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Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Hi all, well after thinking of it for years my husband and I are finally starting to make steps in moving to Australia. We are considering Perth, wa and for months now I have spent hours/days scrolling different threads to get ideas of places to live, cost of living etc.
I am a registered nurse, been qualified 5 years now, background in respiratory. My husband is a security officer, starting a course in barbering in the next few months (1 year course) We have 2 kids, age 4 and 4 months. We do not own a home in the UK We have thought very hard about this and do not expect to move to a life of luxury. We expect to just have the same life (financially) as the UK with just a better 'life style' I'm looking for people's views/advice on whether you feel our expectations seem real or not. Having looked at various threads for months we like the look of northern Perth suburbs, tapping, carramer etc. Both working full time with a joint Salary of minimum $100k Total monthly outgoings of around $5k (rent $2300 per month, utilities,car costs, food shopping, activities etc totalling $2700 per month. Joint salary of $100k giving us a take home Salary each month of just over $7k after deductions leaving us with an extra $2k each month to do as we please after all bills etc paid. Does that seem about right so far? With us both working full time we'd also have childcare costs so may have to look at the extras we have accounted for in that $5k per money expenditure. We will be coming with no debts owing in the UK, a clean slate with £20k savings ($30k) after paying visas, flights, shipments etc. We'd be looking at buying 2 used cars approx $5k each. I'd be grateful if anyone could advise me on whether this looks realistic to them or not? In the UK with live in a council home, after bills etc we don't have much money left over each month, we get by pretty good with money to enjoy days out etc but not much after that, we have used cars and have worked hard to get together our savings. Thankyou for taking the time to read my post. |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by kacan1
(Post 10426717)
Joint salary of $100k giving us a take home Salary each month of just over $7k after deductions leaving us with an extra $2k each month to do as we please after all bills etc paid. But of course, money isn't everything! |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by dmarkd
(Post 10426842)
Be interested to know how you made this calculation. Seems to be over ambitious to me, can't quite see how you would still have 84k a year left out of a salary of 100k. I think it will be less.....
But of course, money isn't everything! OP we all spend different amounts on things like rent, bills and food. I am sure many families will be managing on similar income levels. You are probably right not to assume that you will be much better off financially. I don't think that Australia provides a lifestyle myself, that is all down to you and what you make of it. If you have thought about it and want to do it, why not. |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Personally I would say choose Melbourne. I am living in perth now and have lived here for about 6 years, with the exception of 8months back in the uk once.
Perth is very expensive and doesnt have the kind of activities and infrastructure that melb/syd have. Its great if you like beaches and paying $10 a pint but I wish I had gone somewhere else and am thinking of doing so in a few months. There are a lot of good qualitys about perth, it gets more sunshine than anywhere else but in my opinion its a bit backward in many ways. Think 1990's and thats about where perth is these days. Everyone will tell you something different as everyone has different experiences so it is hard to get a feel for a place from an online forum. Some will rave about it, some will hate it, the truth lies somewhere in between and depends on your experiences when you arrive. If you can, come over but have a backup plan to move somewhere else after 6 /12 months if you decide its not for you. |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
If you choose suburbs on the northern edges of Perth, then you have fewer hospitals nearby to work in. If you can't get a job at Joondalup Health Campus, then you will have a longer commute, which takes more time and costs more $. If you choose suburbs with more than one hospital nearby, it opens up more options for work and public transport.
You might not have allowed enough $ to buy 2nd hand cars, others would be more knowledgeable than me, but if you're doing shift work and driving long distances, you want a reliable car, not one with no air bags and 250,000 km on the clock. Like many things involving the cost of manpower, mechanical repairs are not cheap. You would also need to budget for childcare costs for your baby and before-/after-school care for your 4 year old. There are rebates, depending on visa type, but you won't get all of the costs covered and you might be surpised by how much this will cost. $100k might sound like a lot, but it doesn't seem to go far in Perth. |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by Bermudashorts
(Post 10426940)
If it were two salaries of $50k then the estimate is there or thereabouts.
