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Yeah, not the cheapest place in the world. We do know how to live very frugally. Heck, I don't make much, but I have enough to pay the mortgage and feed the kids, while the wife supplements that with some side work...all while living in the NY metro.
I live in Northern NJ, which has a high COL, I never trust those comparison sites, so I wonder if Australia is more expensive than NNJ.
OK. I've lived in NYC and NNJ (Bergen County) and Australia.
Whats more expensive/higher cost in Australia:
- clothes, food, dining out, domestic flights, broadband (and not as fast as the US), income tax, property tax, cars, petrol (ouch), Tim Tams (!)
Whats cheaper in Australia:
- private insurance premiums
Careers:
- IT salaries are much higher in the US...
But despite all, money isn't everything and there are many days when I mizz Oz.
Last edited by minibrings; 06-10-2010 at 04:03 PM..
My wife would be amenable to a trip to Australia, at least for a long vacation, and she hasn't closed off the idea of a long term move, though it would likely be after a couple visits.
Sensible wife.
As you say there is a difference between the dream and reality.
Thanks for the info, everyone. Again, while I was aware of the high real estate in Australia, I wasn't aware of the COL difference for everything else. Like Minibrings said, money isn't everything, but it will be something to consider if I ever make the big leap.
Thanks for the info, everyone. Again, while I was aware of the high real estate in Australia, I wasn't aware of the COL difference for everything else. Like Minibrings said, money isn't everything, but it will be something to consider if I ever make the big leap.
Australia ten years ago when I started going there, I thought it was a good bargain and felt at the time you could have a reasonable standard of living and especially you could afford a house.
Now Australia has the highest real estate costs in the world just about compared to incomes along with other expenses. One day that bubble will pop. I think it could be coming if China grinds to a halt and the world economy slows down.
If I move it wont be for a few years until I have a warchest of money and investments and only if I can get good work in Australia.
My wife would be amenable to a trip to Australia, at least for a long vacation, and she hasn't closed off the idea of a long term move, though it would likely be after a couple visits.
Where did you live in the US, and where at in Australia?
I spent just over a year in Chicago. Have lived in Melbourne and Brisbane here in Aus, and worked 3 months in Sydney.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Waianaegirl
Spindle, what makes you want to move to the U.S.? What do you think is better here than there? I ask because my husband REALLY wants to move to your neck of the woods. I would like to hear from you what makes America a better choice to live, just out of couriosity.
As people have mentioned, cost of living and such for one. The driving factor is that I'm a little tired of certain aspects of Australian culture and find I'm generally more compatible with American culture ('if you don't like it, move' sort of thing). There are also more career opportunities and other aspects like that, as well.
I spent just over a year in Chicago. Have lived in Melbourne and Brisbane here in Aus, and worked 3 months in Sydney.
As people have mentioned, cost of living and such for one. The driving factor is that I'm a little tired of certain aspects of Australian culture and find I'm generally more compatible with American culture ('if you don't like it, move' sort of thing). There are also more career opportunities and other aspects like that, as well.
Isn't Australia a multicultural country? Or do you mean, if Australia has its own unique culture, is it more like the British culture with better weather?
Isn't Australia a multicultural country? Or do you mean, if Australia has its own unique culture, is it more like the British culture with better weather?
Think he means we are a pack of yobbos.
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