Sydney is a Bargain!

4 words that I never thought I would utter.

Cost of Living
1.	Moscow
2.	Seoul
3.	Tokyo
4.	Hong Kong
5.	London
6.	Osaka
7.	Geneva
8.	Copenhagen
9.	Zurich
10.	Oslo
10.	New York
12.	St. Petersburg
13.	Milan
14.	Beijing
15.	Paris
15.	Paris
17.	Singapore
18.	Dublin
19.	Sydney
20.	Shanghai

But it's true! A recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald valiantly attempts to illustrate how, in comparison to other desirable and popular metropolitan destinations, Sydney provides surprisingly affordable food, education, and housing, according to a report published by Sydney Chamber of Commerce.

Family and friends ask me about this all the time. "Is it cheaper in Sydney?" "What are home prices like?" "Is gas expensive there?" (I haven't the heart as of yet to gently remind them that the true and accurate name is petrol. But I also haven't figured out Celsius yet. All in time ...)

I, perhaps like many Sydneysiders, was skeptical about such matters. I have filled my car's gas (petrol?) tank, I have dined out on the weekends, I have been apartment and house hunting. None of these activities would have ever lead me to the conclusion that Sydney is relatively cheap on a global scale. Yet, when I seriously contemplate the cost of that precious liter of fuel, or that fresh nigiri sushi, or that highly coveted plot of land supporting a 3 bedroom 2 bath haven of peace and solitude, the skepticism eludes me...

In the States (in California/Bay Area anyway), you would be considered lucky as a Lottery winner to find a habitable home, a fixer-upper, for the equivalent of 1 million Australian dollars. If you want land, and a pleasant neighborhood, and multiple conveniences nearby, tack on another hundred thousand or so. (Note: Recent articles in San Francisco news reveal that although housing sales have declined steadily for 14 straight months, prices are still going UP. (Come on over to Sydney, y'all!!)

Although the price of fuel in the States is cheaper per se, one could speculate that the inherent cost is significantly greater than in Sydney. Looooong commutes in horrendous traffic, an inability to relinquish the once revered but often maligned SUV/Gas Guzzler, and the stress that will inevitably accompany both. Public transport here is far from perfect as may will attest to, but higher prices encourage people to utilize it, thus using less gas and resulting in less incredulity at the idiocy of traffic jams. (Isn't Sydney lookin' GOOOD??)

Sushi rolls are cheap cheap cheap!! Being a very enthusiastic foodie, I have been pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive most common food items are, whether it's a cape seed loaf at the local Baker's Delight, or a liter of milk at Coles (grocery chain), or even produce at Woolworths. Similarly, I have never experienced sticker shock while dining out; rather, the cost of entire meals might actually be cheaper than the arm and leg one might be forced to pay at well known establishments in the good ol' US. (Foodies rejoice!!)

"Sydney has consistently shown itself to be one of the cheapest global cities to live in," claims the Chamber of Commerce report. But even if your desire is just to sample a sliver of life down under, Sydney will amaze, delight, and never disappoint. Stick with the nigiri and you'll be just fine.