Wellington and Wages
Mar 3rd 2009, 1:53 pm
#1
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Wellington and Wages
Hi,
If I were to accept a health service job paying $55,000, and wanted to rent in Wellington -around the Hospital area - would this be enough to live on and support a wife and child? My wife would hope to secure part-time work once we're settled in. We've looked at a NZ cost of living calculator, and it looks pretty tight. But in practice and from people's experience is this realistic?
Many thanks,
If I were to accept a health service job paying $55,000, and wanted to rent in Wellington -around the Hospital area - would this be enough to live on and support a wife and child? My wife would hope to secure part-time work once we're settled in. We've looked at a NZ cost of living calculator, and it looks pretty tight. But in practice and from people's experience is this realistic?
Many thanks,
Mar 3rd 2009, 7:43 pm
#2
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Re: Wellington and Wages
Hi,
If I were to accept a health service job paying $55,000, and wanted to rent in Wellington -around the Hospital area - would this be enough to live on and support a wife and child? My wife would hope to secure part-time work once we're settled in. We've looked at a NZ cost of living calculator, and it looks pretty tight. But in practice and from people's experience is this realistic?
Many thanks,
If I were to accept a health service job paying $55,000, and wanted to rent in Wellington -around the Hospital area - would this be enough to live on and support a wife and child? My wife would hope to secure part-time work once we're settled in. We've looked at a NZ cost of living calculator, and it looks pretty tight. But in practice and from people's experience is this realistic?
Many thanks,
Do you really want to be stuck in Wellington (which is quite remote) with not much spare cash?
Nice new hospital about to open.
Mar 3rd 2009, 7:56 pm
#3
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Re: Wellington and Wages
Can I ask if you know if its a general hospital about to open - in the sense it offers a/e facilities, medical/ surgical wards etc.
Just interested thats all.
Thanks,
Isabelle
Mar 3rd 2009, 8:16 pm
#4
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Re: Wellington and Wages
http://www.ccdhb.org.nz/aboutus/NRH/Wellington.htm
http://capitalhealthcareers.org.nz/Pages/Home.aspx
Officially opens on Friday
Last edited by Browner_; Mar 3rd 2009 at 8:26 pm.
Mar 3rd 2009, 8:24 pm
#5
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Re: Wellington and Wages
Hi,
If I were to accept a health service job paying $55,000, and wanted to rent in Wellington -around the Hospital area - would this be enough to live on and support a wife and child? My wife would hope to secure part-time work once we're settled in. We've looked at a NZ cost of living calculator, and it looks pretty tight. But in practice and from people's experience is this realistic?
Many thanks,
If I were to accept a health service job paying $55,000, and wanted to rent in Wellington -around the Hospital area - would this be enough to live on and support a wife and child? My wife would hope to secure part-time work once we're settled in. We've looked at a NZ cost of living calculator, and it looks pretty tight. But in practice and from people's experience is this realistic?
Many thanks,
Mar 3rd 2009, 8:39 pm
#6
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Re: Wellington and Wages
Seems job is only in Wellington area. That's a shame! Does $55k seem a particularly low NZ wage? Thanks for all your replies by the way..
Mar 3rd 2009, 8:41 pm
#7
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Re: Wellington and Wages
..and definitely wouldn't be mortgage or rent free!
Mar 3rd 2009, 8:49 pm
#8
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Re: Wellington and Wages
I have just been looking for jobs on www.seek.co.nz and seen some that are much lower than that.
The advantage of being in that area would be you would have very low transport costs, but the downside is you would still need a car to enjoy the regions pleasures.
Look at rental costs on http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-me-property/index.htm
Last edited by Browner_; Mar 3rd 2009 at 9:05 pm.
Mar 3rd 2009, 9:03 pm
#9
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Re: Wellington and Wages
Thanks, will do.
Mar 3rd 2009, 9:13 pm
#10
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Re: Wellington and Wages
Does that mean you would be happy with a 2 bedroom or 2+small study house? Because I suspect with only one child it will make it a heck of a lot easier (well, comparatively) to find a place.
Because if so, that opens the possibilities a lot more. Browner's trademe link is where you need to head. There are plenty more properties to look at once you are here but the trademe pages are good for a starter.
Regarding areas to live in here are some stereotypes/quick judgements which might help
The hospital is in Newtown. Newtown has some lovely old homes (renovated) and some student dives. It is what can best be described as love it or hate it. Some people - including families - love it. Others hate it.
Melrose - quite a good option actually. My grandmother lives in Melrose, it has great views of the water but is still only a 20 minute walk to the hospital. My aunt works at the hospital and walks to work every day from Melrose).
Houghton Bay - bit further out along Melrose way. A walk but a hell of a walk because of the uphill portion.
Hataitai/Kilbirnie - a possibility. A little cheaper but the houses are also a bit bigger. Also, there are fewer students so less likely to have students partying up next door.
Mt Cook - full of students but also has a large number of newer townhouses. New townhouses are often warmer. Although, older retrofitted properties aimed at professionals are definitely around.
Island Bay - regular transport links. You would have to get a bus or drive to the hospital (bus is easier unless you work shift) but it's a nice little community feel. Some houses around there can be in little holes so make sure it is either facing north, insulated or relatively new.
Lyall Bay - is further out from Kilbirnie. It's the area between the Airport and Melrose/Houghton Bay. Quite nice. But, can also feel a little 'detached'. However, it has a good surf beach and a nice little cafe.
