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James McCay

James is a devoted husband, father, and history buff. He studied Creative and Professional Writing at QUT, and is often buried in a book. He writes on a variety of topics, hoping to make a positive difference for readers through his writing.

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Stories by James McCay

Detailed view of gloved hands handling electronic components inside an open vehicle engine compartment.

13 Apr 2026 12:30

Study finds Australia has cheapest EV battery replacement globally

Written by James McCay, reviewed by Meredith O'Brien

Compare the Market’s research reveals a surprising win for Aussie motorists, with Australia ranked as the cheapest country to replace an EV battery out of warranty.

Coastal house overlooking rocky shoreline and ocean at sunset, with warm light reflecting on the water.

13 Apr 2026 12:16

Global index ranks Australia among the best countries for holiday homes

Written by James McCay, reviewed by Stephen Zeller

Australia has been named the second-best country in the world for a holiday home destination, according to new research from the home loan experts at Compare the Market.

Black-and-white profile view of a person exhaling a stream of vapor/smoke into a dark background.

13 Apr 2026 12:05

Study finds Australia leads global vaping crackdown

Written by James McCay, reviewed by Steven Spicer

New research from Compare the Market has revealed that Australia is leading the global fight against vaping.

A cartoon image of people in a pharmacy with a title card reading "Global Prescription Price Pain Index"

13 Apr 2026 11:08

Prescription Pain Index

Written by James McCay

Prescription affordability remains a problem globally, even in countries with universal healthcare. Discover prescription costs across the globe in this report.

a couple standing next to their blue EV while it recharges

13 Apr 2026 10:53

Battery evolution provides comfort as fuel prices soar

Written by James McCay, reviewed by Meredith O'Brien

EV batteries have grown in size and driving range. Compare the Market compares the EV battery evolution over time, and looks at whether larger EV batteries are more expensive to charge than smaller ones.

A family play in an indoor swimming pool beneath a sign reading “Cost of Running a Swimming Pool,” with two adults and a child in the water tossing a beach ball.

8 Apr 2026 14:07

Swimming Pool Cost Index

Written by James McCay

How much does it cost to keep a backyard pool running? We compare electricity prices by state to show you where swimming is the most affordable in the country.

a cartoon image of doctors and nurses in a hospital, with a sign behind them on the wall saying "Where healthcare Systems are best staffed"

2 Apr 2026 13:31

Healthcare Workforce Shortage

Written by James McCay

New research uncovers the healthcare workforce shortage across Australia and the US, comparing staffing levels, hospital wait times and doctor shortage by state.

a picture of an electric car being charged with a title card overlay reading "EV Battery Evolution"

2 Apr 2026 13:27

EV Battery Evolution

Written by James McCay

EV batteries have grown in size and driving range. Compare the Market AU compares the EV battery evolution over time, and looks at whether larger EV batteries are more expensive to charge than smaller ones.

Image of interconnected home interiors, including bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms, with people using furniture, electronics, and personal items, surrounding the headline “Contents Replacement Shock Index” to illustrate the value of household contents.

2 Apr 2026 10:38

Home Contents Replacement Exposure Index

Written by James McCay

Underinsured households can face greater challenges when replacing home contents after theft or damage. Discover which areas face the highest risk and how you can protect yourself.

A close-up illustrated view of a toll booth with a green car stopped at the barrier in front of a tall city skyline. Above the scene is a large sign reading ‘The Most Expensive Toll Roads Across the US and Australia.’

24 Mar 2026 12:54

The most expensive toll roads in Australia and the USA

Written by James McCay

We uncover where the most expensive toll roads are in Australia and the US. Read on to find out how toll road fees impact driving costs and why car insurance matters.

a house frame being constructed one the left, while a finished house for sale is on the right, with a brown background behind. Text at the bottom reads "The cost of building vs The cost of buying"

24 Mar 2026 10:03

Buying vs building – which is cheaper?

Written by James McCay

A new analysis from Compare the Market AU reveals the difference in house building costs vs buying an existing property in 26 cities across the world. See which cities are cheaper to buy in vs build.

A house with a “Gentrified Areas” sign, a sold sign, moving boxes, a person carrying boxes, a dog, and construction cranes in the background.

20 Mar 2026 13:07

Gentrification and up-and-coming areas index

Written by James McCay

Gentrification is accelerating, which poses both threats and opportunities for home buyers. Find out which US and Australian cities are seeing the biggest signals and what it means for buyers.

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