A new report has outlined the physical and mental health impacts because of the cost of staying cool.

The results from advocacy organisation Sweltering Cities found 61 per cent of respondents ration air conditioning due to concerns about cost.

The 2026 Summer Survey also revealed renters and people with disabilities faced higher rates of heat related illness - 81 and 87 per cent respectively.

That's compared to the average of 68 per cent of all respondents.

Executive Director of Sweltering Cities Emma Bacon says vulnerable Australians suffer when they're forced to choose between a power bill and staying cool.