Hi Guys,

Considering a move to Aus (Perth possibly) and wondering how the cost of living is over there and what a family of 5 would comfortably live on.

I have made a spreadsheet based on previous posts on this topic, however as most are quite old I would appreciate fresh input (costs/ required items/ allowances etc)

The spreadsheet is still in early days but any input would be appreciated.

Great spreedsheet, have a similar one myself so nothing to add to yours, thanks!!
when you thinking of going, any ideas on work?

Most of it looks pretty good to me. The only things I can see are electric We pay $60 a fortnight (although there is normally always someone at home in our house), not sure about health insurance as we dont have that!

$250 for food might be little bit of a stretch for 5 of you, though depends what you buy. Obviously you can rent for cheaper depends where you want to be.

The only real difference I can see is car finance, we have just bought a new 4x4 for roughly $40k and it is costing us $665 a month over 7 years (the longest term the finance company-Toyoto do )

oh and you dont need to pay rates if you are renting.

Have you found a take home wage type calculator?

Figure sound roughly right but you have $90 a week finance for your first car but only $180 a month, with your second car you have budgeted $180 a week but $90 a month some things might be slightly more expensive depending on your use, eg electricity phones etc but rent may be cheeper depending where you live.

Thanks for posting that spreadsheet it's very useful. Can't believe taking a dog is so expensive!

$55K for something worth maybe $10k at the end. That $6k per annum loss. Ouch

Electricity is more like $250 a month, not $80 like on your sheet.

Also we spend about $350 a week groceries.

Dog insurance for us is $40 month not $10

Finally savings of $800 approx a month, I can't see it. It's far too expensive here. I save nothing at all.

We are a 5 person family too.

Agreed our electric is about $200 a month but we use the A/C or heating freely and without worrying about the bill.

Just noticed their dog insurance quote, again I agree with you, ours is $16 a fortnight.

I reckon, regardless of the spreadsheet the reality of $80k a year for family of 5 in Perth will be a struggle.

Renth

What salary would you say was needed for a comfortable live for a family in Perth?

The big factor is the roof over head. Mortgage or rent will chew up loads of money.

In my opinion, if you didn't have to pay rent or mortgage a family of 5 could survive reasonably well on about $70k but you'd still need to watch the pennies.

Thanks for the replies,

Just at the sending out CVs/ talking to employer stage atm.

Updated sheet attached - looks like im looking for 120 - 150k to be comfortable

There no way we could survive on $80k and we're a family of 3!
Perth really is an expensive place to live, but worth it in my opinion

do you pay rates ( i assume this is council tax equiv). if you are renting?
are there any other costs you wouldnt have if renting?