Lets hope the OP has accounted for super in their calculations also! |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Perth is great. The only problem is the insane cost of keeping a roof over your head.
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by renth
(Post 10427113)
Perth is great. The only problem is the insane cost of keeping a roof over your head.
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by Amazulu
(Post 10427119)
That's an Australian-wide problem (maybe not Adelaide or Tasmania, but there are reasons for this), not just Perth.
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Thankyou all for your honest replies. Our options are wide open for choosing other areas/states. Perth just seemed to be the first we thought of, no particular reason as no friends/family there therefore other states are Definately an option if our joint salary will stretch a bit more in other places aside from Perth.
I used an online Australian calculator which gave estimates of deductions to our salaries based on myself getting $65k and my husband $35k, can't Remeber where I found the calculator now! Adelaide/Melbourne where also on our list so I quess it's back to spending 10hours + a day browsing forums/posts on those areas! :D Thankyou again. |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by kacan1
(Post 10427183)
Thankyou all for your honest replies. Our options are wide open for choosing other areas/states. Perth just seemed to be the first we thought of, no particular reason as no friends/family there therefore other states are Definately an option if our joint salary will stretch a bit more in other places aside from Perth.
I used an online Australian calculator which gave estimates of deductions to our salaries based on myself getting $65k and my husband $35k, can't Remeber where I found the calculator now! Adelaide/Melbourne where also on our list so I quess it's back to spending 10hours + a day browsing forums/posts on those areas! :D Thankyou again. I have never fancied Perth myself because it seems too isolated for my liking, but if you can work anywhere and that is where you feel attracted to, then maybe it is for you, it is a very popular choice so there must be something in it. |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by dmarkd
(Post 10427058)
Good point, I was forgetting it was two salaries.
Lets hope the OP has accounted for super in their calculations also! |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Extremely doable....
Have you factored in child care? What if one of you struggles to find work? Welcome by the way... I'm a nurse... Live in shocking ham, south of perf... We struggle... But there are 10 of us.... |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by eddie007
(Post 10427233)
Extremely doable....
Have you factored in child care? What if one of you struggles to find work? Welcome by the way... I'm a nurse... Live in shocking ham, south of perf... We struggle... But there are 10 of us.... Regarding jobs we won't move until I have at least secured a job or close to it. Childcare could be an issue, depending on our joint income, so that's another consideration. Do you know much about community/district nursing in Perth? I am due to start a community post here in the uk after my maternity as the Monday-Friday suits us great as even in the uk we have no family to help with chidcare and therefore weekends area struggle even here. Adelaide is next on my list for researching now but Perth is still up there but probably only because I feel I've spent so many months researching it. |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by kacan1
(Post 10427239)
Do you know much about community/district nursing in Perth?
I am due to start a community post here in the uk after my maternity as the Monday-Friday suits us great as even in the uk we have no family to help with chidcare and therefore weekends area struggle even here. t. I might be inclined to stick with your acute nursing when you get here.... |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Hiya, Perth is lovely we have been here 5 weeks now, I think you read my post on the update page. Making the move is super stressful especially with little ones in tow. 5 weeks in and it's still all very new, it's also very lonely at times.
We are renting in a suburb SOR called Baldivis, new build pupose built estate with schools, doctors, supermarket etc, a 4X2 new build house is $410 a week to give you an idea, so you may be better off than you think with rent anyway. Food I have found to be expensive, roughly around $200 a week for a family of 5. Maybe more if we added up all the times that you pop in for fresh fruit and milk etc. Activities are free on the whole, there are gorgeous beaches around and parks everywhere especially on these new build estates! Cars you may need to budget more for $5 doesn't seem to go anywhere out here for a car. We wanted a little commuting car for my husband so he could leave me the family car, budget of $4K got a 2003 Nissan Pulsar with 99K on the clock. Plus RAC cover $149 and the insurance $500 for year and vehicle licence transfer fee $126. When we were going round the car garages they said they don't even bother advertising the low cost cars as they have walk in's every day asking for cars around the $5K mark. We haven't looked into childcare yet as am planning on staying home with the kids to settle them in for the first few months anyway but I understand around the $70-$80 a day mark is about the going rate. You can get a 50% childcare rebate but again depends on visas, not sure if this is income tested but would expect so. Good luck if you decide to go ahead! |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
100k with 2 littlies is do-able.
