Women still shelling out more for basic goods, services: report | Alds

Consumer comparison site Finder estimates women are paying on average $679 more a year because of a “gender premium”.

A basic survey of personal care items available at major supermarkets on Monday reveals women are stung more than men for similar products.

For example, a L’Oreal Men Expert Vita Lift Total Anti-Ageing Hydrating Moisturiser Cream retailed for $12 for 50mL.

This compared with the L’Oreal Revitalift Laser Anti-ageing Day Moisturiser at $31.50 for 50mL.

Dandruff-plagued women are also paying more to clamp down on the embarrassing problem.

A Men’s Head & Shoulders 2 in 1 Ultramen Old Spice Shampoo was retailing for $5.60 for 200mL.

This compared with a similar product, Head & Shoulders 2 in 1 Dry Scalp Shampoo & Conditioner 350mL, that cost $11 for 350mL.

Meanwhile, when it came to shaving, a 10-pack of Bic razors cost $2.80, or you could opt for the prettier looking version: a Gillette Daisy Classic Shaving Razor five-pack for $2.70.

A price comparison of five top inner Melbourne hair salons on Monday also revealed women can pay as much as $30 more for a basic haircut than men.

Finder’s From pay gap to parity report found the biggest price gap between men’s and women’s products was in income protection insurance.

It estimated women were spending $312 more a year on average than men.

“This is because women are considered to be more susceptible to pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy complications, which could take them away from work. They are also more likely to take time off to look after children or elderly relatives,” the report said.

Contraception also topped the list, with women spending about $252 more on birth control every year.

Finder senior editor Sarah Megginson said that women generally earn less than men but were expected to pay more for basic items was baffling.

“Women are still bearing the brunt of ‘gender premium’ pricing, which sees them spending more than men on a range of products,” she said.

“As a society, we’re pretty well aware that women are paying more for things like contraception and personal care products – even products as basic as razors are more expensive for women simply because they’re pink and marketed in a different way.”