The cost of living burns back as he asks how people survive

The delicate balancing act many are walking just to survive amid runaway inflation has been exposed in a social media thread responding to a returning expat’s shock at prices in Australia.

Reddit user jiggjuggj0gg’s post generated 1600 responses, many of which confided in their own struggle to make ends meet or how runaway costs have forced them to give up their life goals.

“Thanks to the pandemic, I’ve just returned to Aus after three years,” the post reads.

A shock for returning expats about the high prices in Australia, such as B. $10 beer during ‘happy hour’ prompted him to question how people survive (stock image shown).

A stunned expat Reddit user appeared to find everything in Australia to be twice as expensive as it was pre-Covid

“Everything is about twice as expensive. Some things are just ridiculous, outrageously expensive.

“I saw a round of miniature golf for $40. Happy hour beers are $10 (otherwise $15+). And don’t get me started on the accommodation.

“I know wages are pretty high here, but… not that high?

“How on earth are you guys surviving out here? I was planning to stay for about a year but I really don’t know if I can afford it.”

Many of the answers were brutally honest.

“How on earth are you guys surviving out here? Very many of us aren’t,” said one Reddit user.

‘Yes. I mean when someone goes through CBD it’s pretty obvious,” replied another.

Some were asked to share similar horror stories about amazing prizes.

“I took my two daughters bowling the other day and it cost me over $100 for the three of us to play two games each a drink and chips,” said one commenter.

Some admitted they spoke of walking a tightrope for survival.

“I’m fine, but what groceries used to cost about $40 a week is now about $120,” replied another.

“My insurance has increased by 40% in 2 years. Rent 55%. I have cut ALL voluntary expenses even though I work full time and make decent money. I won’t even treat myself to a drink at the servo anymore. It’s like, what’s the point. I spend 99% of my free time at home.”

“It’s going to be difficult,” replied another.

A number of Reddit users came forward with helpful household tips on frugal living

“Our weekly grocery shopping was $320 last week and my partner cried in the car on the way home. If I couldn’t do extra overtime when I needed it, I don’t know what we would do. ‘

There has been some debate as to whether being single or a couple was better economically, with some admitting that until now they have not been able to afford to pursue a social life.

“I stay home, stay single, stay hungry and it mostly works,” read one response.

“I can only afford a roof over my head right now because I’m a couple,” said another.

Some people admitted they gave up the “great Australian dream” of home ownership because they felt it was financially unattainable

One person admitted that she was forced to return to a domestic violence situation for economic reasons.

“I can’t (survive),” said the Reddit user.

“Left of domestic violence relationship with children only to be threatened with homelessness so went back for a while.

I ended up buying a cheap (still a few thousand) caravan and am now living on the street with my two children under the age of two.

“It’s cheaper than renting and I don’t have to deal with landlords. Things are still a struggle, but sometimes I have savings, which is nice.

According to the latest numbers, there appears to be little relief in sight for those suffering from a bill shock as inflation is still roaring

Some said they had bid farewell to the “great Australian dream” of home ownership because they felt it was out of reach.

“Housing is so unaffordable that people literally don’t care about their savings or debt,” said one.

“There is no point in preserving if there is nothing to preserve.”

“I have just given up all prospects of owning a home or having children, which I listed as my main goals in life five years ago,” wrote another.

“It’s incredibly demoralizing to know that I also have almost nothing to look forward to, so I might as well spend my life savings and enjoy what I can.”

Others also admitted that the prospect of a family was slipping away.

“I make my own coffee or rely on the Nespresso coffee machine for my work. I buy and/or make my own snacks ahead of time like apple pie, orange sorbet, scones, bread etc. I cook my own dinners.

“I walk home several nights a week instead of paying for public transport.

“I have my own tub garden with herbs, fruit and vegetables.

“To this day I can’t afford to date, get married or have kids, so I’m not even trying anymore.

“I have a postgraduate education and a full-time middle management job. Also a mortgage.’

The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ monthly consumer price index showed that inflationary pressures remain strong, with housing being the largest contributor to the November figures

A number of people provided practical advice.

“Staying hungry won’t help you mentally or physically, stock up on veggies, they’re dirt cheap, and five servings of meat won’t cost you much,” said one Reddit user.

“Pork is fairly inexpensive, as are slow-cooked, lower cuts of beef. Buy a whole chicken, divide and freeze for multiple meals. Staying at home is the biggest saver. Get online social games for a social solution.

‘Good luck in life happy my friend.’

A number of people admitted that they were now wasting their savings because buying a house seemed out of reach

Another user also contributed with a handy list of tips

“Shopping smart. I know the meat discount times at my local stores and regularly stock my freezer with 90% off meats,” they said.

“Coles and Woolies I go through all the half price promotions each week and buy enough to last a month or so. Buy only seasonal fruits and vegetables.

“I rarely eat out, and when I’m too lazy to cook, I find deals. Doordash recently had a 40% discount – do this with pickup instead of delivery and you’ll get cheap takeout. Thrifty feeds are your friend.”

There appears to be little price relief on the way as 12-month to November inflation bounces back to 7.3 percent after a softer reading in October.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ monthly consumer price index showed that inflationary pressures remain strong, with housing being the largest contributor to November readings.

Housing costs rose 9.6 percent in the 12 months to November, food and beverage prices rose 9.4 percent and transportation rose nine percent.