You won't be dining out in fine dining restaurants too often, but, hey this is Perth, you won't need to. You simply cannot put a price on Perths fantastic summers. We've been here 9 years now, have travelled throughout Oz, and I can say hand on heart that Perth is the only place that i would live in OZ. if I was forced to move, i would choose Adelaide next. If i was forced to move again, I would go home to UK. I can't offer any advice re: nursing or hairdressing, but if you feel it is right for you .....go for it. We left UK in 1996 and moved to NZ with a 2 year old, another one on the way, 4 suitcases filled with our stuff and 2000 great british pounds.....seriously. We have had stressful times, but we are still down here, and life is good. I wish you all the luck in the world.:thumbup: |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by naomilondon
(Post 10429443)
Food I have found to be expensive, roughly around $200 a week for a family of 5. Maybe more if we added up all the times that you pop in for fresh fruit and milk etc.
Originally Posted by naomilondon
(Post 10429443)
We haven't looked into childcare yet as am planning on staying home with the kids to settle them in for the first few months anyway but I understand around the $70-$80 a day mark is about the going rate. You can get a 50% childcare rebate but again depends on visas, not sure if this is income tested but would expect so.
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
I don't think nurses have a hard time finding work anywhere (except in QLD with Campbell's slashing at the mo') If you don't care about the Perth weather, I'd seriously consider Adelaide. I'm biased as I love Adelaide - the only reason I'm not there is not much work (IT). It's an interesting, self contained city with a great festival, relatively cheap cost of living including housing, great food & markets and nice beaches. Does get colder in winter, but after a while you may look forward to this! :fingerscrossed:
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
As an Aussie I would say, no. It's the most boring and smallest city i've been to out of the big cities in AU. Also insanely hot and overpriced for what you get.. consider Melb or Sydney..
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by Chortlepuss
(Post 10430104)
I don't think nurses have a hard time finding work anywhere (except in QLD with Campbell's slashing at the mo') If you don't care about the Perth weather, I'd seriously consider Adelaide. I'm biased as I love Adelaide - the only reason I'm not there is not much work (IT). It's an interesting, self contained city with a great festival, relatively cheap cost of living including housing, great food & markets and nice beaches. Does get colder in winter, but after a while you may look forward to this! :fingerscrossed:
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by eddie007
(Post 10430220)
Realistically Nurses can find it quite difficult in Perth At the moment... There is a little bubble going on....Once Fiona Stanley starts appointing that should change....
The Government are under a lot of pressure to offer places to the thousands that graduate every year and have no jobs. I can see a time when there will have to be a squeeze on the number of nurses recruited from overseas. There is already a virtual recruitment freeze in QLD. |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Have a look at www.jobs.wa.gov.au to see what is around in Perth in your field.
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
I take it you're costings are just what you spend at home converted to $. The cost of living is higher here too, a fair bit. Normal groceries generally always more expensive to what it is at home.A flat share for me was $180 a week in Brisbane and that was one of the medium prices. A house I'd imaging would be at least $700. I am i suppose officially a backpacker but I don't really do the usual noodle rubbish although I may have to soon. I'm currently in Melbourne and even the Aussie's here are finding it difficult with jobs, I don't have one and have been here a month now.
I've heard Perth is expensive due to the mining. My friend is a nurse and has been on casual with an agency in Brisbane, lots of hospitals there but for this last month she was lucky if she was getting 3 shifts a week, people were too healthy!! SHe also heard many hospitals weren't taking more staff. I'd look into that. I know a family who have recommended Newcastle area, outside Sydney but near enough and not as expensive. I think there are quite a few hospitals there, decent areas to live just outside the main area. Good luck. :nod: |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by Grayling
(Post 10430578)
May not be that simple.
