Vancouver wages
 

My husband and I are moving to BC and my wage will be $55.000 per anum. We are UK house owners and plan to return after 3 years (UK finances covered in UK). Just the two of us, we will rent in greater Vancouver. My husband has a military pension worth $19.000 per anum, but we would rather leave that to build up in UK. In the worst scnario (just my wage) is this a comfortable situation?
Greatful for any response.

Re: Vancouver wages
 

I would think that you would struggle on $55K a year in Vancouver. Don't forget that, whilst you are in Canada, your husband will have to pay tax to the Canadian authorities on his Military pension and you will have to pay tax on any profit made whilst renting out your UK house (which I have inferred you intend to do)

Re: Vancouver wages
 

You could probably cover your basic costs on that, but not have a lot left for fun stuff. Depends on a lot of things though.

-House or flat?
-Do you want to live centrally or in the 'burbs?
-Do you want to run a car?
-Will your job include a dental plan and other benefits?

Etc.

However, if your husband can get a job then you'll have a much more comfortable time.

Re: Vancouver wages
 

What bazzz said.

Re: Vancouver wages
 

Probably a house in the southern suburbs.
lease a car
Health and dental cover for us both from the Health Authority I will work for.

Re: Vancouver wages
 

In that case you are going to struggle.

$55,000 pa will give (after tax/deductions) $3,650 per month to spend. Rent for a small house will be from $1,800. A small car lease is going to be at least $250 pm, insurance $150 pm and petrol, say, another $150 pm. This leaves $1,300 for everything else.

For two, you could probably manage $750 per month for groceries and other household bits and pieces if you shop carefully. In a house you will also have utilities of around $175 per month. $120 for home phone, basic cable and internet access and $80 for a basic 2-phone cell package and that leaves just $175.00 for everything else - clothing, entertainment, trips etc. It is very, very tight.

Two obvious options are to rent an apartment rather than a house. That will free up $750-$800 a month making your move a reasonable prospect. The other is to use your OH's pension which should give approximately $1,400 after tax. With this amount of "spare" cash each month you should expect to have some fun.

Re: Vancouver wages
 

Not enough, particularly if you are going to be working for Vancouver Coastal (guess)...you have to pay for daily parking as an employee and it is not cheap. Health and dental don't kick in for three months either.

Re: Vancouver wages
 

If it is a temporary visit, why take on your own car (+ insurance + parking, etc)? It might be cheaper to use transit for commuting and car co-ops for weekend jollies (eg Cooperative Auto Network or Zipcar - Google for more details). It will depend where you live of course. Choose your location carefully if you go this route.

As for other costs, $70/mo for phone/internet (no cable TV) and $40/mo for cell contract with free local calls or $20/mo for PAYG cell (occasional short calls). With Skype and a cell phone, you could even manage without a landline.

As others have said, enough to get by on but not much left for the fun stuff, which is surely why you'd come?

Re: Vancouver wages
 

[QUOTE=acer rose;5799764]If it is a temporary visit, why take on your own car (+ insurance + parking, etc)?

Having a car is part of my job as a community nurse so no other option I'm afraid.

Re: Vancouver wages
 

[QUOTE=kazchug;5801140]You will be reimbursed for your gas usage on work related
purposes. Contract agreements are posted on the BCNU website.

Yoong

Re: Vancouver wages
 

haaa


we arrived with £8k!