http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=629267

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=643199

Try those for starters

Australia was expensive in 2006 when we arrived here and is still an expensive place to live only difference is it was cheaper for tourists in2006/07 and now uk to aus is a great shock as it probably only compares with worlds highest cost of living countries!!

Truly, I believe those of us that live here in Australia are living in one of the most expensive countries in the world. But we also live in a great country too!! with plenty to see and experience and with great job opportunities

Australia is not expensive maybe it's just that the UK is so cheap. Pretty cheap last time I was there.

When were you there? I have travelled extensively in the last few years and can say without a shadow of a doubt that Australia is by far the most expensive place in the world now!

That is nonsense. It is by no means cheap but my costs are broadly similar to the UK of 3 years ago. Groceries are more expensive here by around 20%. I pay a quarter on rates what I paid a month in council tax in the UK. Swings and roundabouts. If anything Australia may be slightly more expensive than the UK overall but our combined income is around 50% higher.
Too many people on here sensationalise based around emotion rather than fact.

Bang head again syndrome K...this argument (amongst all the others) will never be settled.

I know. It's so subjective. Problem is I get labelled a Godzoner so many times but I also get lambasted from Godzoners for sticking up for the UK
I may just stick to smut and nonsense from now on....

No it's not nonsense! Given the ludicrous property prices in Australian cities now, the council tax vs. rates argument just doesn't cut it. The big mortgage will way more than negate that saving.

Virtually all consumer goods and essentials like groceries and utilities are more expensive in Oz now vs. the UK and North America.

There can't be many professions where pay is 50% higher in Oz vs the UK. You are simply very lucky!

You stopped?

I think part of the reason why Oz is getting very expensive is because people here are prepared to pay oz prices and, as stated elsewhere in this thread, are happy being fed the line that "because we are far away and isolated, things cost a lot". That doesnt explain why I can order almost anything for half the price from the UK or the states even when paying insurance and postage for a single item (which is more per item than companies here will pay for large shipping deals).

I've had several groups of visitors over from scotland in the last year and they have all been completely shocked at what things cost.

I love it over here, but I reckon it is now a very expensive country to live in.

On healthcare, I have been quite ill and have found the healthcare here exceptional.

I get paid $45 per hour and I get a six pack of XXXX from Dan Murphys for $9.99.
And no, my wage does not work out to be $166k....But it feels like it!!
HKA

Apologies. I based my calculations on you actually drinking beer. I wasn't aware that you were prepared to drink piss !!

I agree some things are dearer such as food, clothes etc but is it really too expensive to live their. I keep on telling myself why are so many people prepared to move to OZ and those who live there must be earning enough to live. Maybe its down to an individual and their lifestyle what they spend. I had £100 left in my account in UK before I got payed this month so i dont expect it to be any different in OZ. I am definately not going to make lots of money through work or the sale of a house its about lifestyle for me.
Sorry for waffling tired and just about to hit the sack.

Just keep in mind that if you move to Oz on the same salary as you currently earn in the UK and expect to maintain a similar lifestyle you will ve completely shafted.

* sits back and waits for the "Oh no you won't" brigade *