Cost-of-living stress in Australia rose to the highest level since mid-2014, with pressure concentrated in groceries, utilities, and transport, National Australia Bank's (ASX:NAB) September quarter Consumer Sentiment Survey showed Wednesday.

A net 81% of Australians faced higher living costs, according to the survey, while the NAB Consumer Stress Index increased to 60.1, above its long-run average and higher than a year ago.

More Australians said they were being mindful about spending, researching products, and switching providers to find better value.

"Strong employment remains the key buffer supporting household spending, giving many Australians the capacity to adapt without cutting back more sharply," the bank's head of behavioral economics, Dean Pearson, said.