If you've been thinking the cost of life in Australia is killing you slowly, your instincts are correct. Australia has been listed as the most expensive country in the world for the fourth year in a row.
Deutsche Bank released its annual report, Mapping the World's Prices, which compares the cost of first-world essentials -- iPhones, Levi's jeans, beer and cigarettes -- in U.S. dollars in countries across the world. The U.S. ranks as the least expensive developed country. Yet, the gap between the U.S. and Australia has been narrowing.
A big night in Sydney, Australia will be relatively cheap with a standard beer in a neighbourhood pub costing $5.38, where as in New York it would be $7. But the cost of curing your hangover with the black doctor is gonna cost you. Sydney is the most expensive place to buy a two-litre bottle of Coca-Cola, followed by Zurich in Switzerland and then London.
If you need some new kicks, Australia isn't so shabby. A pair of Adidas Super Star 2 trainers will set you back $92.30, while in Germany -- where the Adidas HQ is -- and France, they cost $130. For a pair under fifty bucks, head for Brazil.
The South American country may be saving on sneakers but they are getting slammed with a tech tax. The iPhone 6 in Brazil is a whopping $1,254.00, compared to America where you can grab one for $650.00. The "Australia Tax" isn't as impacting here as some may believe, with $768.10 for the same model.
Australians have every right to keep complaining about public transport, as they easily have the most expensive cities in the world. There are always cars though, with the cost of a Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI at $26,739, which compared to Singapore's $112,818 total, it's a bargain.
Sydney is the eighth most expensive place in the world for a taxi, equal with London. Zurich and San Francisco top the list.
Health incentives are found in Australia. Gym memberships are roughly half of what you will pay in the New York business district, so there is no excuse to be unfit and cigarette prices are the highest in the world -- thanks to 70% government taxes.
For a weekend getaway, rule out Sydney, Paris and London as they are the most expensive due to high hotel room rates, while Mumbai and Delhi are the cheapest -- if you can handle the traffic.
The report is an in-depth look at where to take your next shopping holiday and why, as an Australian, you have every right to keep living from payday to payday. Pass the credit card.