The Government are under a lot of pressure to offer places to the thousands that graduate every year and have no jobs. I can see a time when there will have to be a squeeze on the number of nurses recruited from overseas. There is already a virtual recruitment freeze in QLD. I know nurses who don't have permanent jobs because they aren't appointing .... And nurses who are struggling to get enough shifts to pay their mortgages... Even know nurses who don't have jobs and can't get a foot in the door.... The carrot being held out to those being strung along by the health service in WA is the Fiona Stanley... The reality is there is a lot of uncertainty about the impact .... And yes... There are too many new grads without jobs.... |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Easier way to look for WA govt health jobs: http://www.jobs.health.wa.gov.au/pag...15&windowUID=0. You can set it up to have an email sent to you whenever a job with your keyword pops up.
A couple of weeks ago, it was reported that many graduate nurses couldn't find graduate positions they need before they get full registration, but there seems to be plenty of demand for experienced nurses. Although Eddie007 is reporting problems, you might have a particular skill set that is in demand. It always seems so incredibly stupid to not have nurses employed. |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by Lynseythescot
(Post 10430947)
A flat share for me was $180 a week in Brisbane and that was one of the medium prices. A house I'd imaging would be at least $700.
To rent a very modern 4 bed 2 bathroom house in these areas would cost no more than $450/week. Just to cover a few areas. Food shopping is expensive in Perth, but there are places to get bargains. The "Spudshed" at Wanneroo markets is cheap. Bread for 99 cents. fruit and veg much cheaper than the supermarkets. Not the freshest, but fine if you use it quickly. A lot of people tend to shop every other day rather than do the "BIG" shop that we used to do in UK. There are always specials, and if you have the time and the inclination, you can buy quite reasonably. I'll say it again, compared to a lot of OZ, perth's weather cannot be bought. Our summers are fantastic. It can get very hot, but personally, i like hot. it is also normally a dry heat. 40 degrees in Perth is bearable....honestly. 28 degrees in Brisbane is horrible....honestly. Don't get me wrong, I love Brisbane, we visit regularly as we have many friends there, but after living in WA, I could never live permanently in Brizzy. We were there last january for 14 nights and we had 1 dry day!!! We were so glad to get back home to Perth. Good luck:thumbup: |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by Mickey-T
(Post 10431683)
The OP said that she was considering the Tapping/Carramar area if I'm not mistaken.
To rent a very modern 4 bed 2 bathroom house in these areas would cost no more than $450/week. IMO the job is the first consideration then where to live should be based on the job. In some of the other, more southern areas they would be likely to find rentals for even less. And if they're not too fussed about being inland a bit (Carramar is not oceanside) then they could potentially find something nice for a lot less than $450. |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by kacan1
(Post 10426717)
Hi all, well after thinking of it for years my husband and I are finally starting to make steps in moving to Australia. We are considering Perth, wa and for months now I have spent hours/days scrolling different threads to get ideas of places to live, cost of living etc.
I am a registered nurse, been qualified 5 years now, background in respiratory. My husband is a security officer, starting a course in barbering in the next few months (1 year course) We have 2 kids, age 4 and 4 months. We do not own a home in the UK We have thought very hard about this and do not expect to move to a life of luxury. We expect to just have the same life (financially) as the UK with just a better 'life style' I'm looking for people's views/advice on whether you feel our expectations seem real or not. Having looked at various threads for months we like the look of northern Perth suburbs, tapping, carramer etc. Both working full time with a joint Salary of minimum $100k Total monthly outgoings of around $5k (rent $2300 per month, utilities,car costs, food shopping, activities etc totalling $2700 per month. Joint salary of $100k giving us a take home Salary each month of just over $7k after deductions leaving us with an extra $2k each month to do as we please after all bills etc paid. Does that seem about right so far? With us both working full time we'd also have childcare costs so may have to look at the extras we have accounted for in that $5k per money expenditure. We will be coming with no debts owing in the UK, a clean slate with £20k savings ($30k) after paying visas, flights, shipments etc. We'd be looking at buying 2 used cars approx $5k each. I'd be grateful if anyone could advise me on whether this looks realistic to them or not? In the UK with live in a council home, after bills etc we don't have much money left over each month, we get by pretty good with money to enjoy days out etc but not much after that, we have used cars and have worked hard to get together our savings. Thankyou for taking the time to read my post. |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Put the $5k down on a new car and you'll pay $80 per week for the finance. Thats what I've done for my wife. Hyundai i30, good car and dirt cheap to run with a 5 year warranty. Buying an old banger for $5k will cost you more than $80 per week keeping it on the road.
