The cost of living ...

Whilst we have been in the US we have found the cost of living to be significantly cheaper than in Perth.

Bear in mind that we are not paying land or water rates here, or electricity or gas expenses. Neither are we paying health insurance or incurring medical expenses. We have our own travel insurance, which is less expensive than if we were paying health insurance at home. (We have suspended our health insurance policies until we return to Australia.) I can't really compare health expenses but over the counter pharmaceuticals here are generally much cheaper.

The minimum weekly wage here is much less than in Australia; it varies from state to state and ranges from $7.25 to $9.10 per hour!
Sales tax rates also vary from state to state. Some states have little or no sales tax; some don't even have income tax!

As an example of some of the supermarket prices -


Beer                              $15.99       carton of 24 stubbies - Coors
Wine                              $  6.80       a nice red. Australian wines are also cheaper here than home.
Bacardi                          $19.99       1.75 ml bottle.

Milk                               $  2.49      3.78 litres
Eggs                               $  2.89      1 doz. (free range)
Brie cheese                     $  4.99      555 grammes
Fillet steak                      $  9.49      a 1lb; $20.87 a kg
Chicken breast                $  2.99      a 1lb; $6.58 a kg

Bananas                          $    .50      a 1lb; $1.10 a kg
Nectarines                       $   .88      a 1lb; $1.94 a kg
Tomatoes                        $ 1.99      a 1lb; $ 4.38 a kg
Potatoes                          $   .69      a 1lb; $ 1.52 a kg

(Gatorade - which we don't drink but which we couldn't help but be amazed at the price -1 litre $1.00)

As long as we keep enjoying a glass of wine and a beer we are doing just fine!!!


Gas/petrol                           .95 cents a litre
Rental cars                    $  9.99 a day. This is an Enterprise weekend special and they pick us up!