When we moved over, we rented a big old apartment for about the same as we were paying for a fairly basic villa in sydney.

Some things are cheaper - mobile phones, internet access is about the same, alcohol is cheaper (but we don't drink much), very basic groceries, fresh fruit and veg is not necessarily more expensive. Cost of buying a second hand car seems cheaper too.

Everything else, assume 30% more....

Wow, didn't realize there was that much difference.

Oh I miss Target. Why can't they build one of those in Konstanz?!? Imagine the big aisles, bright red carts, massive selection, cute little target dog advertisements that greet you everywhere...

Back on topic, I'm impressed with how well all of you shop. I'm single and commit all the errors... last minute shopping, leftover eggs, shopping on an empty stomach.