Regional Australians lean into lasting lifestyle reset

Regional Australians are leaning into lifestyle changes in ways that set them apart from their metro counterparts, as new research from NGM Group – the customer-owned bank behind Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent – highlights the growing appeal and resilience of life outside the city. The national YouGov survey, the first in NGM Group’s new What Matters Most research series, found nearly three-quarters of regional residents (73%) have altered their spending in the past year, with more than two-thirds (68%) seeing those changes as part of a permanent lifestyle shift – significantly more than metro residents (57%). Regional residents are also more deliberate about how they spend, with 55% focusing on practical, lower-cost living, compared to 47% of metro residents. For many, these changes are delivering benefits. Of those regional residents who have altered their spending nearly half (47%) say their new approach has improved their quality of life, while over two in five (42%) feel more in control of their finances as a result. Everyday life is where many of these changes are showing up – with more regional households choosing affordable products (60%) and keeping a closer eye on budgets (56%). James Cudmore, Chief Customer and Digital Innovation Officer at NGM Group, says the findings underline the unique strengths of regional communities when it comes to cost-of-living pressures. “What the research shows is that regional households are looking beyond the immediate squeeze. They’re making deliberate, lasting changes that reset how they live and spend, and that speaks to the strength of regional communities,” Mr Cudmore said. “We’re also seeing that play out in the choices customers are making every day – whether it’s switching to more affordable products or refinancing their mortgages to take advantage of lower interest rates. People are finding ways to make their money work harder and set themselves up for the long term.” While metro households are more likely to say changes to spending have given them a sense of control (42% vs 31%), regional Australians are showing the strongest signs of lasting resilience and adaptability. “It’s a sign of the resilience regional communities are known for – and a big part of why the appeal of regional living keeps growing.” “More than a quarter of Australians (27%) now say regional life is more appealing than it was a year ago – a clear signal that space, community connection and lifestyle balance are being recognised as lasting advantages.” Confidence remains steady, with 74% of regional households saying they feel able to manage financially in the year ahead. NGM Group commissioned the What Matters Most series to better understand how Australians are responding to economic challenges – and how their priorities are evolving as a result. The second report in the What Matters Most series will be released in early 2026.