Working in Australia - Advice please

[bluebear]

I'm looking for a new job and have just seen a advert for a relevant job offering a 12-24 month contract in Melbourne, Aus....I am very tempted but...what is the cost of living like in Australia, the salary seems very small compared to my UK one.
Also, has anyone any idea about working visas - my husband is happy to move out there for a couple of years but we would need him to work too - would this be impossible if he didn't have sponsered employment?
Any advice would be welcome!

I lived and worked in Melbourne for a while bluebear but it was in 1988/1989 and things will have changed greatly since then. I seem to remember cost of living being about the same.
My sister emigrated to Melbourne July 2003 and I know that she would be happy to answer any of your questions if no one on Mumsnet can.
She was sponsored by the State of Victoria because of her job but her husband went with no work organised but got a job alomst straight away.

Thanks Mckenzie - I have found info on migrating to Aus but not on taking a job for a year or two...but then if the cost of living is similar to London I won't be able to take the job with the salary offered.

I believe that buying property is hugely expensive, but you wouldn't be doing that. Food and clothes are cheaper, as is petrol.

Why not apply and then work out whether you can afford to do it when you get the job?

There is no way that the cost of living in Melbourne is the same in England. You can live very inexpensively in Melbourne. The fresh produce markets are fantastic and very reasonable, telecommunications cheap and I find the cost of electricity and gas also very affordable.
Real estate has certainly gone up but compared to the UK I consider we get a lot more for our money.Renting is pretty reasonable and appartment living is hugely competative for the tennant as there is such a glut of city appts.
Melbourne is considered one of the most liveable cities in the world and it's very easy to see why.It's one of the most fantastic cities I've ever lived in.

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