Could you please give me a breakdown on the cost of living index or
whatever it is on how much it costs to live in New Jersey compared to
living in Brighton and Hove in Sussex, south of London? It's more
expensive to live in this part of England I am sure, but is there any
way of analysing just how much more money you need to live a decent
life here compared to there? For instance, does a pounds' worth here
buy a dollars' worth there? If not - how would a comparison go?

The cost of living in the south of England is considerably higher than
in the U.S.  $1 is currently the equivalent of 57 pence.  A house in a
?decent? area costs upwards of £280,000/$490,000.  Some examples of
grocery costs etc are:

Milk (4 pints) - £1.11
Bread (400g loaf) - 75p
Butter (250g) - 82p
Eggs (carton of 6) - 98p
Sugar (750g) - 79p
Newspapers - 50p
Drinks in a café/bar:   Beer per pint - £2.50
			Wine per glass - £3.50 
			Coffee - £1.20
			Soft drinks - £1.00
			Tea - 70p
Meal in a restaurant - From £8.00
Petrol per litre - 94p
Cinema ticket - £7.50

I realize that you?re seeking a more in-depth analysis but thought the
info might in some way be helpful.

Hi Pearl

As a resident of Hove, I can tell you that you live in one of the most
expensive places on earth.

EVERYTHING is cheaper in other countries.

Take petrol, for example, we are supposed to be an oil producing
country and yet our petrol is the most expensive anywhere.

Just look at the number of Brits who are selling up and going off to
live elsewhere, more comfortably (financially).

Me? I've travelled everywhere and some time ago I ran a plant in New
Jersey (among other places). Not really the place I would want to live
whatever the cost advantage. (Given a choice, I would prefer Baghdad.)

I was born and bred in Oldham (Lancashire) but I have chosen to live
in Hove, the very best place in the world and it's worth every penny
of the extra cost.

Just think where else would you: 

* Find 1½ piers?

* Be able to rub shoulders with Paul MacCartney?

* Be able to ignore Zoe Ball and Slimboy Fat?

* Be able to live near me?

Enjoy!

Bryan of Hove

Bryan of Hove....

Is Paul a neighbour of yours?

If so, when can I come for a visit??

Steph53 of Cold Canada

Yes, steph, Paul really lives nearby.

Come anytime!

Thank you so much indyiansumr - 57p to the dollar sounds about right
and just what I needed.

I don't think having Sir Macca for a neighbour counts for much, but
Brighton and Hove is a great place, just too expensive...