Australian Cost of Living Compared to Singapore

Many say that the cost of living in Australia, if not the same, is even higher than that of Singapore's.
This may be true, but let me breakdown the costs into a few categories:

School:

There are 2 types of schools, a private school and a public school. For a private school, in Australia, it can be very expensive because the rate is not subsidized, from A$2,000 to A$15,000 per year. Very similar to the cost of studying in a private school in Singapore. On the other hand, in Australia, studying in a public school is highly subsidized. This is one of the push factors why my family decided to migrate to Australia, for my kids education.

Housing:

In general, the price of having a roof over your head in Australia and a roof over your head in Singapore will cost about the same price. Surprised? Let me tell you the difference. Buying an HDB flat in Singapore (with 4 or 5 bedrooms) is equivalent to having a landed property in Australia (with your own garage and a swimming pool!). If you want to move to a very popular area in Singapore, such as in Toa Payoh,  Ang Mo Kio, Bishan or Clementi, the price of living in a slightly better suburb in Australia is about the same.

Cars:

HUGE difference! If we are talking about the same car model, for instance, a brand new Toyota Corolla, in Singapore, you may spend $120,000 to get one. In Australia, you can get the same one at around $23,000. See the difference? It is because in Singapore, you need a Certificate of Entitlement that would cost about $100,000! That is like buying 4 brand new cars in Australia! My friend in Adelaide even bought a car for only $500. The price of petrol (fuel), in Australia is about the same, if not cheaper, of what it is in Singapore.

Health Care:

Australia has a very interesting health system called Medicare. Medicare is a federally funded system to ensure that everybody is entitle to the best of health care services. Compared to Singapore, Singaporeans living in Singapore are entitled to similar system except that you fund your own health care in the form of contributions, a mandatory thing. In Australia, health services is highly subsidized.

Food:

In Australia, food is more expensive I would say. There are certain things that are more expensive in Australia especially processed food. But if you will go to local farms in Australia, you will get it in a very cheap price.

Utility Bills:

The cost of electricity is slightly cheaper in Australia. You can save more because in Australia, you do not need air conditioning 365 days a year! I spend more with water because I have a garden in front of my house, unlike when I was in Singapore when I was living in hole in the air.

Electronics and Internet:

Gadgets and mobile devices are way cheaper in Singapore. Internet is faster in Singapore.

Shopping:

In my opinion, there are more shopping choices in Singapore. But in Australia, there are more online shopping websites that offer free delivery with cheaper item prices. I buy most of my clothes online, most of the are $9 each.

Conclusion:

I highly appreciate what we have back in Singapore. Very convenient transportation and extremely safe environment. But in Australia, there is more life. You can do more fun activities, and more importantly, have a good time with your family.