The significantly lower cost of living has long been acknowledged as being a leading factor in peoples’ decisions to relocate from the UK to Australia and New Zealand.

However, recent research by foreign currency broker Foreign Currency Direct, has revealed that prices in the region are in fact even lower than many suspected.  

In general, the cost of living in Australia is 22 per cent below that of the UK, whilst New Zealand is an astounding 33 per cent cheaper than Britain.

The FCD offer the following examples of prices in the UK compared to those in Australia and New Zealand:
An average Ford Focus car costs £12,866 in the UK, compared with just £9,338 and £9,401 in Australia and New Zealand respectively.

A bag of groceries, containing staples such as bread, eggs and milk costs 23% less in Australia and 34% less in New Zealand. Global brands are also cheaper down under, with Starbucks charging just £1.10 in Australia for a cappuccino, compared with £2.12 in the UK.

FCD chief executive Peter Ellis stated, “coupled with an overall lower cost of living, and the promise of sun, sea and scenery, Australia and New Zealand are becoming increasingly attractive destinations for British expats.”