Originally Posted by chris955 (Post 9515090)

That is how many find it, of course others dont and they do well. The average Australian family is apparently struggling and seeing 1st hand the increases in just about everything I can fully understand why. An extremely common misconception is that you will automatically, almost magically be better off by moving here, it just isn't the case anymore.

Originally Posted by ldticp (Post 9515035)

Thanks for posting this thats awesome and exactly what I've been looking for. Looking through the list most prices are fairly equivalent to UK prices. There are some notable exceptions such as banana's and mushrooms which are much more expensive but over all these prices are fairly equivalent.

I think anyone moving over and not getting/taking a job on at least 2 times would be crazy and to be fair looking at job sites ect salaries are generally 2 times +. Me personally I am going over as a transfer with my company, I am on £30k in the UK and have accepted $70k in Oz.

I understand what people say that prices have risen harshly, they have everywhere but I still think it is unhelpful saying you need 3 times salary to live the same when actual costs are not triple. What am I missing, if someone can post here what those hidden costs are I would appreciate it.

As far as I have seen so far the summary is, food prices are equivalent at 2.2 conversion most other things, gas, electric, rates ect are cheaper.

I just don't see how if everything is cheaper or the same at a 2.2 conversion you would need 3 times conversion in salary to live the same. Please enlighten me.

Originally Posted by Vegemite Kids (Post 9515156)

Buying cars (either new or second hand) is one example that definately springs to mind.

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 9515163)

2nd hand definitely more expensive, but new cars, apart from certain European brands and luxury models, cost the same or are cheaper here. The Jetta I have costs less here and has a better spec.

Originally Posted by ldticp (Post 9515035)

Thanks for posting this thats awesome and exactly what I've been looking for. Looking through the list most prices are fairly equivalent to UK prices. There are some notable exceptions such as banana's and mushrooms which are much more expensive but over all these prices are fairly equivalent.

I think anyone moving over and not getting/taking a job on at least 2 times would be crazy and to be fair looking at job sites ect salaries are generally 2 times +. Me personally I am going over as a transfer with my company, I am on £30k in the UK and have accepted $70k in Oz.

I understand what people say that prices have risen harshly, they have everywhere but I still think it is unhelpful saying you need 3 times salary to live the same when actual costs are not triple. What am I missing, if someone can post here what those hidden costs are I would appreciate it.

As far as I have seen so far the summary is, food prices are equivalent at 2.2 conversion most other things, gas, electric, rates ect are cheaper.

I just don't see how if everything is cheaper or the same at a 2.2 conversion you would need 3 times conversion in salary to live the same. Please enlighten me.

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 9515163)

2nd hand definitely more expensive, but new cars, apart from certain European brands and luxury models, cost the same or are cheaper here. The Jetta I have costs less here and has a better spec.

Originally Posted by itxrd (Post 9514774)

Funny. Yeah $4 a loaf or 2 for $6 like you say if you want a good deal

Snickers is 1 pound a bar? Or 83p? Maybe in a minibar in mayfair

Originally Posted by Vegemite Kids (Post 9514886)

Hi Polly,
your post got me thinking so I went and did a search for an old thread I posted in May 2004 about the cost of grocery shopping, then went to coles online (cos the earlier shop had been done at Coles) and price checked the items. There were a couple of items (eg, kaffir lime leaves)that werent available online so I've left them out of the list, but found that the list I posted in May 2004 cost $291.28 and at todays prices costs $439.10 - a 50% increase. Really surprised me as I thought it would have been higher!
...

Originally Posted by Vegemite Kids (Post 9515156)

I find a lot of people who say OZ is more expensive arent actually comparing like for like when you dig down in their posts.

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 9515163)

2nd hand definitely more expensive, but new cars, apart from certain European brands and luxury models, cost the same or are cheaper here. The Jetta I have costs less here and has a better spec.

Originally Posted by Vegemite Kids (Post 9515201)

That's what I mean. If you compare like for like (eg, VW Jetta to VW Jetta), then OZ isnt necessarily more expensive, but a lot of immi's arriving want/buy the 4x4/SUV and then complain that OZ is sooooo expensive. Same with housing et al.

Originally Posted by Rambi (Post 9515294)

Ah! I misread your original statement. I though you said it was £1 a bar in the UK. I have no idea what they cost in the UK but there's a reason why English birds have big boobs :thumbup:

Originally Posted by ldticp (Post 9515035)

Thanks for posting this thats awesome and exactly what I've been looking for. Looking through the list most prices are fairly equivalent to UK prices. There are some notable exceptions such as banana's and mushrooms which are much more expensive but over all these prices are fairly equivalent.

I think anyone moving over and not getting/taking a job on at least 2 times would be crazy and to be fair looking at job sites ect salaries are generally 2 times +. Me personally I am going over as a transfer with my company, I am on £30k in the UK and have accepted $70k in Oz.

I understand what people say that prices have risen harshly, they have everywhere but I still think it is unhelpful saying you need 3 times salary to live the same when actual costs are not triple. What am I missing, if someone can post here what those hidden costs are I would appreciate it.

As far as I have seen so far the summary is, food prices are equivalent at 2.2 conversion most other things, gas, electric, rates ect are cheaper.

I just don't see how if everything is cheaper or the same at a 2.2 conversion you would need 3 times conversion in salary to live the same. Please enlighten me.

Originally Posted by itxrd (Post 9515560)

Yes but if you can't afford a new car and want a car then the only thing you can go for is used. And they are waaaayyy more expensive here. Or are some of you going to tell me they are cheaper here than in the UK too?

I suppose this sums it up. If you are willing to adapt and change your spending habits then you probably can find ways to spend less and get by. I think this would be very difficult though. With the lack of internet shopping and search engines that compare costs you just end up paying the going rate. And that can be expensive