Here’s a price comparison on similar goods from the US and Australia. I chose this array of items for their common, everyday nature. In some cases, I couldn’t find the exact same product, so I went with what was closest. I tried to convert the metric amounts to whatever US unit we use as well. Hopefully I got everything correct. Math is not my strong suit.
*The US prices are based on a Ralph’s in San Diego, CA. Amounts may vary slightly depending on where you call home. Same with exchange rates.
ESSENTIALS
| Item | US Price | AUS Price (Converted to USD) |
| Milk | $3.49 (1 Gallon) | $2.37 (.79 Gallon) |
| Water | $2.99 (Total = 405 fl oz) | $6.33 (Total = 487 fl oz) |
| Bananas | 59¢/lb | $1.08/lb |
| Generic Loaf of Bread | $1.19 | 90¢ |
Notes: The average water bottle is a tad bigger than what we’re used to. Same as a bottle of Coke below..
Observations: Bananas. Who would’ve thought? Once again, as was the case in NZ, bottled water is much pricier. You’re getting more but still. Not that much. My guess is that it’s because they’re so environmentally conscious that they’re factoring in a tax for the plastic.
EXTRAS
| Item | US Price | AUS Price (Converted to USD) |
| Bottle of Coke | $1.99 (20 fl oz) | $2.52 (20.28 fl oz) |
| Tub of Coffee Ground | $4.99 (11.3 oz) | $9.36 (10.58 oz) |
| My Expensive Deodorant | $9.99 | $6.48 (Non sale price $9.36) |
| 6 pack of Beer | $9.99 (72 fl oz) | $12.96 (76.08 fl oz) |
Notes: My expensive ass deodorant was $4 off. Nice. I’ve been on that cheap ish since my initial one finished up. I’ve had XXXX Gold before. The people I was drinking it with really ragged on it so I figured it was comparable to the ole BL.
Observations: Coffee is at least closer to our price than it was in NZ Still up there though. And Australia and NZ are really known for their strong and flavorful “craft” coffee. Perhaps they’re trying to deter people from the crappy grounds and go to a cafe to get the good stuff. I wouldn’t know since I don’t drink it.
Other than that, I’m kind of surprised by the beer price. It seems like there’s way more than a $3 difference. The US conversion rate is really helping that out. Maybe I’ll feel a little less bad buying one of them good 10 packs to take on my sailing excursion. That’s right. I said 10 pack. 6, 10, 24, 30 are the common increments. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