Some great points on here, i'm not sure if the UK will become as expensive as Oz but then I suppose it does depend on where in Oz you plan on living just like in the UK.
I've been researching my costs for living in Perth and based upon what I expected to earn everything seemed rosy, however, I can't find a job in Oz that is paying the wage for me at my level to have the equivalent lifestyle as I do in the UK.
I've sought info from friends and family in Oz (2 lots of friends moved in the last year both to Perth then 1 left Perth for Qld). The family have been out there for 7 years and are doing well living in Qld with 2 incomes.
One friend in Perth with his family seems quite coy about how they are getting on although I do think they are doing ok. The other friend left Perth for Queensland due to not being able to find work in Perth and finding it in Qld, I got a text from him this morning detailing how much money he went through whilst living in Perth for 5 months with no work, it was eye watering and really did worry me.
Like everything though I have had to pick through the details, different people live different lifestyles and that's where one size does not fit all, the mate in Perth has probably rationalised the family outgoings and seem to be doing more 'free' family activities but they are having more quality family time.
The mate who moved to Qld is a young engineer and was probably mixing in those circles and trying to 'network' socially a few times a week (with no income).
All I know is that in the UK I can currently own my own home and drive a nice car and have over £700 a month disposable income. Based upon my research for an equivalent income in Australia (I'm estimating equivalent, any more will be a bonus) I would be left with $300-$400 left at the end of the month, I won't own my own home and the car would certainly spec'd down. My costs are based on Perth prices, Queensland I would be a little better off.
It's opened my eyes to what I can and can't afford over there. Will it stop me emigrating..........................................................I really don't know.
As for some of the other points:
£15 for a burger and chips in Liverpool, I was in Liverpool One 2 weeks ago and paid £8.50 for the same.
The Tory Government have just guaranteed that by the time the Nuclear power station, funded by the French and Chinese, comes on line, my domestic electricity charges will have doubled in the UK, regardless of how the electricity is generated.
Competition in the UK energy market has been monopolised by the big 6 and no Government will do anything about it. Why? Because like so many other 'big profit industries' they are an integral part of our pensions and investments, so those that 'have' will always 'have', the 'have nots' will continue to pay for the 'have's' through ever increasing prices.
I do pose a question though, why do a lot of us Brits judge the cost of living anywhere in the world by the price of a pint?
