A $6 cabbage shocks everyone at first.

But here’s the real question:

Are you comparing prices — or earning rights?

Most people calculate Australia using the wrong currency.

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Stop Converting. Start Comparing Income.

When you multiply every price by 4.5 or 5, Australia looks extreme.

But what currency are you earning?

Public data shows:

• Urban China average annual income ranges roughly between RMB 69,000–124,000 depending on sector.
• Australia’s average full-time weekly earnings exceed AUD 1,900, often translating to annual incomes above AUD 100,000 depending on industry.

AUD 100,000 is not unusual in Australia.

And cost only makes sense inside the income system that supports it.

Don’t compare cabbage prices. Compare earning structures.

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What Actually Costs More?

Labour-intensive goods are expensive.

• Fresh leafy vegetables
• Haircuts
• Repair services

Why?

Because minimum wages are high.

Meanwhile, resource-based and industrial goods remain relatively accessible:

• Chicken around AUD 10/kg (region dependent)
• Petrol around AUD 2 per litre (market dependent)
• Many global brands follow international pricing models

Property prices are high in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

However, price-to-income ratios often fall within a mid-single-digit range depending on location, while some major Chinese cities exceed that significantly.

First-home concessions may apply in certain states, subject to policy at the time.

The key is structure — not sticker shock.

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The Real Model: High Income, High Cost

Australia operates on a compressed income distribution model.

• Retail wages may sit around AUD 25 per hour.
• Skilled trades can earn several thousand per week depending on experience.
• The national minimum wage equates to roughly AUD 900+ per week.

High prices are sustained by high wages.

That’s not imbalance.

That’s structure.

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The Migration Variable

Here’s where most people miss the point.

Without work rights → you only see prices.

With valid work rights → you enter the income system.

With permanent residency → you access local tuition rates, equal tax treatment, and unrestricted employment.

Australia isn’t expensive.

Being on the wrong visa can be.

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Before You Decide

If you’re considering Australia, ask:

• Is your occupation aligned with skilled pathways?
• Can your English support local employment?
• Do you understand the difference between temporary status and PR?

Migration decisions are income decisions.

Not exchange-rate decisions.

If you’re unsure where you stand,

DM us and we’ll guide you through the next step.

📅 Book a Consultation: https://www.riverwoodmigration.com/consultation-info

‍💼 Speak with a Migration Lawyer: enquiry@riverwoodmigration.com‍

💬 Chat with Johnny: https://linktr.ee/johnny_lawyer

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Disclaimer

This article is based on publicly available data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and China’s National Bureau of Statistics. Figures are general averages and do not constitute financial or legal advice. Individual circumstances vary.