Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

There was just a report I heard on the radio that said on average 60% - 70% of your net income will go on just household running costs. Seems a bit high to me, but depends on what is included

Monthly (again this is ball park and just a VERY basic guide to give you an idea)

Mortgage - $3000 or Rent - $2000 (on a $450k mortgage)
Land Rates $120
Water Rates $120
Excess Water $30
House Insurance - $150
Health Insurance - $200
Car Insurance / Rego - $100
Food - $1300
Power - $250
Gas - $50
Internet - $50
Home Phone - $60
Mobile phones x 2 - $150
Foxtel - $120

Of course there are non essential items in there, and it all really can vary a whole lot. For example my actual power bill in summer was $1100 for 2 months (running air con, pool and spa), but my house is quite big.

I've probably forgotten things too. Eg go out for a 'cheap' meal with a family of four (not including fast food) would cost you anywhere from $100 - $200 depending on the age of the kids and what drinks you have. (Considering I went to the breakwater and paid $14.50 for a pint of beer :eek: )

Hope that helps a bit, people may be able to help with things I've missed

Cheers

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

Thanks JBJ14!:thumbsup:

The cost of living in Zurich is quite high about the same for rent and for eating out etc but mobile phones and insurance seem to be more affordable.
Not as much as a shock to the system as it would be if were moving there from the UK I think!

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

Hope this will help.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=576705

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

Hahaha :rofl:

Briliant I can imagine that being a true reflection of my husband if we do decide to go!!

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

I agree - that really, anything over 35 is pretty warmmmm....having said that MP makes a good point about humidity - personally I find that the lower humidity means it all feels less than it does.
25 in the UK can feel like 30 in Australia.

Whether it gets to 40 is something else - 37, 38 are hot. Here in Melbourne we might get 1 or 2 days of 40, after it has climbed up from 35. But not much more than a week at a time.


To the OP -we have Swiss friends and they say that the cost of living in Switzerland prepared them for Australia.

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

Yes we have long since stopped converting everything into English pounds, it is what it is and you have to get used to it wherever you are! It's not like we eat out much really anyway two kids and no babysitter takes care of that! ;)

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

I have been to Zurich and found it extremely bland. It is a grey, cold city with bland food! But horses for courses and all that...

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

People believe what they want to bleieve, facts be damned...

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

I like dry, warm weather and find perth is only too hot for a few weeks of the year... and the hot days mean glorious warm nights!

the weather is a definite plus for Perth, not a negative...

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

Hi Lisa,

My name is Jason. I am from the UK. I moved to Perth 3 years ago now and I must admit it is the best decision I have made in my life!

In regards to the climate, it it has mild wet winters with temperatures around 17-20 degrees celcius in the day (low of 5ish) with hot long, dry summers (about 5-6 months long) of temperatures between 28-35 degrees Celsius (however it frequently creeps to 40).

Due to the temperature, Perth allows for an outdoors kind of lifestyle and has beautiful beaches and rivers. I am a teacher, so have experience in the private/public schooling system. It is like most developed countries where you get your good and bad schools (depending on where you live). Public schools can be very good, whereas private schools are also very affordable and are also good.

I found it very easy meeting people here, however when I moved I was single and led a different lifestyle to yours. Now I have settled down a bit, I have already made my group of friends. People are friendly and you usually meet friends through work, so I would suggest that as a nurse you at least get a part time Job so you can meet people. Standard of living is high here, with things generally costing more than in most parts of Europe, however, Wages are generally higher too e.g. as a teacher I get paid more than double what I earned in the UK for the same role so things do even out.

The lifestyle here is not for everyone, however I am a believer of trying things out. You will never know if you don't try it. Whats the worst that can happen??? you don't like it so go back to Europe, whereas if you dont do it, then it will be a case of "what could have been!".

Good luck on your decision... I am Pro Perth, so you know what my opinion, but your the people who have to make it, so what ever you decide, good luck and hopefully I have helped give you some insight into life here in Perth (from an expat point of view).

Kind Regards
Jason

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

LoopieLoo... you have made some errors in you monthly expenditures:

Mortgage - $3000 or Rent - $2000 (on a $450k mortgage) - I have a 350K house and pay 2200 per month

Land Rates $120 - i dont pay these!? If you mean strata, then you only pay that on units, not houses

Water Rates $120 - i pay $120 per 6 months, not month and I use water a lot

Excess Water $30 Never used "excess water" and I use a lot of Water

House Insurance - $150I pay $600 a year for a good insurance, so you may wanna re look at your policy

Health Insurance - $200 - correct

Car Insurance / Rego - $100 - depends on what car you have, but i guess you coul pay up to this (i pay $60 per month for a 2005 good car)

Food - $1300 - you must be fat or have a big family as I pay about $800 for a family of 4

Power - $250 - i pay $280 per quater (every 4 months)

Gas - $50 - correct

Internet - $50 - correct

Home Phone - $60 - mine comes with my internet package

Mobile phones x 2 - $150 - I pay $30 a month for a large cap. (as long as you dont get a ridiculous phone)

Foxtel - $120 - correct for the full package but you don't need to get this. It is a luxury.

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

I live in Perth and find some of the above a little on the cheap side.
We pay something like $1,200 a year in rates to the Vincent Council for a start. I don't understand how no rates if owning a house cannot be paid....
Our water bill is based on rental value not what we use as I was informed years ago when complained. That would be close to $1000 a year....
plus a few smalish demands a year......

I was in Zurich recently as yes it is expensive.My ex girl friend lives there but wouldn't be my choice as a place to live.
I think prices are similar which to my mind shows how outragious Perth prices are. You get a great pension in Switzerland,something I messed up somewhat coming to Australia from Europe.
The only two Swiss I have known in Perth, both left one after four years and other after twelve years.
It is fifty cents each way. Nice for a change perhaps....

Rather difficult in my experience to say the least making relationships here. Does one really want to associate with work colleagues?? I find that a bit of a time bomb.

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

Am i reading this right $200 for health insurance did you say you pay this a month? what is covered in this??

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

Anyone else got approx outgoings for living,staying in perth not that its gonna change my mind,just give me a better idea of my outgoings now with what i may pay staying there.

Re: Should we make the move to Perth?
 

$200 covers my partner and i for general hospita and dental with HBF.

You dont need private health though

Your right regarding rates (troubador)... Thats an anual fee that generally people i know pay for using. Their tax return