Latest news with #cost of living
ABC News
20 hours ago
- Business
- ABC News
How do we react to another Trump tariff bombshell?
The government has woken to another surprise Trump tariff. Most trading partners, including Australia, could see an almost doubling on the tariffs already expected from the United States. If it proves to be true, can we do anything to weather the economic storm that might come from them? And health and cost of living pressure is back on the agenda - but which framing of the current state of Medicare and bulk billing will win? Patricia Karvelas and Brett Worthingon break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Energy, water, and waste: How much do Europeans pay for household bills?
How much do you pay for utility bills? Do you think it's more than in other European cities? According to Deutsche Bank's Mapping the World's Prices report, which covers 67 cities worldwide including 28 in Europe, basic utility costs in 2025 differ significantly across the continent. Monthly basic utilities include electricity, heating, cooling, water and garbage for an 85m2 apartment. Europe clearly dominates the global list, with almost all of the top 20 most expensive cities for basic utilities located in the continent. Only two non-European cities make the top 20. So, which cities have the highest and lowest bills? How does your city compare? And what about major cities outside Europe? Germany is the most expensive country Overall, monthly basic utility costs range from €24 in Cairo to €370 in Munich. In Europe, the cheapest city is Istanbul, where utilities cost just €68. Within the EU, Helsinki is the most affordable at €115. It's not just Munich at the top. Two other German cities also rank third and fourth. This makes Germany the most expensive country for basic utilities. On average, residents pay €339 in Frankfurt and €333 in Berlin. Related Cost of living: Which are the cheapest and most expensive countries in Europe? Edinburgh ranks second in basic utility costs Edinburgh ranks second among the most expensive European cities for utility bills. Residents pay €346 on average. Other UK cities are also costly. London ranks seventh and Birmingham eleventh overall. Basic utilities in London cost €295, and €270 in Birmingham. The top 10 most expensive cities also include €327 in Warsaw, €304 in Vienna, €286 in Prague, €275 in Amsterdam, and €271 in Oslo. Tel Aviv (12th, €245) and Hong Kong (19th, €211) are the only two non-European cities in the top 20. Where are the lowest utility bills? After Istanbul (€68) and Helsinki (€115), the lowest utility costs are found in Budapest and Lisbon (both €135), followed by Barcelona (€170) and Madrid (€180). Average basic utility bills are also under €200 in Athens (€197) and Copenhagen (€182). In Italy, utility costs are right around the €200 mark: €200 in Milan and €202 in Rome. In general, utility costs tend to be higher in Northern and Western Europe, while they are lower in Central, Eastern, and parts of Southern Europe. San Francisco is the most expensive US city on the list, with utility costs at €202. In New York, the average is €181, though several other cities fall in between. In Tokyo, utility costs average €151. In Toronto, they're €107, and in Beijing, just €52. Related No holiday for 42 million EU workers: Where is holiday the most unaffordable in Europe? Can you afford to live here? Europe's cities ranked by rent-to-salary ratio How much have utility costs risen over the past five years? Over the past five years, from 2020 to 2025, monthly basic utility costs in euros have risen significantly in many European cities. Stockholm tops the list with a 176% increase, followed by another Nordic city, Oslo, at 133%. For cities where the currency is not the euro, looking at changes in national currencies may give a clearer picture, as part of the increase is due to exchange rate fluctuations. The increase also exceeds 90% in several cities: Warsaw (112%), Brussels (97%), Birmingham (96%), and Edinburgh (93%). Monthly basic utility costs have risen by around 50% in German cities, where residents already pay the highest bills in Europe. In Europe, Copenhagen (-7%) and Budapest (-6%) are the only two cities where utility costs declined during this period, in euro terms. Which cities spend the most on utilities as a share of salary? The portion of average net salaries spent on basic utilities varies widely across Europe. It ranges from just 3.2% in Geneva and 3.3% in Zurich to 18.8% in Athens, closely followed by Warsaw at 17.6%. Across all cities, Montreal (2.6%) has the lowest share of net salary spent on utilities, while Manila (25.9%) has the highest, with more than a quarter of income going to basic utilities. In Europe, this is around 9–10% in several countries. These shares are influenced not only by utility costs but also by income levels. In Europe, in 2025, Swiss cities have the highest average monthly net salaries: €7,307 in Geneva, closely followed by Zurich (€7,127). Istanbul has the lowest average salary at €855, while within the EU, Athens ranks lowest at €1,044. People in the Northern and Western European cities are well-paid. The net salaries are above €4,000 in Luxembourg, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Frankfurt according to the report. Euronews Business articles on electricity and gas prices across Europe comprehensively explain why energy prices differ so much. Differences in energy sources, pricing strategies, subsidies, and support measures all influence how utility prices are formed. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has also had a significant impact on energy prices across Europe. Solve the daily Crossword
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Tāmaki Makaurau candidate Peeni Henare says government playing 'silly games'
