Migrant Update on Melbourne
29 January 2010Back from a couple of weeks in Melbourne. The basic details as I saw them are ….
a. Costs
Some things are more expensive than the UK (especially at the poor exchange rates), some things are cheaper. Overall I’d say that Melbourne has similar living costs to the UK. As with everywhere the locals (my sister included) seemed to knwo where to go to get cheaper things in some areas. Clothes are pretty expensive in my experience. Tailored mens shirts were $179 in CBD Melbourne, where my regular Charles Tywitts are only £50. Overall – about the same costs though.
b. Housing
Housing in Melbourne seems to me to be seriously expensive in nice suburbs. We ended up buying a nice 3 bed flat in St Kilda Rd for $620k. To me this is cheap compared to buying a flat in a similar position in London (backing onto a park etc). BUT houses in “suburbs” like Brighton are I think very overpriced. I also don’t understand how people actually afford them with salary levels being what they are. Overall – I think the market in these types of houses will correct at some point soon.
c. Salary Levels
Don’t seem to me to be a lot different. I’ll be on a good salary and the job is very challenging. Even if it doesn’t work out, it means I’ll have a better couple of lines on my CV. The idea of salary packaging is quite daunting, but being able to get a couple of cars on lease without a down payment or any commitment is superb. I’ll see how it goes when I really understand it – for which you need professional advice I believe.
d. Schools
Went to some private schools – and they seemed every bit as good as UK private schools. I don’t know about the state sector (apart from my wife teaching in it) but the private schools were clean with very articulate staff and superb facilities. Fees are abou tthe same as the UK – $20k for the year. But in the UK fees are rising really quickly now due to the recession.
e. Recession
Doesn’t seem to have had much affect on what used ot be called white collar jobs. Reminds me a bit of the last recession in the UK. Tradies suffering a little bit but I didn’t see too many signs of it in the CBD. My nephew is a sparky and he has as much work as he wants. The UK recession if far from over, and in my opinion will be a lot worse next year when public sector cuts start hitting and tax rises have to be implemented. Australia is clearly doign better than the UK.
f. Other things
Train fares. Family of 4 to MK in peak hour – £140. Same distance to Melbourne, also in peak hour $36. Hm. Approx 1/10th of the price.
Arts/culture. Melbourne has some, and you can afford to go to it. London has a huge amount more, but who can pay the mental travel prices? Thus its left to the tourists.
Smiling. Seems to me more people smile in Melbourne than London.
Attitudes. I found (without exception) the service in shops etc to be absolutely great. MUCH less rude than in the UK.
Graffitti. Ten times as much in Melbourne than the UK. I shall campaign to have it emilinated. Its not even “Banksie” style, its just rubbish scrawlings.
Shopping. My wife said it was rubbish compared to the UK. So did my daughter. I shall bow to their experience.
Sports. Affordable to watch and plenty to play. $20 for a ticket to the MCG to watch an AFL match. Didn’t understand it, so I’ll get Foxtel and watch the Premiership (I’ll miss football big time). At a playing level there seemed to be a lot of sports and the kids seemed to be welcomed with open arms. My son had a try out for the local soccer team and was told he would be accepted and put forwards for State Rep immediately (he is with the Arsenal academy here).
Cars. New ones cheaper than the UK. Retain their value more from what I see.
Driving standards. Poor – dont even think of riding a motorbike.
TV. Absolutely shocking. Melbourne has cold weather for a few months so I imagine Foxtel is mandatory.
Booze. Very expensive. I don’t drink much so I don’t care much.
Crime. Didn’t see any – but don’t see a lot in the UK either. My guess is that its like any major city – don’t go to some suburbs.
Etihad Airline – absolutely excellent. Abu Dhabi airport is rubbish and overpriced, but the airline is great.
Lukeskywalker
Poms in Oz Australia
