dickchap

I have a number of potential job offers from the same company. One in Sydney and 2 in Queensland (Brisbane & Mackay). I have a strong feeling that the office in Sydney want to make me an offer. The job in Sydney is exactly on par with the job i have in the UK. I have doubts about how living in Sydney (+ suburbs) will stretch me finacially. I live in an area in the UK which has more of a Brisbane feel to it, as according to my friend who lives there. I hear that school fees are different in both states. This is an area that i need to be sure about, as this has an impact on what decision to make.

On current salary i would be worth AU$80,000. I have a family of 2 boys (7 & 9) and a wife who would intend to work, but only once we have settled. I'm wavering towards Brisbane only because Sydney is expensive (house rental etc.).

Can anyone help me make an easier decision based on their own experiences.

Thanks

DC

NickyC

If you're coming on a 457 then you will have to pay school fees for state schools in NSW. Not in QLD, though.

As an aside, I can't for the life of me imagine Crawley having a Brisbane 'feel' or Crawley having anything whatever in common with Brisbane (or anywhere else in Australia come to that!) .

dickchap

My friend quoted:

Sydney = London

Brisbane = Crawley

Mackay = Tonbridge Wells

Obviously Crawley is nowhere near the size and beauty of Brisbane, but house prices and cost of living are on a par.

Are the school fees in NSW that you mentioned for items such as clothing, stationary, trips etc, as i would expect to pay for these things, or is their more to it?

DC

NickyC

No, the school fees are actual fees. I think it's $4.5k per child, per year. You still have to pay for uniforms, stationery, trips etc on top of that. The fees only apply to people on 457 visas, though (and only for NSW and ACT). If you have permanent residency you don't have to pay them anywhere.

It's certainly something you should take into account if you're on a 457 visa.

Katherined0

on a 457 (and certain other temporary visas) in NSW you pay $4610 per child in school fees. This is for 1 years worth of state schooling and is payable in advance as a lump sum. In addition you get an invoice for school fees (same as every child in the school) which varies from school-to-school. (Mine was only $112 for the year) plus you may be asked to pay for trips and specialist courses e.g. music, gymnastics. I also know of schools which ask you to provide class stationaryencils, felt tips, glue etc.

If you are going on a 457 ask the company about LAFHA -- it's a tax free allowance towards housing and food...... But isnt very straightforward...... If you do a search on these forums you will get more info.

dickchap

I appreciate the replies.

I did speak to the companies HR personnel this morning, and she did mention about the schooling in NSW. It's only now, that i understand why she mentioned it, as this will have a bearing on my decision. She did mention something else (non state school i believe), but i will have to confirm that.

The LAFHA was also mentioned, so i will go ahead and do some searches to find out more. I'm going to be surfing tonight for as much info as possible.

Must get back to work.

Anymore info would be great.

DC

Mr Grumpy

$80,000 is a good income, but then again its supporting 4 people so it will be very stretched.

You would not be able to live in decent accomodation in the inner city which of course is the most desirable part.

You could probably afford a decent commute from south sydney such as Rockdale or Hurstville. They are fairly close to the city. The train from Hurstville can reach Central station on the express service in just 17-18minutes.

dickchap

Once settled and the kids are in school, the wife would probably start to look at work herself (Part Time). Is food expensive (ie, supermarkets, local stores etc.)

northerner

There are loads and loads of thread on this very subject dickchap (nice name!), but generally food/living expenses are similar to UK, if not slightly cheaper.

Graham

M8M

Check out www.realestate.com.au will give you some ideas of rental prices in all areas... good luck

hippyboy1

Crawley....a Brisbane feel to it

Helen-17

Hello there.

I have now been in Sydney for 3 months. We live in a 3 bed semi (duplex out here) in an area called North Ryde. It costs AUD750 per week. We pay electricity (although our first bill is just due - quaterly - so I do not know how much it costs). The landlord pays water and land tax. We are really lucky because hubbys company has provided a company car, and they cover all running expenses of the car including petrol. They also provide private medical cover, so we do not have that to pay for. Bascially, all we have to pay is rent and electricity. Groceries I find more expensive than in the UK, and the grocery stores are not nearly as good. Good luck!

Maple Leaf

that is fantastic for your husband. i was talking with a friend who is back in OZ the other day. she was telling me that petrol where she is in NSW is $1.49 a ltr! like wow!!

so having fuel costs covered is a big saving. tho i think where you are from petrol is even more expensive.?!?!?.so maybe not such a big WOW for you!..hehee

Ginger3710

Yeah...and towards the end of the week try $1.60 per litre! It's just getting ridiculous.

ezzie

Think about the weather too....it can get very hot and humid in Brizzy. Sydney is far more temperate year round. Take a look at the Hills District of Sydney: Castle Hill, Kellyville, Pennant Hills etc. Far cheaper, big houses, 'leafy suburbs', great schools and commuter zone for Sydney CBD.