Tāmaki Makaurau candidate Peeni Henare campaigning at Ōtara Market. Photo: RNZ/Jessica Hopkins The Labour party says Aucklanders are tired of the government's "silly games". The party was drumming up support for their candidate in the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election in South Auckland on Saturday. Peeni Henare will contest the seat for Labour against Te Pāti Māori candidate, former broadcaster Oriini Kaipara, after the death of Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Moana Tarsh Kemp in June. Henare, who narrowly lost to Kemp at the last election, spent Saturday morning at the bustling Ōtara Market. He was joined by Labour leader Chris Hipkins and other party members, including Georgie Dansey, who will enter parliament on Labour's party list if Henare is successful. Speaking on the government redesigning New Zealand's passport to place the English words above the te reo Māori text, Hipkins said he was opposed to the change. "It's a massive step backwards. We can be proud to have Aotearoa, New Zealand on our passports. It has been there for decades, and no one has complained about it." Henare said the government was not focusing on what mattered. "I'm a big advocate for te reo Māori. It's concerning that the government isn't focused on real issues hurting our people, the cost of living. It's absolute silly games... from this government." Henare said he got a clear vibe from South Aucklanders that people wanted a change in government. "The message was very clear as we walked around the Ōtara Market that people want to see the back of this government." Henare said the passing of Takutai Kemp was very sad. But he said that did not mean Labour should not contest the Tāmaki Makaurau seat. "Anybody who thinks a green seat in the chamber of Parliament is a free pass for anybody is absolute folly. "Should I be successful at this by-election, our tuahine Georgia Dansey, a wahine Māori, will be coming into Parliament." He said Labour was seeking a clear mandate to represent Tāmaki Makaurau in the by-election and the 2026 elections. A 2016 and a 2023 New Zealand passport. The older passport features the English words first - a design the government says it will change back to with new passports from 2027. Photo: Natalie Akoorie Chris Hipkins said they would be vigourously campaigning for Henare over the next few weeks. Those on the Māori roll will vote in the Tāmaki Makauru by-election is on 6 September, 2025. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Reform voters could be lured to Labour with extra focus on NHS and cost of living
Reform voters could be tempted to back Labour at the next election if there was more focus on a 'bills and blue lights' strategy to repair the NHS and deal with the cost of living, according to research from the firm of the former cabinet minister Jim Murphy. The polling of 1,000 Reform voters found that more than half would be more likely to vote Labour if the government lowered waiting lists and gave more money to the NHS. It also found that 75% of Reform voters wanted more action to help with the cost of living. With Nigel Farage's party leading in the polls, No 10 has been tackling the threat of Reform by attacking its record on the NHS, highlighting previous statements about it being open to an insurance-based model. The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, also criticised Reform on Thursday for 'continually attacking' police officers trying to tackle unrest and, more widely, the government has been trying to cast doubt on Reform's economic competence. Farage's party has remained top of the polls for some months – at about 28-29% – on public unhappiness about the cost of living, economy and immigration, with its lead appearing to widen after Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana launched a new leftwing party. The research on Reform voters, commissioned by Arden Strategies with JL Partners, looked in particular at former Labour voters who had opted for Farage's party in 2024. It found that 58% said they could be tempted back to Labour with more NHS investment and 52% cited a reduction in hospital waiting lists would be key. More than half of those who had switched to Reform from Labour were concerned that Reform could merge or strike a deal with the Conservative party. Four out of 10 of all the Reform voters questioned said they would be less likely to support Nigel Farage's party if it proposed to change the NHS to an insurance-based model. The research found that more than half of those who backed Reform at the last election thought there was a chance they would not vote for the party next time, with 46% saying they were 'absolutely certain' to vote for Reform again. Across other policy areas, about four in 10 Reform voters said they would be less likely to vote for the party if it was seen to be too friendly to Vladimir Putin and Russia, while almost eight in 10 said it was important to 'stand up' to Putin. Six in 10 of the Reform voters polled felt it was important for the party to support Ukraine and four in 10 said it was important for the party to support Israel. Sign up to Headlines UK Get the day's headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion On the two-child benefit cap, there was division, with 44% wanting to scrap it and 34% supporting it, suggesting Farage is in touch with his voters after saying he would like to remove the cap. More than half were keen on the idea of a tax on wealth, with 56% backing the idea of an annual 2% levy on those owning assets worth more than £2m. Murphy, the founder and executive chair of Arden Strategies, said the comprehensive poll of Reform voters suggested that 'many are far from certain about how to vote at the next UK general election and are watching what progress the government makes on the key issues that matter to them, like the NHS and the cost of living'. Tom Lubbock, the founding partner at JL Partners, said: 'The good news for Labour is that Reform voters and those defectors from Labour have the same concerns as most of the country. They are 'bills and blue lights' voters; they want to see much more attention on their cost of living and are reserving judgment on the progress that Labour has so far made on the NHS. It's a tough audience, as this research shows, but one that can be won back by campaigning on those issues to show that Labour shares the same interests.' Lubbock said the challenge the Reform party faced was convincing the voters who had joined them since the election that they had the experience to govern.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'Cost of living Canada' tops list of household fears ahead of Bank of Canada rate decision
