Originally Posted by Wendy

We have lots more disposable income here than I ever did in the UK. We both do exactly the same kind of jobs as we did in the UK too. We have a house that's 3 times bigger than the one we had, and we have 2 cars - didn't have any in the UK.

Not saying it's the same for everyone, but make sure you compare everything properly, you may be surprised

Originally Posted by flanagaj

We have recently come back from our Australia trip to activate our visas and have a good look around. We all loved the place and would go back tomorrow, but the cost of living in Australia is just so high. To be honest I don't know how people are managing out there.

I work with a few Aussies here in London and they too are horrified at the ever increasing cost of living.

The mining industry boom looks set to continue, so I don't see how it will come back down, but it also looks as though they are struggling to keep inflation down. 8% interest rate and according to reports the average mortgage is 9 times salary.

Still, I have 4 1/2 years before our visa expires. Fingers crossed they bubble will have burst before then. I don't hold out much hope though.

Originally Posted by flanagaj

I wish that was the case, but I work in IT in London and unfortunately I would earn roughly dollar for pound if we go to Perth. Don't mind a pay cut, but even if I take out the exchange rate food / rent are still very expensive.

I can see how a sparky or other trades are keen to go as they earn more in Aus than the UK, so the higher cost of living is out weighed with a higher wage.

Quite depressing.

Originally Posted by DownUnderPaddy

Had no idea Perth paid so badly. Salary levels in Melb are the same as what you have quoted for Syd. I guess that simply reflects Perths status as the most isolated city in the world and also the fact that the business hub of Aus is based along the East coast ?

Originally Posted by flanagaj

I think 130-140 is pretty conservative. Saying that, I saw a senior BA role in Perth paying 160k.

Maybe, I need to research it a bit more before making a decision.

Anyone know any good IT recruitment firms / sites in WA ?

Originally Posted by jayne3411

90k I'd be well bloody happy with that. Surely that's a good wage (especially just one of you) isn't it? or am I just not in the right class to join this thread?

Originally Posted by flanagaj

We have recently come back from our Australia trip to activate our visas and have a good look around. We all loved the place and would go back tomorrow, but the cost of living in Australia is just so high. To be honest I don't know how people are managing out there.

I work with a few Aussies here in London and they too are horrified at the ever increasing cost of living.

The mining industry boom looks set to continue, so I don't see how it will come back down, but it also looks as though they are struggling to keep inflation down. 8% interest rate and according to reports the average mortgage is 9 times salary.

Still, I have 4 1/2 years before our visa expires. Fingers crossed they bubble will have burst before then. I don't hold out much hope though.

Originally Posted by Seneca21

People who claim 90k is not a lot of money are not in any class I'd have anything to do with.

Originally Posted by freebo

To be fair, the OP is saying he's on 80k GBP in London and $90k AUD would be a step down in Australia, and it would.

Originally Posted by freebo

To be fair, the OP is saying he's on 80k GBP in London and $90k AUD would be a step down in Australia, and it would.

Originally Posted by fish.01

It's been a fair while since I worked in the UK but 80k GBP for a permanent Java position (rather than contracting) seems good?

Originally Posted by fish.01

That 9 times figure is wrong. No where even close. You would not even be able to make the first repayment. The average mortgage is usually reported somewhere between 250,000 to 300,000 dollars which using the 2.2 salary differential to compare puts it around 113,000 to 136,000 GBP.