We are a family of 5 (2 adults + 3 children) and I am wondering now whether the package I have accepted is going to be enough to live on in Perth, WA !

Working on the x2.2 rule, my current UK salary would equate to $107k.

I have accepted $110k which is inclusive of LAFHA so on the face of it, we should be slightly better off however, my question is how accurate is the x2.2 rule and is it a little conservative ?

Although, my cost of living calculations appear to be okay, I suppose my main concern is that we don't have enough money to live on when we arrive and get setup !

Thanks

You'll need some startup cash but other than that you should be OK, it will seem expensive.

Your UK salary (£48,000) is 2.1 times the average UK Full time income
$110,000 is 1.64 times the average Australian Full time income

However, Perth appears to have a higher cost of living than other capital cities, from what is said on here.

But then, if you were coming from London, it would change totally.
ie:
£48,000 is 1.03 times the average London Full time income
but
$110,000 is 1.44 times the average WA Full time income

You say the $110k is inclusive of LAFHA. What will your net work out at? as a normal $110k wage can be very different to a $110k Lafha package.

Enough for a deposit on a house and an ugly Subaru and some furniture from Ikea. You'll be no different to anyone else in your situation.

ABCD, does LAFHA cover private school fees?

The $110k includes $40k LAFHA and hence, only $70k is taxable.

We have start up funds of approx. $12k.

Does this sound okay ? We want an similar quality of life that we have at the minute in terms of living costs etc.

I honestly think you will struggle with that amount of income.

But give it a go you will never know unless you try.

You can always come home if it goes tits up

Good Luck

Brilliant Post...

I'm looking at similar income, although I'll be in Brisbane, but from what I can see I'll be similar to what I've been in the UK when it comes to free cash at the end of the month etc, but I'll be in a better country with more things to do.

I really dont think that you'll have anymore to do here than in UK. Quite the opposite. Actually its boredom that tears through the cash supply faster than anything else.

$110k is a modest income but i do think you may struggle on one income with perth's living expenses coupled with having to feed and educate three kids! good luck though mate, plenty do it on half that.

as for more things to do ... in brisbane... lol

youre a funny guy!

ps: i was born in brisbane

I plan on working/surfing/scuba....then dropping off the first one as soon as I can afford too...

Ill be in Brissy around April time if you fancy a dive buddy

From what I understand, LAFHA can cover school fees, however, I cannot locate my info on that just at the moment, so I would not like to say it is 100% correct.

110k to support 5 people.....you'll live poor mate. You partner will need to work like everyone else in this city does.

That's a load of crap mate.


We're a family of 2 adults and 2 teenage children (one of whom is special needs) and live quite comfortably on about that much.