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Spoiled by kopitiam and hawker prices, Singaporeans often forget that our affordable food cost is one of the world's exceptions.

When cai fan is double your hourly wage

Singaporean Gilbert Zhuo felt the pinch of reality when he had to fork out AU$20.50 (S$18.30) for cai fan/cai png in Sydney.

@gilbertzhuo #caifan #sg #food ♬ original sound - Gilbert Zhuo

In a TikTok video posted on Mar. 20, the travelling Sinkie said, "Did you guys know that the cai fan in Australia costs about $20? And this is not inside CBD."

For those used to Aussie prices, this is just another lunch time.

If you pause the video to check out the other options on the menu, S$18 for cai png is nothing out of the ordinary.

Char kuay teow there costs AU$18 (S$16).

Same goes for "Singapore Noodles". Whatever that is.

We can only hazard a guess as to how much the laksa on the right costs.

More atrocious prices

Zhuo's adventures across Sydney has probably been burning a hole in his pocket.

In another video from his "SG to Sydney" series, he reveals that a 600ml bottle of mineral water costs S$3.

@gilbertzhuo #australia #sg #food ♬ original sound - Gilbert Zhuo

Want a loaf of bread from 7-Eleven? That'll be S$6, please.

@gilbertzhuo #7eleven #sydney #singapore ♬ Lofi Vibes - Gentle State

A Mothership reader also once bought a plate of plain fried economy bee hoon in Melbourne for S$9.

For more reference, a popular Malaysian chain in Australia, Ho Jiak, also serves up local delights at even higher price points.

The cost of nasi lemak there ranges from AU$22-47 (S$20-42) and their Hainan Chicken Rice is priced at AU$31 (S$28).

Cost of living in Australia

If you're living in Sydney, food prices won't be the only thing keeping you up at night.

Despite being one of the most liveable cities in Australia, Sydney is notorious for also being the most unaffordable.

Rent for a studio apartment within convenient distance from work and the city, for instance, can range anywhere from AU$300-600 (S$270-540) per week.

With the recent influx of international students following the opening of China's borders, these prices are only going up.

Justified?

Some commenters on Zhuo's video said that the prices are actually acceptable.

Portion size is one factor to consider, as someone pointed out that the food is usually enough to cover two meals.

@gilbertzhuo Replying to @badguy_c137 #caifan ♬ original sound - Gilbert Zhuo

People in Australia also earn more than Singaporeans (let's forget about their doubled income tax rates for the sake of the argument).

According to the country's Fair Work Act implemented in 2009 and reviewed yearly since, Australia's National Minimum Wage dictates that people working in Australia must earn a minimum wage of AU$21.38 (S$19) per hour.

Clocking in on weekends typically yields at least 150-175 per cent more in hourly pay.

So, these shocking Aussie prices are probably just all relative.

Nevertheless, next time you're overseas and are hit by a bout of homesickness, maybe just read Mothership instead.

At least we're free.

Top images via Gilbert Zhuo