BSN

Hi, new user here. I am looking at re-locating to Perth with my wife & 3 kids. We don't live the high life, but don't want to be skint as well. I know it seems like a lot of cash - but will we do Ok for renting a decent 4 bed house & everything that goes with a family of 5 for $130k plus sup & LAFHA. I am estimating spending $600 or so week on rent - will we get a nice pad?? I hear cars are quite expensive. Also how far can we go out NOR and SOR if I have to commute to CBD as we want some "elbow room" if we can get it, but I don’t want to be sat in traffic all day long.

Any help would be great
Thanks

elmtree

Hi and welcome to BE.

$130K is a good salary IMO. $600 PW will get you a really nice pad with a pool in a nice area.

Do some homework on areas. My advice would be to book a holiday rental for 2 or 3 weeks and in that time have a really good look around at areas you fancy.

Do you have kids ? If so, what age ?

Will you be working in the CBD ?

These things will influence your final choice.

BSN

Great stuff thanks, I wasnt sure about the rental amount so that is encouraging. Have three kids so need to be near schools & fun places etc, but also need to get to CBD for my work.

BSN

anyone else give me some comfort on this please? I have three kids so will be claiming the full LAFHA living allowance as well as rent, that is what I am told I can do anyway.........Anyone else out there currently in Perth in a similar situation?

Alfresco

I'm not in Perth, but it sounds like you are on the right track (realistic) as far as living expenses are concerned in Oz.

HelenTD

Should we post info about Perth on your thread, or on Jason's?

BSN

either thanks, will keep track of both...any help appreciated. Can I get into the CBD Ok if living further out, such as Joondalup - how long will that take me? It seems I could get an OK place there and possibly a pool for the kids on circa $650 per week.

jimbo_d

Don't bother with Joondalup, $650 a week will get you a nice pad much closer to the city and in a far superior suburb. Take a look on realestate.com.au for what you can get.

northernbird

Have your employer said they will pay you LAFHA, it isn't a given.

BSN

Hi, yes they have - full amount that I am entitled to I believe. I assume this should make things easier for me.

northernbird

It will but just remember that if you like it here and you want to stay then as soon as you apply for PR you lose your LAFHA. Don't over extend yourself on your living costs based on LAFHA just in case you have to lose it.

BSN

yep, I realise that & heard about the pain when people go PR. Do you have a family, will this level of salary be OK for the "big move" do you think?

kips

Up until I visited Perth 2 weeks ago for 5 days I would have said $130,000 was a good salary but for a family of 5 it ain't much. I'd like to know which areas close to the city - closer than Joondalup - you can get a rental with a pool for $600 in a nice area for a family of 5 with good schools ?