What is the cost of living difference between the US and Australia?

Question

My wife and I have decided that Australia is the place for us. I visited Perth a few years ago and have been wanting to move to Australia ever since. We have researched all major cities and are favoring Brisbane as the place we want to live. Now we have to figure out how to get there. Visas? Job? Cost of living? I am Canadian, wife is American, we live in Denver, Colorado. I am wondering if anyone knows if Brisbane cost of living is comparable to Denver.

Thanks!

You are correct, something to compare to would be useful.

In Denver approximately 10 Miles outside of downtown: 2 Bedroom Condo = ~$200K
3 Bedroom House = ~$250 - $450K

Mid size 4 Door Car - ~$15-$22K
Mid size SUV 4X4 - `$23K-$30K

Great answers so far - this is helping. Thanks

Answer 1

Cost of living is such a vague question.

Give us some specifics. Tell us the prices of individual items in the US and we'll give you the prices here.

e.g

Standard 3-bed house, 20 klms from the city - AU$500,000 and up.

New family car - AU$30,000 and up

State school - free
Visit to a doctor - free
Hospital treatment - free
(assuming you're a permanent resident of course)

Taxes - depends on your income. High income earner is up to 38% (approx). After that, you'll pay 10% federal tax (GST) on most non-food purchases.

Answer 2

iIt is a long drawn out process to immigrate to Australia. First of all, you should check to see if you can.

www.liveinaustralia.com and www.jobs.gov.au will give you a starting point.

For an idea on real estate in Brisbane if thats where you want to go, try www.domain.com.au or www.realestate.com.au.

If you have a job that is in demand here, usually skilled workers like bricklayers, carpenters or plumbers, you will have a better chance. Better still if you work for a company that will sponsor you in your field.

My suggestion when you get here is to travel a bit and work out exactly where you want to move to. Do this and rent as well which will give you an indication. Nowhere in Oz is as cold as what Denver is in winter. Hope this helps

Answer 3

For information about visas, check the department of Immigration site ate http://www.immi.gov.au

I don't know what prices are like in Denver but you might get some idea of Australian prices from the newspapers such as the Brisbane Courier Mail or the Sydney Morning Herald - both have web pages.

Answer 4

first of all - Libby, you're a legend :) Spot on! all of us comprehend lots related to the U. S. and that they comprehend so little approximately us. that's one considerable difference. permit's get yet another difficulty quickly - we are no longer a 0.33 international united states of america, we've each and all of the mod cons which you have, basically on a smaller scale. in accordance with the place you're thinking of shifting to would matter on the fee of residing, basically like interior the states. Australia is unquestionably the fortunate united states of america and you will see why whilst and in case you progression right here. i does no longer p.c. to stay everywhere else. it is desirable.