I dont have a car I travel to work at various locations in metropolitan perth using the train and bus. People moan about the public transport here but I think it is brilliant and is very cheap. The only time I've had a problem was when I've used it late sunday evening, but that was my fault for leaving the pub late! |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by eddie007
(Post 10431285)
Jeez, I'm going to start sounding like a fully paid up member of the Grayling Appreciation society... But he's right...
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by Mickey-T
(Post 10431683)
...
I'll say it again, compared to a lot of OZ, perth's weather cannot be bought. Our summers are fantastic. It can get very hot, but personally, i like hot. it is also normally a dry heat. 40 degrees in Perth is bearable....honestly. 28 degrees in Brisbane is horrible....honestly. Don't get me wrong, I love Brisbane, we visit regularly as we have many friends there, but after living in WA, I could never live permanently in Brizzy. We were there last january for 14 nights and we had 1 dry day!!! We were so glad to get back home to Perth. Good luck:thumbup: |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by fish.01
(Post 10436631)
Of course weather is subjective and I'm not arguing with your opinion but here is mine. 28 degrees in Brisbane is often fantastic. If it is a really high humidity day it can spoil it. But there are plenty of days when it isn't like that. We had a perth style, dry heat high temp day recently and it was head in the oven stuff and far worse than a normal 28c day here. Also on average, Brisbane has less rainy days than Perth (Source: BOM) and Brisbane has a far better winter than Perth. Brisbane is sunny, dry and 20c+ in winter while Perth is far wetter, colder and miserable in comparison. So in my opinion the decision is far closer.
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Agree bizenpces. We lived in Auckland before coming here. Same humidity problem over there. Horrible. You take a pair of leather shoes out of the wardrobe that have been in for a few weeks and they have a green fur coat all over them....YUK.
Perh's weather and excellent infrastructure (excellent for Oz) takes some beating. It's just so easy to live here. |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by Mickey-T
(Post 10437029)
Agree bizenpces. We lived in Auckland before coming here. Same humidity problem over there. Horrible. You take a pair of leather shoes out of the wardrobe that have been in for a few weeks and they have a green fur coat all over them....YUK.
Perh's weather and excellent infrastructure (excellent for Oz) takes some beating. It's just so easy to live here. |
Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by bitzenpces
(Post 10436831)
I've lived in Brisbane and Perth. I prefer Perth's climate because I just cannot handle humidity, and that's a very personal thing. Most of Perth's rain falls in winter, but it is a relatively short, sharp period, compared to good weather 9 months of the year. However, winter rain tends to mean warmer winter days, compared to clear nights when it gets close to zero. Brisbane can also get very cold winter nights - I nearly froze living in a weatherboard cottage and had to have the heating on overnight. Both cities can have warm winter days. For me it's the humidity question - I find it very draining, I sweat buckets and things like getting washing dry and mould-free can be an issue.
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by Mickey-T
(Post 10437029)
... excellent infrastructure (excellent for Oz) ...
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by fish.01
(Post 10437364)
Good to hear...you don't hear that very often from someone in Perth....I've heard the trains are excellent?
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Also with the trains, if you get a transperth card and set up automatic loading it's quite cheap.... I travel 35 odd KM in For in for $5.20
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Re: Is it worthwhile moving to Perth??
Originally Posted by eddie007
(Post 10437496)
Also with the trains, if you get a transperth card and set up automatic loading it's quite cheap.... I travel 35 odd KM in For in for $5.20
Apparently the bus connections in the outer suburbs are setup really well in Perth to connect with the trains rather than trying to run competing services into the CBD like you find in Brisbane...the council traditionally ran the buses and state govt ran the trains. Bit better with a joint translink now but work to do. |
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