US v Aussie wages v cost of living

I visited and the cost of living is way higher.If it was not for having stayed with a friend I couldn't have afford to visit.I make less and less each year cause of escalating fuel,tyre,and maintenance and same gross but less net.I have my home paid for and similar homes in my area range from 125,000 to 300,000 bucks.Local jobs don't pay much(12 to 18 hr) but you can get a bunch of hrs and work like a dog in the oilfield