Originally Posted by lumpommer

A lot of people are living on rice or noodles just so that they can keep a roof over their heads.

Originally Posted by RenShen

I found that food was cheaper in the UK, but of a much lower standard. For example, the fruit and veg in the supermarkets looked like the colour was muted, the meat looked brown.

However, Australia is not so expensive that the difference is massive. I find if you shop around and buy sensibly its OK. Also, we had much more waste when we were in the UK, I buy in a more savvy way here so there is less waste. We also eat much less processed food here which has to be better for us (its just a bit more labour intensive to prepare). The shops here do not carry all of the ready meals, ready prepared veggies etc to the extent of the UK shops.

Originally Posted by RenShen

I have llived on the Gold Coast for the last 3 years and recently visited the North West of England. We were staying with family so still did the grocery shop etc.

I found that food was cheaper in the UK, but of a much lower standard. For example, the fruit and veg in the supermarkets looked like the colour was muted, the meat looked brown.

However, Australia is not so expensive that the difference is massive. I find if you shop around and buy sensibly its OK. Also, we had much more waste when we were in the UK, I buy in a more savvy way here so there is less waste. We also eat much less processed food here which has to be better for us (its just a bit more labour intensive to prepare). The shops here do not carry all of the ready meals, ready prepared veggies etc to the extent of the UK shops.

Originally Posted by chris955

Wow, that's bizarre. I certainly didn't find that in the South, the fruit and veg were as good as anywhere. I didn't buy any meat while I was there but it looked OK. I didn't find any of the food to be of a lower standard. There really does seem to be a North/South divide in so many ways.
If food hasnt had all the goodness processed out of it our kids wont eat it anyway

Originally Posted by iamthecreaturefromuranus

So what you are saying, between you, is that food in the UK, particularly in the North West of England, is a different colour than here in Australia?

Perhaps viewing the food under the gas lights, still common place in supermarkets 'oop North, just makes it look different?

Originally Posted by billingham

It's those rose tinted glasses again.

Originally Posted by DeadVim

We can still afford Shift and Enter keys.

Originally Posted by iamthecreaturefromuranus

So what you are saying, between you, is that food in the UK, particularly in the North West of England, is a different colour than here in Australia?

Perhaps viewing the food under the gas lights, still common place in supermarkets 'oop North, just makes it look different?

Originally Posted by Turban Explorer

Vegetarian food is a bit exy and the variety a touch limited. We're hardly going to starve so its not worth bitching about really - but I do miss the odd Linda McCartney treat.

Tried to visit a Veggie shop in Cairns we'd found on the internet to buy TVP but got there and of course it had been closed down. The owners were probably run out of town for being unAustralian Might as well have gone to Mackay and opened an outlet for gay and esoteric literature.... Know your market!!

Originally Posted by ukecadet

A dog with wings?

Originally Posted by Turban Explorer

Vegetarian food is a bit exy and the variety a touch limited. We're hardly going to starve so its not worth bitching about really - but I do miss the odd Linda McCartney treat.

Tried to visit a Veggie shop in Cairns we'd found on the internet to buy TVP but got there and of course it had been closed down. The owners were probably run out of town for being unAustralian Might as well have gone to Mackay and opened an outlet for gay and esoteric literature.... Know your market!!

Originally Posted by iamthecreaturefromuranus

So what you are saying, between you, is that food in the UK, particularly in the North West of England, is a different colour than here in Australia?

Perhaps viewing the food under the gas lights, still common place in supermarkets 'oop North, just makes it look different?

Originally Posted by Bix

There really are too many variables for anyone to give a sensible answer to that question.

Depends where you come from and where you're going to.
Depends what you earn now and what you will earn in Aus.
Depends on your family make-up.
Depends on your style of living.
Depends if you wish to change lifestyle in any way.

.....the list is extensive.

I can give you my personal opinion but due to the above factors will it actually mean anything to you?

We came over in 2004.
It was cheap here in comparison to our UK way of life.
Things in Australia have increased a lot since then.
Things in the UK have also increased.
Exchange rate has moved dramatically against the GBP.

My assessment now in 2011 is that accounting for all the changes the cost of living would be about the same for us either side of the water.