What does it cost?

One of the most common question we get when talking to people back home is - What are prices like in Aussie? So then let's take a look at the cost to fill up the fridge and some other costs. Speaking about fridge, have you ever heard about an esko? "When you go to the beach be sure to bring your esko" is a typical aussie phrase. Esko = kylväska. I think it's from the beginning a brand same way as Thermos.

But now back to the fridge. How much does it cost to fill it up? After 6 months we have quite good statistics and our grocery budget is about 20% higher than in Sweden which I think corresponds quite well to the general feeling. However there are differences between food types
- Beef is cheaper (This is a beef eating country)
- Chicken about same as in Sweden
- Pork slightly more expensive (About same as beef)
- Fish is expensive (Salmon double price!)
- Fruit and vegetables vary more than in Sweden but is more expensive than you could expect in a country where everything grows all year around. Potatoes is a confusing thing. Much more expensive.

Alcohol is surprisingly expensive. Everybody knows alcohol is very expensive in Sweden but the fact is it is not cheaper here. The difference is that you get quantity discount, sometimes 25% if you e g buy six bottles of wine. In fact you need the discount to come down to swedish prices.

Petrol is ridiculously cheap, half price to Sweden and rest of Europe. No surprise you see a lot of big thirsty 4WD utility cars.

Also the cars themselves are cheaper, especially the japanese and other asian makes.

Road tax and insurance are slightly more expensive.

Electricity and gas (yes most houses/apartments including ours have gas stoves and water heating) are like home.

Services in general are cheaper, e g you can get a haircut for $10=SEK60. I go to one of the inner city barbers and pay a high price, $30.

Eating out is slightly cheaper I would say, especially fast food. I will come back to australian food in another post

Accommodation costs vary of course a lot depending on location and city but in general apartment rents are higher. House prices however seem to be similar if you compare Brisbane - Gothenburg

Cheers