What Canadians cut first when money gets tight at home?

With the cost of living continuing to rise across Canada, many households are rethinking how and where they spend their money.

From groceries to gas, higher prices are forcing people to make tough decisions about what stays in the budget and what goes.

A recent INsauga poll with 3,917 votes asked Canadians a simple but telling question:

What’s the first thing you cut back on when money gets tight?

The responses shed light on how families and individuals are prioritizing their spending in 2025.

Vacations and travel put on hold

One of the biggest sacrifices Canadians are making is in travel. More than a quarter of voters said vacations are the first to go. For many, that means skipping sunny getaways or pushing back long-awaited trips abroad. With airfare, hotels, and fuel costs rising, travel has quickly shifted from a routine plan to a rare luxury.

Entertainment takes a step back

For others, the cutbacks begin closer to home. Live concerts, movie nights, and other entertainment events ranked high on the list of sacrifices. This shows that while people still crave experiences, they’re more likely to wait until times feel more financially comfortable.

Clothes, extras, and even streaming subscriptions

Shopping for new clothes or extras is also among the first things trimmed, with many Canadians choosing to make do with what they already own. Even streaming services, which are often seen as an affordable escape, didn’t go untouched — though fewer voters were willing to part with their Netflix or Disney+ accounts compared to other expenses.

So, what do most people cut first?

While travel, shopping, and entertainment all took significant hits, one category stood out above the rest. According to the poll, the top expense Canadians cut back on when money gets tight is eating out, with 38.6% (1,511 votes) saying restaurant meals are the first to go.

For many, cutting back on eating out is the fastest way to save money. Restaurant meals, even casual ones, often cost far more than cooking at home, especially when factoring in taxes, service fees, and tips. What used to be a quick bite or a weekly treat is now seen by many as an avoidable expense. Families are choosing to cook more, workers are packing lunches instead of buying them, and weekend brunches are being swapped for pancakes in the kitchen.

The change isn’t just about saving money — it reflects how inflation has shifted what people consider a necessity versus a luxury. For restaurants, it’s a worrying sign, as fewer diners can mean tighter margins and more competition for customers who are still willing to spend.

Here is the poll:

• Eating out – 38.6% (1,511 votes)

• Vacations and travel – 27.2% (1,065 votes)

• Entertainment (concerts, events) – 14.3% (562 votes)

• Shopping for clothes or extras – 13.9% (543 votes)

• Streaming subscriptions – 6% (236 votes)