Very similar to C.O.L in Brisbane.

It just goes to prove that we are all different - asking how much some things cost is so subjective. People I work with spend 2 or 3 times what I spend on shopping (haven't figured out how as it doesn't include booze )

Indeed! I think DD easily spends more on cosmetics than food. (not that it worries me anymore)

bear in mind that in Brisbane the council rates are based on a percentage of the LAND value, so a 5 bed 3 bath 3 garage house will pay the same rates as the 60yo fibro 2 bed with outside toilet next door on the same size block.

We spend about $300 on weeks shop
Foxtel we don`t bother with but think its $100 pcm
Get Skype to talk to family back in the UK
State schooling costs about $600 a year inc uniforms
A good car I`d rather spend $7K to $15K depending on size for a low kms Toyota.
Our mortgage is 5.19% now but as soon as(if) the economy picks up that could rise 1/2 to 3/4 a % in a year quite easily.
Rates for Us (4 bed/600m block) is about $2K a year
Electric is $400 a quarter average and water $500 6 monthly.
We found even with the high cost of living many immigrants have come here due to their skills, which then demand a fairly good wage. My mortgage in the UK was less than a weeks wage. Here its 1&1/2 but we are still paying extra on top. And are far better off. It does not work for everyone.
Good luck.

Thank you. Everyone. Really appreciated.

You're welcome.