Mt Victoria - away from the hospital and next to the city. I love Mt Vic but it's not cheap. I also suspect that because of the houses are quite big you could be living in a flat. Not the best.
All the above are within good public transport links to the hospital.
I checked trademe for with the following restrictions 2+ bedrooms and up to $400 per week and a fair number popped up.
$55,000 isn't huge money but without knowing exactly what you are doing it's a bit hard to really describe if you can live on it. I suspect you probably could if you aren't wasteful with cash and you genuinely work out what you need want. Not to mention your partner having a part time job. Which actually could be good to get ya settled - not to mention money. In those areas you would be close to Pak n Save which, ok I think is a horrible supermarket and I want to murder people painfully and slowly when I go in. But it is cheap. Basically, its policy is to only stock the popular brands which people buy - this means if you need specialised foods you may have a problem. If you like big bags of corn flakes and muesli bars you are fine. To be fair, if you go and as long as you avoid saturday to shop it is fine. If you want something nicer you can head to other supermarkets.
Because if so, that opens the possibilities a lot more. Browner's trademe link is where you need to head. There are plenty more properties to look at once you are here but the trademe pages are good for a starter.
Regarding areas to live in here are some stereotypes/quick judgements which might help
The hospital is in Newtown. Newtown has some lovely old homes (renovated) and some student dives. It is what can best be described as love it or hate it. Some people - including families - love it. Others hate it.
Melrose - quite a good option actually. My grandmother lives in Melrose, it has great views of the water but is still only a 20 minute walk to the hospital. My aunt works at the hospital and walks to work every day from Melrose).
Houghton Bay - bit further out along Melrose way. A walk but a hell of a walk because of the uphill portion.
Hataitai/Kilbirnie - a possibility. A little cheaper but the houses are also a bit bigger. Also, there are fewer students so less likely to have students partying up next door.
Mt Cook - full of students but also has a large number of newer townhouses. New townhouses are often warmer. Although, older retrofitted properties aimed at professionals are definitely around.
Island Bay - regular transport links. You would have to get a bus or drive to the hospital (bus is easier unless you work shift) but it's a nice little community feel. Some houses around there can be in little holes so make sure it is either facing north, insulated or relatively new.
Lyall Bay - is further out from Kilbirnie. It's the area between the Airport and Melrose/Houghton Bay. Quite nice. But, can also feel a little 'detached'. However, it has a good surf beach and a nice little cafe.
Mt Victoria - away from the hospital and next to the city. I love Mt Vic but it's not cheap. I also suspect that because of the houses are quite big you could be living in a flat. Not the best.
All the above are within good public transport links to the hospital.
I checked trademe for with the following restrictions 2+ bedrooms and up to $400 per week and a fair number popped up.
$55,000 isn't huge money but without knowing exactly what you are doing it's a bit hard to really describe if you can live on it. I suspect you probably could if you aren't wasteful with cash and you genuinely work out what you need want. Not to mention your partner having a part time job. Which actually could be good to get ya settled - not to mention money. In those areas you would be close to Pak n Save which, ok I think is a horrible supermarket and I want to murder people painfully and slowly when I go in. But it is cheap. Basically, its policy is to only stock the popular brands which people buy - this means if you need specialised foods you may have a problem. If you like big bags of corn flakes and muesli bars you are fine. To be fair, if you go and as long as you avoid saturday to shop it is fine. If you want something nicer you can head to other supermarkets.
Mar 3rd 2009, 9:13 pm
#11
Sleazy Dippin Doodle
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Re: Wellington and Wages
sorry, that was a bit longer than i planned!
Mar 3rd 2009, 9:33 pm
#12
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Re: Wellington and Wages
Getting a second salary will help no end
Also dont go above 20% of your net pay for rent or mortgage
Also dont go above 20% of your net pay for rent or mortgage
Mar 3rd 2009, 9:44 pm
#13
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Re: Wellington and Wages
20% wouldn't go far in Wellington though.
Mar 3rd 2009, 10:17 pm
#14
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Re: Wellington and Wages
$400 a week takes $50% of the $55k, that would be v tight and potentially spoil the NZ experience - they really need a second income otherwise Wellington isnt going to work out. IMO.
Mar 3rd 2009, 10:24 pm
#15
Sleazy Dippin Doodle
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Re: Wellington and Wages
That's true. I do agree with that. At least if it was a close enough location to work there wouldn't be transport costs involved I suppose.
One suggestion may also be to get a flatmate in to pay rent. It's not uncommon to see flatmates wanted for houses with families. Not a boarding situation but more, flatmate. Responsible older flatmate type thing.
Or, live further out and simply drive. 2 bedroom house in tawa would be nice and cheap in a decent area. Relatively long drive though unless you worked outside regular business hours (and not stuck in traffic). I think a general rule of thumb with a lot of wellington rentals is still around $150 - $200 + per bedroom. Which works out around $300 or $400.
One suggestion may also be to get a flatmate in to pay rent. It's not uncommon to see flatmates wanted for houses with families. Not a boarding situation but more, flatmate. Responsible older flatmate type thing.
Or, live further out and simply drive. 2 bedroom house in tawa would be nice and cheap in a decent area. Relatively long drive though unless you worked outside regular business hours (and not stuck in traffic). I think a general rule of thumb with a lot of wellington rentals is still around $150 - $200 + per bedroom. Which works out around $300 or $400.