We all know that living costs have increased significantly over the past few years. In fact, prices have been rising so quickly that they've outpaced the pension and wage growth across Australia since the pandemic started.

So it's no surprise that many of us feel like we're just barely keeping our heads above water when it comes to our monthly expenses.
But how bad is it? Well, a Coles catalogue from 2013 recently resurfaced on social media, and let's just say it will make you do a double-take…
In the 2013 catalogue, you can even see discontinued items like Wonka chocolate (that brings back memories!) and even the humble Heinz Beanz are significantly cheaper.
How much so? In 2013, on sale Heinz Beans 420 grams went for 92 cents, with full price sitting at $1.84. In 2022, not only have prices jumped to $2.50 but the can size has shrunk to 300 grams. We’re literally paying more for less!

The cover of a Coles Catalogue in 2013. Credit: Coles/OzBargain.

Meanwhile, a whole chicken retailed for $8 each in 2013 but now, consumers have to shell out $12 to bring this product home.

A kilogram of Coles No Added Hormone Beef Porterhouse Steak cost $20/kg in 2013 while today they cost a whopping $44.45 per kilogram.

A page from Coles’ 2013 catalogue showing a range of meats. Credit: Coles/OzBargain.

Similarly, Coles Chicken Thigh Fillet Skin Off was priced at $11 for a kilogram compared to $14.50 per kilogram today.

Little by little, these increases really add up.

One thing we know is currently rising in price is potato chips. Back in 2013, a 185 gram bag of Kettle chips would set you back around $4.19 (on sale for $3 in this particular catalogue). Now, the same bag will cost you $5.50. Even more reason to wait for those sought-after half-price sales.

Various pantry staples in the 2013 catalogue. Credit: Coles/OzBargain.

What about something that feels a bit more essential in our grocery shops? In this 2013 catalogue, shoppers could nab a marked-down 400-gram Moccona instant coffee jar for $18 (down from $22.99). The same product today retails for $28. Yikes, each sip of your morning coffee is now more expensive.

Heading to the meal and freezer sales, we can see popular choices like Old El Paso kits for $7.50. McCain’s Pizza Slices also experienced a similar increase from $6.92 (2013) to $8 (2022).

Freezer and meal kit deals. Credit: Coles/OzBargain.

What about more luxury grocery items like soft drink cans?

Ever wondered how much soft drink was back in 2013? Credit: Coles/OzBargain.

In 2013, a 24-pack of Pepsi Max cans cost a humble $10 (on sale). Granted, it usually retailed for $17.99, but for anyone who loves to indulge in a cool Pepsi in summer, you’ll already be shaking your head at the price difference. Nowadays, a 24-pack of Pepsi Max will set you back $26 in your budget.

Shall we head over to the cereal aisle?

Let’s take a look at the cereal aisle. Credit: Coles/OzBargain.

Aussie favourite Nutrigrain (290 grams) is a common pantry staple. For good reason too, in 2013 you could pop one in your trolley and expect to pay between $3 and $4. The exact same box now costs $6.70.

So if you think your money isn’t stretching as far as it used to, you’re right.

Now, you may be thinking, ‘But the pension rate also increased.’ Let’s take a quick look at the numbers.

As of March 20th, 2013, the single pension rate was $808.40. Meanwhile, couples received $609.40 each per fortnight.

As of September 20th, 2022, the single pension rate is $1,026.50 per fortnight, while couples receive $773.80 each ($1,547.60 per fortnight combined).

If we break that down, Australians on the Age Pension receive $109.05 per week (for singles) more than the 2013 rate. Meanwhile, couples on the Age Pension only see an extra $82.20 each per week.

According to the latest update by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, prices of fruit and vegetables rose 18.6% in August compared to a year ago.

Not only are staples like milk, cheese and eggs now 12% more expensive than they were pre-pandemic – but petrol prices have also risen by over 30%. Ouch.

What did you think of this trip down memory lane? Had you realised how much prices have increased in only 9 years – we sure hadn’t!

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I think these increases have happened over the last 12 months
Pepsi Max cans I saw the big jump over night around no more than 12 months ago

 

[Ricci]

The rise in the pension may well be enough to cover the rise in food costs but when you factor in all the other calls on your money, rent, rates, power, insurances etc. it falls woefully short.

 

[MindyMac]

$$Cheap Fresh Chicken and low pricing and how to achieve it, even tenderloins. I got this idea from another lady that Posted on FB in 2022. I now only buy fresh chicken this way and I even get to have chicken tenderloins. Woolworths pretty much have their fresh whole chickens on sale for $3.00 - $5.00 per kilo (not so often Coles). So, I wait and then purchase 3-5 whole fresh chickens when they are on sale, especially the Steggle's chickens as they are larger and when on sale for $4.00 - $4.50. I get them home they all immediately go into the fridge. I then do two at a time and cut them up into portions and deskin as well. The chicken breasts can be cut into thirds, or half. I place each portion into freezer bags and then those freezer bag portions into another freezer bag to keep the freezer frost & freezer burn out. I only use the best freezer bags 'Multix and have small-medium-large always available. When the sale is on, it means that instead of paying $8-$12 per kilo you are paying half the price and saving so much money. Imagine getting chicken tenderloins for $4.00-$4.50 per kilo like I now do instead of walking past the ones costing about $13-$15 per kilo. I then use the skin to cover the carcass and bake it very quickly and get it out and remove the meat for my cats. I ensure that there are no bones there for them. You can also put aside some of this chicken meat for yourself, for a sandwich or a salad, even to top on a pasta dish... etc.