Do not fall into that trap and simply look at the dollar amount. You cannot compare the two.. Cost of living is far higher. The tax is one the highest in the world and you pay for everything here. I just had to get CASA to simply email a copy of my medical to me and it cost $25. Not a large amount but a PITA when you consider the medical cost $200 and another $75 for CASA process the paperwork.

If this is something you want to do, I'd recommend getting in touch with a current REX pilot , through Pprune. At least then you'll have a far better idea of what you're letting yourself in for.

Also, don't think if you do end up down here, that you know how to fly. Because as far as the Australians are concerned you won't. Certainly not if you're American. After almost 9000 hours I was informed on my last sim that I'd been "taught" incorrectly how to do visual approaches, because I was looking outside. I sh!t you not!