British Expats - Perth cost of living$$$

Hi all,

just been reading Jills thread and can agree with the cost of living here.

Basically think you really have to do your homework - it's not like at home where you go to the supermarket & fill your trolley - you have to start thinking more like an aussie.

Anyway made some super discoveries myself that are cheaper - some things really are cheaper.

Wanneroo market - think it's Friday,Saturday,Sunday. This Sunday bought shed loads of Fish, Meats (lovely bacon Jill cut off a joint in front of me!), 4 bags of fresh fruit and veggies and 2 loaves of bread. Lovely veggies too - avocado, watercress, passion fruit, strawbs etc etc etc fridge is full - all cost $80 - now thats cheap and it tastes fantastic all from growers market. So thats where I will be making a big saving and you can sit outside and eat the fresh fish and loads of other goodies - not scenic but quite gritty real aussie place.

Second log onto www.hotdockets.co.au . I am joining a gym in Joondalup and I can get a platinum membership fpr $385 for a year - now that is cheap! There are loads of other vouchers on there too.

I can fill up my car for $37 - thats great too.

I am finding it an eye opener - used to the finer things in life like most people I guess but it's not like that here everyone is trying to get a bargain somewhere. There are some things I will not give up. Like good hair products and makeup but it's not an every day expense.

I am signed up with Optus now. The payg for the mobile with Telstra communic8 was costing a packet - with APT for the home phone - cheap international calls.

I am making a concession of no Foxtel at the moment. To be perfectly honest I am not a great TV watcher but what I have seen has been ok, CSI is one every minute, pop idol, Six Feet Under - that kind of thing.

I am a real snob at heart I guess - wouldn't buy cheap clothes for example - think I'll be going for a surf look here because thats not too expensive for the good makes!

Ed has settled into his job ok - sounds like a breeze - he's going body boarding this arvo!

My eldest started ballet - it was $66 which again think is cheap for a whole term.

Still spending money like water at the moment - at Bunnings every 5 minutes for paint and stuff and there seems to be something everyday we just can't find or didn't bring.

Anyway hope this offers a little insight into what I am coming accross.

Max :)