Even as Canadians kick back and enjoy exploring their own country or relax into summer while soaking up sunshine rays, many are still struggling with the higher cost of living. As the Bank of Canada prepares for its next interest rate decision on July 30, 2025, a recent survey from shows that nearly two-thirds of respondents (63.9%) confess that the cost of living is their top economic concern — dwarfing worries about borrowing costs, jobs or debt levels. The findings highlight a growing divide between current economic indicators and how Canadians actually feel about their day-to-day finances. Don't Miss Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich — and 'anyone' can do it The Canadian economy is showing signs of softening amid Trump's tariffs — protect your wallet with these 5 essential money moves (most of which you can complete in just minutes) I'm almost 50 and don't have enough retirement savings. What should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 solid ways you can catch up Cost of living dominates the economic anxiety The findings of the survey offer a clear signal of what Canadians are feeling most acutely — a feeling that could influence how the central bank frames its next interest rate policy decision. While past rate hikes were aimed at taming inflation, households are now more preoccupied with ongoing affordability challenges than with the cost of borrowing itself. Based on survey data is appears Canadians continue to feel the pressure of elevated grocery prices, rent, and transportation costs. There may be hope from some that the nation's central bank will consider consumer sentiment as it decides whether or not to cut, hold, or raise the overnight benchmark rate. Will the Bank of Canada cut, hold, or hike? The Bank of Canada held its policy interest rate at 4.75% at its last meeting in June 2025, after cutting from 5% earlier that month. Some economists anticipate another small cut this time around, as inflation continues to cool modestly and job growth softens. Yet, others expect the Bank to pause and wait for more data before making additional moves. No matter which way the BoC decides to go, the decision appears to come with risks. Cutting too soon could weaken the Canadian dollar and reignite inflation — especially if the U.S. Federal Reserve maintains its higher rates for longer. Holding steady might keep mortgage and loan costs high, worsening household affordability. Finally, a hike in rates (although very unlikely) could potentially worsen consumer sentiment and tip some households into financial distress. Read more: Here are — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Canadians' top concern is broader than interest rates While the Bank of Canada's rate decision will impact living costs, most survey respondents did not consider higher intererest rates as their primary concern. Turns out fewer than 1 in 9 Canadians selected 'high interest rates' as their top concern — despite more than two years of rapid hikes. This suggests that while interest rates are affecting Canadians, they are seen more as a side effect of deeper economic problems like inflation, housing, and everyday affordability. This is most likely due to the perceptoin that while high rates have slowed inflation, the damage is done — people are still paying more for food, gas and rent. This also emphasis the gap the continues to emerge between macroeconomic indicators and household realities. What's next All eyes are now on the Bank of Canada's July 30 announcement. While core inflation is gradually trending downward, and the job market is beginning to show signs of strain, the Bank of Canada's decision will ultimately depend on whether it believes consumer pain — especially related to cost of living — outweighs the risk of reigniting inflation. Whatever the move, the signal from Canadians is clear: affordability — not just inflation — is now the top issue. Survey methodology The survey was conducted through email between July 16 to 21, 2025. Approximately 6,220 email newsletter subscribers, over the age of 18, were surveyed with 183 responses. The estimated margin of error is +/- 6%, 18 times out of 20. About is a leading financial platform committed to providing individuals with comprehensive financial education and resources. As part of Wise Publishing, is a trusted source of reliable financial news, expert advice, comparison tools and practical tips. Canadians get insight on a variety of personal financial topics, including investing, retirement planning, real estate, insurance, debt management and business finance. What To Read Next Are you rich enough to join the top 1%? Here's the net worth you need to rank among Canada's wealthiest — plus a few strategies to build that first-class portfolio Ramit Sethi says you should hit these 9 'money milestones' before 40 if you want to be rich — how many have you crossed off the list? Pet owners, here's how you can get up to 90% cashback on expensive emergency veterinary bills — and you can even get a free quote in 30 seconds This man from Toronto feels broke making $73,000 a year — his wife recently left him and he has an 18-month-old child. Here's what Dave Ramsey told him This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
