Anyone Quitting Aus due to High Cost of Living
#226
Re: Anyone Quitting Aus due to High Cost of Living
Having said that it's accurate, I do think the salary and range quoted for ACT / AP Other looks low. I'd be really surprised if the top end of the range was accurate. Could be skewed by high numbers of government staffers though?
#227
Re: Anyone Quitting Aus due to High Cost of Living
How does the COL compare in Canberra to Sydney though (I really don't know), I'm contracting in Sydney for one of the big financial firms, and it feels expensive to me, I truly don't know how new arrivals cope on the average wage, unless they're willing to burn through their savings.
#228
Auntie Fa
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 7,344
Re: Anyone Quitting Aus due to High Cost of Living
How does the COL compare in Canberra to Sydney though (I really don't know), I'm contracting in Sydney for one of the big financial firms, and it feels expensive to me, I truly don't know how new arrivals cope on the average wage, unless they're willing to burn through their savings.
#229
Re: Anyone Quitting Aus due to High Cost of Living
On another note Paul, what made you go for the ACT? Was it a sponsorship thing, as most IT work I've seen advertised there was for citizens only due to govt security clearance, are you seeing opportunities for PR's?
#230
Re: Anyone Quitting Aus due to High Cost of Living
How does the COL compare in Canberra to Sydney though (I really don't know), I'm contracting in Sydney for one of the big financial firms, and it feels expensive to me, I truly don't know how new arrivals cope on the average wage, unless they're willing to burn through their savings.
I rented a really nice flat in the Shire about 4 years ago for $240 per week, in July 2010 when I was looking a flat came up in the same block for $380 a week!! That is some jump in price!!
#231
Banned
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,348
Re: Anyone Quitting Aus due to High Cost of Living
How does the COL compare in Canberra to Sydney though (I really don't know), I'm contracting in Sydney for one of the big financial firms, and it feels expensive to me, I truly don't know how new arrivals cope on the average wage, unless they're willing to burn through their savings.
We came here on ACT sponsorship to fast track our application. It's not a bad place to live but the limitation on jobs for PRs is a bit worrying. Thinking of taking a temp role for a while and finishng off my MS certification. That should help offset the disadvantage that non-citizens suffer here.
#232
Auntie Fa
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 7,344
Re: Anyone Quitting Aus due to High Cost of Living
The Geek says most software companies have a presence in Canberra - his certainly does - and they would be your best bet if you have relevant experience. Of course they'll have some projects requiring security clearance but not all.
(He's often down there seeing govt. clients and prospects.)
(He's often down there seeing govt. clients and prospects.)
#233
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,815
Re: Anyone Quitting Aus due to High Cost of Living
Yes, it is very expensive. It's definately a two wage earner kind of place to live.
As far as I can tell, property prices here are about the same as Sydney.
We came here on ACT sponsorship to fast track our application. It's not a bad place to live but the limitation on jobs for PRs is a bit worrying. Thinking of taking a temp role for a while and finishng off my MS certification. That should help offset the disadvantage that non-citizens suffer here.
As far as I can tell, property prices here are about the same as Sydney.
We came here on ACT sponsorship to fast track our application. It's not a bad place to live but the limitation on jobs for PRs is a bit worrying. Thinking of taking a temp role for a while and finishng off my MS certification. That should help offset the disadvantage that non-citizens suffer here.
Worth bearing in mind if the subject comes up and they are open to negotiation
#234
Banned
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,348
Re: Anyone Quitting Aus due to High Cost of Living
The security clearance need not be a 100% bar to a job, depends on the company/govt dept involved. It is possible to get a clearance on someone who is not an Aussie, its just a longer process and far more expensive and complex for them. Also they need to sign a waiver with ASIO to say that they are aware of the non-citizen status and any associated risks. Don't do the financial details, but timewise we were quoted 18 months for a UK citizen.
Worth bearing in mind if the subject comes up and they are open to negotiation
Worth bearing in mind if the subject comes up and they are open to negotiation
#235
Re: Anyone Quitting Aus due to High Cost of Living
May I summarise the answer to the OP's question and venture an answer?
No.
I'm providing a public service, don't thank me now
No.
I'm providing a public service, don't thank me now
#236
221b Baker Street
Joined: Jun 2010
Location: Miles from anywhere, Victoria, Australia.
Posts: 14,125
#238
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Anyone Quitting Aus due to High Cost of Living
That's a much bigger average annual jump than up here in Brisbane, assuming the same size flat.
2007 saw the big rise in rents in the Shire though.
From 2003 to 2006 the average rose by a total of $40pw from $340 to $380, but in the next year to Dec 2007 it jumped $60 to $440pw. Not sure what the average is now.
#240
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Anyone Quitting Aus due to High Cost of Living
A quick question:
Several times I've heard it said that regardless of the exchange rate that we are getting, Aus prices in the shops are still kind of locked onto the previously £1 = $2.50 value. Does this also mean that (as a rule of thumb) if you were earning say £50k PA in blighty then a fair "guestimate" Aus salary expectation would be around $125k PA?
Thanks
(I'm filling out online job application forms right now and getting a bit stuck n required salary question).
Several times I've heard it said that regardless of the exchange rate that we are getting, Aus prices in the shops are still kind of locked onto the previously £1 = $2.50 value. Does this also mean that (as a rule of thumb) if you were earning say £50k PA in blighty then a fair "guestimate" Aus salary expectation would be around $125k PA?
Thanks
(I'm filling out online job application forms right now and getting a bit stuck n required salary question).
and 2.18 times the average QLD wage would be $145,000, so your guestimate is not too far off.