Cost of living comparison for particular areas... (sales, rent)

[ColdCanadian]

I heard that Perth and/or a lot of Western Australia has a higher cost for regular goods since a lot of them come shipped in from the East. But I might consider this area anyways.

Another location I was curious about is central Queensland.
It's in the East, but it is half a days drive from Brisbane and more than a day to anywhere else... which would lead me to believe that prices on goods may or may not be higher also; perhaps as high, or higher than Perth, but being less than a day's drive from Brisbane could also be close enough for no price difference compared to Brisbane.

How about the Sydney area?
Does it have a lower cost of goods due to population proximity?

Any info?

Also, feel free to describe cost of living comparisons between other cities, towns or regions. I'm interested in researching all areas known to have unusually expensive or inexpensive goods. (merchandise, produce, fuel etc.)

[Vichel]

Hard to answer this question as it depends on the individual, their needs, wants, lifestyle. I don't know how many times I've seen current affairs reports, and newspaper articles, on people moaning about the cost of living, yet they're not exactly cutting back on the unnecessary goodies either.

Whenever they do those "typical shopping basket" surveys here, Perth always come out on top for most expensive. Although when I look at the contents of this "typical shopping basket", I often think ... yuk!

We compared grocery prices when we were back east last year. Fish in Geelong was cheaper, substantially so in some cases, than here in Perth, even for seafood caught closer to Perth than Geelong. Fruit & veg prices in the Queen Vic markets, were also substantially cheaper than Perth. As were cheeses and cured meat products and imported ethnic foods (most gets imported into Melbourne, then shipped from there, so no wonder).

It takes a bit of effort and time to save money. Basmati rice, like all around the world, has shot up in price. I buy it at the Indian food shop, in big bags and save a lot. Same for a lot of spices, and not just Indian ones. Asian food shops also have great prices for certain things. We have weekend markets that can offer big savings too. Butchers who have specials, so you plan your menu around their specials. Problem is, that takes time and some driving around. Perth is very spread out, huge in physical size. A new market's opened up in the northern suburbs - Drover's Markets, which has fruit & veg, meats & seafood. Some good prices. Convenient if you don't want to drive all over the city.

Our car prices are higher. My son bought his car in Sydney and shipped it here. Saved almost $2000. Friends bought their new 4WD in Queensland, flew there and drove it back. Saved $4,000. We have the highest, or 2nd highest stamp duty on houses (like a "provincial" sales tax). And our house prices aren't cheap either, even if they have come down a bit. Rents are also very high.

[Spindle]

How about the Sydney area?
Does it have a lower cost of goods due to population proximity?

oh hell no. Sydney is up there with New York in terms of high costs of living.

Probably one of the most expensive things you'll find which also has a high variation from place to place is rent or housing, so keep an eye on that. Central coast queensland will probably have vary cheap housing but also very poor paying jobs. The price of goods aren't just about proximity but also business competition.

[Trimac20]

Country areas tend to be more expensive in terms of most things. I don't think state to state varies much.

[koyaanisqatsi]

Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia. No doubt. Cost of living is very high.