Hodges

Hi

I dont really know the cost of living in Perth, has anyone any idea what sort of salary needed to live okay out there? Is $AU 45000 good?

breezeboylan

Cant really say without more info, for example, Will you have to pay a morgage, how many people are trying to live on that amount? Will you need a car loan?
Tracie

Hodges

Hi we will be a family of 4, 2 young kids. We will have some money behind us and will be looking to rent for a couple of years to get to know the area. My OH has a possible job offer, less that UK salary but opportunity to get us over there, but obviously will still need to live

ice mocha

will the whole family be living on that money? or will both be working? how old are kids?

renth

Even with no mortgage you'll struggle big time on 45 grand.

Amazulu

$45k is not enough for you and your family to live on. Although you will effectively pay no tax on that amount of income it would still be a struggle. I think the minimum household income required to live fairly comfortably in Australia is $80k.

NKSK version 2

Absolutely not. I think it would be a big mistake moving here on that.

I reckon Amazulu's right - a normal family of 4 with a mortgage or renting
would need $80K - otherwise you'd be having to watch every penny and it will make a stressful event (migration) unbearable (for me anyhow)

worzel

It depends on your lifestyle, whether you need a big mortgage or not but as others said I doubt you could live on that. After 2 years you would start to get the full package of govt benefits which would help. I think $80K is just about the minimum you need these days to be comfortable which is why the other spouse now works a lot more than in the past. At least childcare is easier to find here than the UK.

ice mocha

my thoughts exactly, although not worked there personally to know that's not enough, but just judging by what we earn now, and comparing it, you get the general idea of how much you will need

pajones

$45000 is quite a low income. If you have Permanent Residency visas however, you will be entitled to 'Family Assistance' and 'Rent Assistance' as soon as you arrive. (Don't anyone argue with me on this one, I know its true because we have been claiming both since our arrival due to my low income). This does supplement whatever you are earning. If you are able to buy a vehicle outright and pay deposit on a rental from your savings, you will 'get by' on $45K.

steve99

This isnt meant to come across rudely, but how did you manage to get PR ? It would seem bizzare that they would let a family migrate here to end up only earning $45K and put a burdon on society by having to subsidise them. I thought this was one of the key things they were trying to avoid.

this charming man

$45,000? blimey youd lose that running for the bus.

bcworld

I'm sure there are probably occupations on the MODL which are low paying. Skilled migration isn't means tested either.

pajones

I won't take offence! But I am a Plumber (hence my skill to get into the country) and when I arrived I took a job in reticulation which only paid $40K per annum, I didn't say that I was earning that now. But it doesn't matter who you are or what you earn, anyone is eligible to receive family assistance (its the same as child benefit/child tax credits in the UK). The amount you receive is dependant upon your income, but even top earners will be eligible for something. I don't consider myself a burden to society, this is only money that ANY family with children is entitled to.

pajones

There are of course those who earn far more money than they are worth