Food Costs: Vietnam vs. Australia for Students
Planning to study in Australia? You're probably wondering, "How much will food cost over there?" 🤔 Especially coming from Vietnam, where delicious meals are famously affordable, the prices in Australia might just leave you utterly speechless! 😵💸
Today, let's dive into a comparison of food prices in Australia versus Vietnam. This will help you prepare mentally and pack wisely before you jet off! ✈️
Rice
As Vietnamese, many of you will want rice with every meal. In Vietnam, premium rice varieties like ST25 or Jasmine cost around 20-30k VND per kilogram. However, in Australia, you can expect to pay $2.5-$3 AUD per kilogram, which is roughly 40-50k VND. Interestingly, Asian or Vietnamese rice purchased at Asian grocers can be even pricier.
So, should you bring rice from Vietnam? 🤔 The answer is likely no! You can find rice at Australian supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, or at Asian markets. The quality is generally good, and the prices aren't exorbitant. Just find the brand you like!
Meats, Veggies, and Fruits
If pork is your go-to, you might be in for a bit of a shock as fresh pork in Australia is quite expensive. While pork in Vietnam is around 120k VND per kilogram, in Australia, fresh pork can cost upwards of $15 AUD per kilogram, translating to about 250k VND. On the flip side, Australian beef is often more affordable than pork, typically ranging from $20-$25 AUD per kilogram (350-450k VND), depending on the cut. So, if you dream of juicy steaks or stir-fried beef dishes, Australia might just be your paradise! 🥩🔥
When it comes to vegetables, some familiar greens like water spinach, choy sum, or amaranth can be found at Asian markets, but they come with a hefty price tag, around $4-$5 AUD per bunch (70-90k VND), compared to about 10k VND in Vietnam. However, Western vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and lettuce have prices that aren't drastically different. A little tip for long-term stays: consider growing your own vegetables at home to save money! 🌱
Beverages
Coffee lovers who enjoy that classic Vietnamese iced coffee might find themselves missing home! In Vietnam, a rich cup of coffee costs only about 15-20k VND. But in Australia, a latte from places like Starbucks or McCafe typically runs from $4.5-$5.5 AUD per cup (80-100k VND). To save money, many international students opt to bring G7 coffee with them or invest in a coffee machine for home brewing! ☕
Eating Out
Craving a bowl of Bun Bo Hue, Pho, or Hu Tieu? You can find Vietnamese restaurants in areas like Richmond or Springvale in Melbourne, or Bankstown and Cabramatta in Sydney. However, a bowl of Bun Bo Hue might set you back $15-$18 AUD (250-300k VND), a significant jump from the 50k VND in Vietnam.
On the other hand, if you opt for Western dishes like pasta, burgers, or fast food, the price difference might not be as stark. A pasta dish at an Australian restaurant often costs $20-$25 AUD (350-450k VND), while a McDonald's combo meal is around $12 AUD (200k VND). Therefore, cooking at home remains the most budget-friendly option! 🍽️
#ISB #GP
