financial Wellbeing Collective also reported a 31 per cent increase in people requiring assistance with electricity and water bills, helping a record 2,279 people during August.

Separate analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data by WA Liberal shadow treasurer Sandra Brewer suggested that the purchasing power of an average full-time Western Australian worker had declined by approximately $128 per week compared with 2021.

Between March 2021 and 2026, wages increased by 19.6 per cent, while Perth's consumer price index rose by 28.61 per cent. Housing costs increased by 58.5 per cent, rents by 53.5 per cent, and several everyday grocery items by between 25 and 38 per cent.

The financial pressure is also affecting consumer spending, with 58 per cent of surveyed households planning to reduce visits to cafes and restaurants over the following six months.

Another 57 per cent intended to spend less on consumer goods, 55 per cent planned to reduce visits to pubs and clubs, and 51 per cent expected to cut spending on recreation and holidays.

CCIWA warned that reduced consumer spending could create further difficulties for small businesses, particularly hospitality operators already facing higher wages, food prices and operating costs.

WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti also expressed concern that increasing mortgage repayments and declining consumer confidence could negatively affect small businesses.

The survey highlighted the growing financial pressure on Western Australian households, with rising living expenses increasingly affecting their ability to meet everyday costs and support local businesses.