Low-income Canberrans are facing increasing financial pressure after five years of rising costs, according to a new report from the ACT Council of Social Service.

The ACTCOSS 2026 Cost of Living Report found the cost of essential goods and services has risen sharply since 2020, with automotive fuel up 48.6 per cent, education 34.7 per cent, medical and hospital services 25.6 per cent, utilities 23.5 per cent and food 22.2 per cent.

ACTCOSS chief executive Devin Bowles said many households were being forced to make difficult choices between basic necessities.

The report also found growing demand for assistance from people seeking help for the first time, with housing affordability remaining a major concern.

Lucy Hohnen said more people were struggling to afford rent, food, transport and healthcare, while Amy Kilpatrick said rising costs were forcing households into impossible decisions.

ACTCOSS welcomed recent ACT Budget measures, including additional funding for community services, homelessness programs and food relief, but said further support was needed from both the ACT and Commonwealth governments.

The report points to ongoing housing pressures, noting Anglicare’s 2026 Rental Affordability Snapshot found no rental properties advertised in the ACT during the survey period were affordable for someone receiving JobSeeker, while only one listing was affordable for a full-time minimum wage worker.