Australia, Melbourne Cost of Living April 2010

Country Full Name: Commonwealth of Australia.

Location: Australia is in Oceania, a continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean.

Country Climate: Generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north.

Country Terrain: Mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast.

Major Languages: English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 21.6 million (2008 est.) 21.9 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Australia is a prosperous, free market economy dominated by its services sector, representing 68% of Australian GDP. The agricultural and mining sectors (10% of GDP combined) account for 57% of the nation's exports.

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).

Country Inflation: 4.4% (2008 est.) 1.6% (2009 est.).

City: Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and is the second most populous city in Australia.

City Economy: Melbourne is home to Australia's busiest seaport and much of Australia's automotive industry, which include Ford and Toyota manufacturing facilities, and the engine manufacturing facility of Holden. It is home to many other manufacturing industries, along with being a major business and financial centre.

Cost of Living:

Melbourne has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Melbourne is currently ranked 37 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more information on Australia, Melbourne, Cost of Living