money is always going to be an issue regardless of where in the world people live, alot of people run around jaded by the fact the uk is amazing and cheap or australia is this magical land of sun sea and fun. both are true depending on what you wish to gain out of life, yes people that are pro either or are going to be more defensive. your basically messing with peoples ideal view or dream of a place, but for the many people jaded by the beauty or lure of a place they wish to live etc, they will seek out the best places to shop and live within their means to make their view of said chosen place a reality and not moan about the cost, the weather etc. if it is what you really want you will find a way to achieve the life you have imagined, get what you want. cost is based on your perspective on life, if you measure life as an expensive pair of jeans, the best milk in the shop because the advert says so, then that is your choice. if its the cheap jeans, next best milk, and a little extra saved, then that is your choice. its not a race to have the best the biggest and the most expensive, its more what you did with your time while you got to where you want to go.