NRI couple finds better quality of life in Australia, but struggles with financial and lifestyle costs

• Despite the improved infrastructure and living conditions in Australia, the couple finds that the isolation, high cost of living, and limitations on their lifestyle have overshadowed the benefits

• For them, the quality of life in Australia has come at too high a price

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

In 2022, an NRI couple made the life-changing decision to leave Gurgaon, India, and relocate to Australia in search of a better quality of life. However, just two years later, they are already considering moving back. In a candid conversation with LiveMint, the couple revealed that while Australia provided them with an improved standard of living, it has also taken a toll on their savings and overall lifestyle.

A Higher Cost of Living

The husband, a tech professional, shared his perspective on the shift in their expenses after moving to Melbourne. “Australia is a more expensive country to live in compared to India. Here, we end up spending around 80% of our household income. Back in India, including rent, it was only about 30%,” he explained. The couple noticed the sharp increase in the cost of essentials such as vegetables and cooking oil, which have risen by 100-300% compared to prices in India.

While financial stress plays a significant role in their decision to return to India, the emotional and social aspects are also major factors. “Australia is a lonely country,” the husband admitted. “We miss our family and the sense of community we had in India. That’s a huge reason we want to go back.”

Lifestyle Adjustments

Their new life in Australia hasn’t just affected their finances—it has also required significant lifestyle changes. “We’ve had to cut back on holidays, dining out, and entertainment. It’s hard to justify those expenses here,” the husband remarked. Additionally, his wife, an HR professional, struggled to find a comparable job in her field. “There are far fewer opportunities in non-tech sectors, and employers often favor candidates with local qualifications and experience,” he said.

Due to these constraints, the couple feels their once comfortable lifestyle has been downgraded. “We’ve had to settle for less, and even then, we are not saving as much. Our life here is starting to feel unfulfilling,” the tech professional concluded.

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