IT IS not our mortgages, phone bills or rising electricity costs that are playing havoc with Warwickite's budgets - instead it is the cost of keeping our cars on the road.

That's right, Westpac local business banker Dom Benz says petrol costs take up the largest chunk of people's wages across the region.

"We live in a regional area and more people rely on their cars to get them places. We don't catch a lot of public transport," he said.

And with a recent survey finding Queenslanders, on average, spend over $4000 a year to run and maintain their cars, Mr Benz's statistic is not that surprising.

The CommBank Signals survey found the sunshine state to have the highest per person average across Australia.

Over $180 a year more than our mates across the border in New South Wales, who spend on average $3882 a year, including toll and paid parking costs.

The study also found Queensland to have the highest average car registration cost of $497, but Mr Benz said there were some very simple saving tips to ensure there was money in the bank when the bills came in.

Mr Benz said the first step was to sit down and work out a budget.

"Have a look at what is coming in and what is coming out," he said.

"Have a look at your weekly, fortnightly, monthly and annual expenses.

"The best thing is to then break it down to monthly instalments and work out how much you need.

"There are some things you need to pay every week, such as food and petrol, but once you get your monthly costs, you have somewhere to start."

Mr Benz said direct debit options on things like phone bills were a good way to keep the budget on track.

"It is easier to pay a small amount like $20 a week as opposed to having to find $2000 at the end of the year," he said.

"If there is no direct debit option, you could always set up a saving account and transfer money each week, then it would be earning interest, which could go towards the bill as well."

When it comes to day-to-day tips, Mr Benz said using an EFTPOS card helped keep track of spending.

Money-saving tips:

• Use an EFTPOS card instead of carrying cash
• Set up a separate saving account to set aside money for bills. This way it is also earning interest.
• Sit down and write out a budget, looking at how much money is coming in and how much is coming out. Review it on a yearly basis. 
• Opt for direct debit options where possible to avoid having to make a lump sum payment