Easy ways to save money on car, household and grocery costs in Australia

How to save money on car costs

Shop around for fuel

Fuel prices can vary across your local area, so it pays to know where to fill up.

You'll find Fuel Finder on the RACV App, which shows you the cheapest fuel near you.

The information is regularly updated, with specific fuel pricing from retailers across Australia.

Save on car running costs

Pump up your tyres, pack less luggage, observe the speed limit and maintain a consistent speed - these are a few tips on how to save on fuel on a road trip.

Service your car regularly

Keep your vehicle running efficiently with a regular car service. It's money well spent because mechanical problems can be identified before they become serious and expensive to repair.

Consider downsizing your vehicle

Car running costs may be a reason to consider downsizing one or more vehicles. 

Go electric

Electric vehicles can help reduce your car running costs further, especially if you have solar panels or are able to charge your vehicle at home during free or off-peak periods. 

As of August 2026, EVs in Australia start from $23,990 (plus on-road costs) for hatchbacks like the BYD Atto 1 or Geely EX2 ($26,490 plus on-road costs).

How to save money at home

Home maintenance

Regular home maintenance to help prevent wear and tear is the key to avoiding costly repairs down the track.

Cleaning your gutters  will prevent water overflow and damage to your home. Cleaning the exterior of your home can help maintain its structural integrity. Trimming trees and bushes away from the house can prevent damage and pests. It's important to know your limits and understand what types of jobs you should always leave to a qualified tradesperson.

Practise energy-saving behaviours

As well as hidden energy hogs, heating and cooling the home are some of the biggest contributors to your electricity bill, where an extra degree on your heater's thermostat can add to your energy bill.

Explore tips on how to improve energy efficiency around your home, from changing your clothes dryer to the most energy-efficient lightbulbs to use.

Upgrade old household appliances

Old fridges, dryers, dishwashers and washing machines often use more energy than newer appliances and contribute to higher energy bills. It might be more cost effective to upgrade to more energy-efficient models that could help reduce monthly energy bills.

Consider electric alternatives to gas appliances

Switching from gas to electricity in your own home could be a way to save on annual energy bills, depending on household usage and energy rates. If you rent, there may also be steps available to manage energy use and improve efficiency.

Through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, eligible households can access discounted electric appliances such as induction cooktops and heat pump hot water systems.

How to save money on groceries

Compare specials and unit prices

Weekly specials at supermarkets and grocery stores can help you save money, but remember to also check the unit pricing - that's the label below the produce, which shows the price per kilogram, per litre or per item.

Buy in bulk, buy generic

Additionally, generic or home brands are usually cheaper than well-known brands. Buying in bulk can also help save you money in the long run, but only if you use all the product, otherwise you may end up with food waste.

Consider how you can save money on beef, lamb and pork by choosing the right cut, and buy vegetables when they are in season. Imported vegetables sometimes come with a higher price tag.

Plan your grocery shops

Don't go grocery shopping without having planned your meals and written a list. This helps prevent impulse or unnecessary purchases. Likewise, make sure you eat something before shopping as this can also help prevent impluse buys. 

Consider membership discounts 

You can make considerable savings by using discounts available through your memberships. For example, RACV Members save 3 to 5 per cent off Woolworths gift cards through the RACV App. These gift cards can then be used to do your regular grocery shop at a discount, effectively allowing you to pay less overall.

Try budget-friendly recipes

Try these budget-friendly recipes to create hearty, filling meals. If you double the recipe, you'll have enough food for a family of four to eat the next day.

If you want to replace your take-away coffee with a home brew, research the best coffee machines. 

Use homemade cleaning products

Cleaning products can be expensive, and they are often unnecessary. Save money by using household products like vinegar, dishwashing liquid and bicarbonate of soda for a wide variety of cleaning tasks across your home.

Choose reusable over disposable

Refillable hand wash, shampoos and cleaning products may help reduce ongoing purchasing costs in some circumstances. In Victoria, single-use plastic straws, plates and cutlery are banned.

Fabric tea towels or microfibre cloths are alternatives to paper towels and disposable dish sponges. They can be washed and reused when dirty.

How to save money on entertainment and going out

Discover free attractions around Victoria

Travel and entertainment can be an expensive, particularly at peak holiday periods. Consider travelling around Victoria at off-peak times, such as short breaks midweek, to get the most out of your spend.

From Royal Botanic Gardens to 1000 Steps - Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, there are many free attractions dotted around Melbourne to discover.

Areas outside of Melbourne such as Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley also offer many budget-friendly and free activities to enjoy on a day trip or long weekend.

Use your member discounts, benefits and rewards

Many organisations, brands and services offer discounted rates on everyday items and experiences.

RACV Members can save on a wealth of products, services, attractions, and experiences, from discounted movie tickets to cheaper eyewear, airport parking, clothing, holiday stays and more.

Download the RACV App to unlock hundreds of member benefits, compare fuel prices, and enjoy discounts and special offers at hundreds of restaurants and cafés across Melbourne and Australia.*

Travel off-peak

One way to save money when on holiday is by visiting destinations outside of their peak season. Hotel stays often cost less during these periods and attractions can also be less busy too.

More ways to save money

Audit expenses and create a household budget

It can be difficult to save money if you don't know exactly where it's being spent. Tracking your household spending over a week, fortnight or month can help you discover exactly how much you're spending, and where it's being spent. From there you can then look for opportunities to trim those expenses and save money.

Buy second-hand and vintage

Second-hand and vintage clothing have come into the spotlight in the fashion world. Recycling clothing is more environmentally friendly, and there are cost benefits to shopping at charity, seconds and recycling shops as well.

Head to your local second-hand shop and forage around for some great finds. Alternatively, organise a clothes swap with friends, so that your pre-loved items get a second life, and you get the thrill of something new to wear without spending any money.

Cancel unused memberships and subscriptions

Memberships and subscriptions that aren't used are a drain on household finances. A gym membership that's $25 a week adds up to $1300 a year, which is a lot of money if the service is not used consistently.

The same goes for streaming services - are you truly using five different streaming services at once? Or could you trim that down to one or two, rotating them in and out as you need them?

It's worth doing an audit of all your subscriptions, which could potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.