Munchie would know pay scales for geeks better than me. No offense, I'm from the nerd tribe. As far as pay rates and exchange rates, throw all that conversions and comparisons out the window. You'll be paid in AU$, and shopping at Woolies. I'm used to year round, fresh California produce. Beautiful fruit and veggies, cheap. Here, you get what's on offer, and pay dearly. Petrol is over a dollar a litre, and going up. Cable TV is about $100. $100! Cars are way overpriced as well. From my experience at the IPB, I can tell you NSW drivers pay more in every way. And beer is expensive too. You can probably find cheap housing if you're single and share a flat, or have modest tastes. OK, before this becomes a rant, what I'm trying to get at is that the cost of living here is really high.

Call Americans spoiled if you want, but the scale of our economy allows us to enjoy lower prices on consumer goods, and our tax system keeps more money in our pockets. The government really doesn't do anything to encourage people to earn, save, or start a business. Everything it taxed to the hilt. It's too bad, as it's a beautiful country.