The precarious tightrope many are walking just to survive amid out-of-control inflation has been laid bare in a social media thread responding to a returning expat's shock at the prices in Australia.  

Reddit user jiggjuggj0gg's post has generated 1600 replies with many confiding their own struggle to make ends meet or how runaway costs have forced them to abandon life goals.

'I’ve just come back to Aus after three years thanks to the pandemic,' the post reads.

'Everything is about double the price. Some things are just laughably, outrageously expensive.

'I saw a round of mini golf for $40. Happy hour beers are $10 ($15+ otherwise). And don’t get me started on accommodation.

'I know wages are fairly high here but… not that high? 

'How on earth are you guys surviving out here? I was planning on staying a year or so but I genuinely don’t know if I can afford it.'

Many of the responses were brutally honest. 

'How on earth are you guys surviving out here? A great many of us aren't,' one Reddit user said.

'Yes. I mean, if anyone walks through the CBD it’s quite obvious,' another replied.

Some were prompted to tell similar horror stories of mind-boggling prices.

'I took my two daughters bowling the other day and it cost me over $100 for the three of us to play 2 games, a drink each and chips,' one commenter said.

Some admitted they were talking a tightrope of survival. 

'I’m doing okay, but what used to cost about $40 per week in groceries now costs about $120,' another replied.

'My insurance has increased 40% in 2 years. Rent 55%. I’ve cut ALL discretionary spending, even though I work full-time and make decent money. I won’t even treat myself to a drink at the servo anymore. It’s kind of like, what’s the point. I sit at home 99% of my free time.' 

'It’s getting tough,' another replied.

'Our weekly grocery shop came to $320 last week and my partner cried in the car on the way home. If I couldn’t work extra overtime when I needed I don’t know what we would do. '

There was some debate over whether it was economically better to be single or in a couple, with a number admitting they couldn't afford to date or have a social life.

'I stay home, stay single, stay hungry and it mostly works,' one reply read.

'The only way I can afford a roof over my head right now is because I’m in a couple,' another said.

One person admitted they had been forced to return to a situation of domestic violence because of economic necessity. 

 'I can’t (survive),' the Reddit user said.

'Left a domestic violence relationship with kids only to be threatened with homelessness so went back for a bit. 

Ended up buying a cheap (still a few thousand) caravan and am now living on the road with my two kids under two. 

'It is cheaper than renting and I don’t have to deal with landlords. Things are still a struggle but sometimes I have savings too which is nice.'

Some said they had said goodbye to the 'Great Australian Dream' of owning their own house because they thought it out of reach.

'Housing is so unaffordable so people literally don't give a sh*t about their savings or debt,' one said.

'There's no point conserving when there's nothing to conserve.'

'I have just given up on any prospects of owning a home or having kids which 5 years ago I had listed as my main goals in life,' another wrote. 

'It is incredibly demoralising knowing I have almost nothing to look forward too so I might as well just spend my savings and enjoy what I can.'

Others also admitted the prospect of family was slipping away.

'I make my own coffees or rely on the coffee Nespresso machine at my work. I buy and/or make my own snacks in advance such as apple pies, orange sorbet, scones, bread, etc. I cook my own dinners.

'I walk home several evenings a week instead of paying for public transport.

'I have my own container garden of herbs, fruit and vegetables.

'I cannot afford to date, marry or have any children so I don't even try anymore.

'I have a post-graduate education and a full-time job in middle-management. Also a mortgage.'

A number of people weighed in with practical tips. 

'Staying hungry isn't going to help you mentally or physically, stock up on veggies, they're dirt cheap, and five serves of meat isn't going to cost much,' one Reddit user said.

'Pork is pretty cost effective, same as slow cooked, lower tier cuts of beef. Buy a whole chicken and part it out then freeze it for multiple meals. Staying home is the biggest saver. Pick up gaming socially online for a social fix.

'Good luck with living happy my friend.'

Another user also chipped in with a handy list of tips 

'Shop smart. I know the meat markdown times at my local shops, and regularly fill my freezer with 90% off meat,' they said.

'Coles and Woolies I go through all the half price sales each week and stock up enough to last a month or so. Only buy seasonal fruits and veg.

'I rarely eat out, and if I’m too lazy to cook I find offers. Recently was getting 40% off Doordash - do that with pickup instead of delivery and you’re getting cheap takeaway. Frugal feeds is your friend.'

There appears to be little price relief on the way with inflation surging back to 7.3 per cent in the 12 months to November after a weaker read in October.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics' monthly consumer price index showed inflationary pressures remain strong, with housing the largest contributor to the November read.

Housing costs lifted by 9.6 per cent over the 12 months to November, food and beverage prices increased by 9.4 per cent and transport surged nine per cent.