I disagree and agree with some of the points above. But that’s life right.
So my story is that I grew up in Sydney and now for the past 2 years have been working in the Bay Area (SF) as a Software Engineer. In a nutshell for a working professional USA is the place to be. Lifestyle, I will stick with Sydney.
Here’s a quick snippet of what I found:
a. As a Software Engineer I make more $$$ here then in Sydney. Also the “fun” working conditions here rock and the talent you get to bump heads with is super.
b. Tax is lower by 2% for me and gets better when I claim jointly. If I have kids it gets better.
c. Living here is CHEAPER.
d. Food is cheaper. I buy fresh organic produce at farmers markets for the same price I would have in Woolies processed foods in Sydney. Thus I am more healthier and feel better. Plus so much more choice.
e. Petrol (Gas) is cheaper. Cheaper by 30% then in Sydney.
g. Cars also cheaper by 50%. You can get an E350 Merc for $60K vs. same one in Sydney for $125K.
f. Housing (rent) in Mountain View (heart of Silicon Valley) is identical to North Sydney (within 7km of city). Utilities are also cheaper by average of 50%.
g. Internet cheaper by 20-50% + unlimited data. Say what, unlimited. To an Aussie true unlimited is unheard of.
I disagree and agree with some of the points above. But that’s life right.
So my story is that I grew up in Sydney and now for the past 2 years have been working in the Bay Area (SF) as a Software Engineer. In a nutshell for a working professional USA is the place to be. Lifestyle, I will stick with Sydney.
Here’s a quick snippet of what I found:
a. As a Software Engineer I make more $$$ here then in Sydney. Also the “fun” working conditions here rock and the talent you get to bump heads with is super.
b. Tax is lower by 2% for me and gets better when I claim jointly. If I have kids it gets better.
c. Living here is CHEAPER.
d. Food is cheaper. I buy fresh organic produce at farmers markets for the same price I would have in Woolies processed foods in Sydney. Thus I am more healthier and feel better. Plus so much more choice.
e. Petrol (Gas) is cheaper. Cheaper by 30% then in Sydney.
g. Cars also cheaper by 50%. You can get an E350 Merc for $60K vs. same one in Sydney for $125K.
f. Housing (rent) in Mountain View (heart of Silicon Valley) is identical to North Sydney (within 7km of city). Utilities are also cheaper by average of 50%.
g. Internet cheaper by 20-50% + unlimited data. Say what, unlimited. To an Aussie true unlimited is unheard of.
The rest of this Aussie’s journey in the heart of Silicon Valley is documented here: http://www.theroadtosiliconvalley.com/
~ Ernest