Originally Posted by Kiwilass

I've never heard/seen that here. Sad.

Originally Posted by fledermaus

No-one round here seems shocked or saddened or ashamed of it. More proud of their rallying round and helping 'those in need' than worried by the gaping holes in healthcare.

Originally Posted by JonboyE

I think you are being a little pessimistic, but not excessively so. It all depends on what you like to spend money on. I think $70k or so is a get by family income, nearer $100k is getting comfortable.

Originally Posted by mrsr0binson

Hi there -

I just wanted to ask whether you have looked at any different areas of Canada. When we first started looking; we automatically looked at BC. It soon became clear that it would be way out of our price range and that the job opportunities for us (both IT) would be a great deal harder to get then they would be in some other areas of Canada. People we have spoken to since moving here often say that to live in Vancouver, you have either had to have made your money or be earning lots of money…..

We finally decided on Ontario. The cost of living is pretty good; and looking at some of your figures, is almost half of what you have estimated. I am currently volunteering to gain work experience in an elementary school and my hubby has a reasonably well paid IT job, 20 minutes down the road from where we live. We do not have an extravagant lifestyle; but we do love going to the movies and eating out as a family etc. We have one wage, 2 cars and a 5 bedroomed house.

I guess what I am saying is; don't give up on your dream, maybe you just need to 'broaden your horizon' a little? Canada is a huge and diverse country and the differences between provinces are incredible.

Originally Posted by Oink

Seems about right with your low mortgage payment, even a bit low when holidays/flights back to the UK and retirement investments are taken into account. But if there's two of you working each earning about 80-100k CND this should be done pretty easily.

Originally Posted by dboy

actually about 50 k each would do it. Which would be around 5 k or so after tax every 4 weeks. Although I would certainly aim higher.

Originally Posted by brizzle

It's a hugely subjective area this, but I think that the reality lies somewhere between these figures. $2075 is an after tax figure, not including things likes mortgage/entertainment/savings etc and your figure includes mortgage and large amounts for savings/entertainment.

Also don't forget that income deductions for EI/CPP/Pension/Union etc can take a surprisingly large chunk of your salary over and above income tax.

We're a family of 4 and live in Greater Vancouver (property even more expensive). Based on my experience, I'd say $5-6k pm (gross) would cover the basics to be comfortable, (without expensive holidays/fancy cars/servicing a massive mortgage etc).

The days of moving to Canada, living a cheap life fuelled by a good exchange rate and cheap property are gone I'm afraid - certainly in western canada.

Originally Posted by stokesey

So does the 'free' medical cover vary from province to province?

Originally Posted by Kiwilass

not on contract, which is how lots of people are employed

Originally Posted by Glam

Hi,

Hopefully be on a basic of about 60K with OTE towards the 90K and the Mrs would hopefully be on about 35 - 45k

Gav.

Originally Posted by stokesey

So does the 'free' medical cover vary from province to province?

Originally Posted by JonboyE

So between $95k and $135K. I guess it depends on how big a house, and how many toys, you want to buy. Most people will think this is a pretty decent income and will pay for a pretty decent lifestyle. Not rich, but certainly in the "comfortable" range.

Originally Posted by Glam

Hi,

Hopefully be on a basic of about 60K with OTE towards the 90K and the Mrs would hopefully be on about 35 - 45k

Gav.

Originally Posted by dboy

I have seen OTE a few times, what does that mean?