Originally Posted by iamthecreaturefromuranus (Post 8263945)

My mate and his wife have just returned to the UK after spending a few weeks in Oz. They were, for the most part, shocked at just how much everything cost. He earns thirty grand a year in the UK. A good solid wage, if not a spectacular amount, particularly for the North West of England. Probably a good bit higher than the average full time wage for the North West.
According to Xe at the moment that translates to $53,136 pa. Which is defo less than spectacular for Oz where I think average wage is now about $62,500.... I'm sure ABCD will be along shortly to correct me.

Originally Posted by mono (Post 8264553)

The bottom line is that, in 2010, you need the same kind of finances to have a good quality of life in Australia as you would need to have a similar quality of life in the UK.

It used to be that Mr and Mrs Poor from Poorchester could come to Australia as ten pound poms and upgrade quickly, easily and dramatically.

You will probably get a slightly bigger property for your money in Australia in terms of square metres, but that's about it now. You won't be going from a tiny flat in England to a huge, self-built house on a nice big block of land as many in the past were able to do.

It's because of what people were able to do in the past that Australia has the reputation for cheapness that people still get swept up with today. But times have changed and the cost of living in Australia is now comparable to the cost of living in the UK and it really now just comes down to your need (or otherwise) for hot weather and beaches.

Originally Posted by iamthecreaturefromuranus (Post 8263842)

and I fail to understand at times why some folks will now insist that it is cheaper than the UK, or even comparable.

Originally Posted by mono (Post 8264152)

There is this very fixed mindset that Australia is better/cheaper and people won't accept any evidence to the contrary. I actually think the expat Brits are often worse for this than the native Aussies are, though of course by no means exclusively.

Originally Posted by BadgeIsBack (Post 8265450)

:)Office gals

Originally Posted by jad n rich (Post 8264037)

Anyone who has been to the UK in the past month, or visited OZ after living in the UK would have to be wearing a blindfold if they couldnt see the UK was now significantly cheaper in many ways.

The competition between shops is something the aussie consumer simply does not have. We found many items up to 3 times the price in OZ and the kids constantly found most stuff in UK more advanced as well. The choice is mindblowing, say book shops, travel, even food.

I had to shop this week in OZ for extended family, a wedding anniversary party, trawling round k mart and big w was like being in a chinese rubbish store, and d jones and myer nearly give you a flaming heart attack with the price of stuff. Walking into myer was a joke, almost identical underwear bought for 4 quid in teh UK was proudly displayed at $30 a pair. A bottle of shampoo we bought in UK for 69p identical item here is $5.99. Even when oz has offeres and specials they are crap, I mean really buy two packs of cheese and save 50c :eek: in the uk the specials were get one free.

Qantas in the UK was adverstising return fares for 600 pound, notice the same ticket/period advertised in OZ is just over $2000:rolleyes:, even vegimite was cheaper in the UK.

Originally Posted by ABCDiamond (Post 8263921)

QLD registration costs
4 Cylinder car
Registration fee 262.45
Traffic improvement fee 45.80

6 Cylinder car
Registration fee 415.60
Traffic improvement fee 45.80


Sorry to point it out but you have forgotten to add in the CTP on registrations which we have to pay regardless of whether we have full comp insurance or not .....Got my renewal yesterday

For 6 months
CTP $181,50
Registration fee $131.20
Traffic improvement fee $22.90
Surcharge $8.10
Total $ 343.70 or $391.75 if paid after due date

For 12 months

CTP $347.00
Reistration Fee $262.45
Traffic Impovement fee $ 45.80
Total $655.25 or 703.30 if paid after due date.

Originally Posted by Peepster (Post 8265508)

Gals??? Dear god Badge you'll be referring to us as fillies next!!!!

Originally Posted by ABCDiamond (Post 8262175)

How much is Devondale milk in the UK ?

We pay $1.79 for 2 litres standard milk in my area
Tesco are charging £1.18 for theirs today

It seems Tesco are a tad overpriced....

Originally Posted by mpgrewal (Post 8265632)

What about meat? For instance, Australia is world's largest exporter of sheepmeat. Still you won't get lamb meat less than $5 kg anywhere. Shouldn't natives get the benefit of the surplus :huh:

Originally Posted by IndieG (Post 8261410)

I just had my appointment with a top neurophysician in India. Consultation, extensive tests, scans and a six month supply of medicines - all cost me the equivalent of A$ 210 :)

In Melbourne, my GP tried to refer me to a couple of neurophysicians and they were completely booked and he finally got one who could give me an appointment after 4 weeks, that was on 8/12, so I thought I was better off just waiting until my visit to India.

Not sure how how much the entire treatment would have cost me in Melbourne as the specialist's fees alone would have cost me around $240 (after medicare rebate: $120).