Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

Some parts of the NE are more affordable than others. "South County", Rhode Island, where my wife is from, is relatively affordable, hugely so compared to Westchester County, NY where we live. We'd move there in an instant if we could find good jobs there, but RI's economy is still in the basket, with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.

It's definitely a case of research, research, research - City-Data.com is good for the nitty-gritty.

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

I'd increase your grocery bill - with just 2 of us in cheap Michigan it's usually $150 a week and you're a family of 5. Don't forget your 'groceries' will not just be food but all the other stuff - toilet paper, dish cleaner, laundry detergent etc etc
You have 3 kids, they will be growing - so factor in a clothing allowance as well

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

I would say 2-350 a week, we're a family of 5, and most of the grocery shopping is from Walmart, Market Basket and Stop n shop. The US is cheap for somethings and ridiculously expensive for others !

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

I'm in iT, I already have been offered position at Dover,NH based company, albeit good at first it might be just an average
if you consider with how much of the pay check you will be left at the end of the month. The aim of this exercise is to
asses the damage :D.

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

This is definitely true. And if you choose to live in a town, within walking distance of workplace and at least some shopping, it can dramatically reduce your annual car mileage - and possibly reduce the need for a large 4 wheel drive vehicle. I know folks who live in town, so are able to only run one car since work and school are walkable.

We spend $6,000 per annum for oil heating. And we never have the thermostat above 68 degrees, and also we use a lot of firewood to supplement.

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

Just had my wife review these prices
Weekly Specials
and have that compared with her weekly spending at Tesco's she's
quite confident we would not go over $500 per month.

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

For a family of 5? Not a chance!

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

I hear you, I'm revisiting heating costs and adding couple of pointers:


- $ 500 groceries
- $ 300 car insurance - 2 cars
- $ 20 Umbrella Insurance
- $ 120 internet, phone, TV
- $ 200 propane based heating / air conditioning(avg) 3 bedroom (~2000 sq./ft.)
{oil based NE - might be as much as about $600-800 per month from November-March, overall yearly 6K}
- $ ___ electricity (avg / month) 5 people - 3 bedroom house
- $ ___ extra school spendings (after school activities including sport related)
- $ 150 3 cell plans
- $ 250 (70c / litre / on avg 3050 km shared by 2 cars per month with avg 10l / 100km)
- $ ___ water (avg / month)
- $2000 rent - 3 bedroom (~200 sq./ft.)
- $____ medical insurance - ($300 to $1500) family of 5 depending on work based benefits (if any) and an income
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GT: $3540

Pointers:
- get a job with medical insurance included,
- rent a house, with efficient / modern heating system preferably propane based,
- rent a house in the within a (even small) city area, it would lower gas costs

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

I would not argue with "the Boss" :D.
I guess she will learn the lesson soon ...

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

Dunno much about Dover but it's near Portsmouth which is one of my favorite places in New England; really nice little seaport. It also has the advantage of being a way outside the Boston metro area & therefore has cheaper housing (except for Portsmouth which is expensive). Only problem is that the property taxes are really expensive.

How big is your house?

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

The things that arent on the weekly specials are the things that add up quickly, eg a loaf of bread can cost $3-4, and will taste like crap. a Gallon of milk is $4 etc

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

Unless they are the Cratchits and live off gruel?

Question to Dan - or rather "The Boss" - how much do you spend in the UK?

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

We are a family of 5, and I'd estimate we spend about $1300 per month.

Now, this is in Texas at HEB, a good but not high-end grocery store, and it includes some wine and beer and a few other things that aren't essential. Even shopping at Walmart and buying special offers, though, I can't imagine you can cater for 5 for a month for $500.

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

I was given a quote of 600 quid (monthly).

Re: How much is enough – Northeast
 

fair point i add that Franklin back:

- $ 600 groceries
- $ 300 car insurance - 2 cars
- $ 20 Umbrella Insurance
- $ 120 internet, phone, TV
- $ 200 propane based heating / air conditioning(avg) 3 bedroom (~2000 sq./ft.)
{oil based NE - might be as much as about $600-800 per month from November-March, overall yearly 6K - 3,000 sq ft.}
- $ ___ electricity (avg / month) 5 people - 3 bedroom house
- $ ___ extra school spendings (after school activities including sport related)
- $ 150 3 cell plans
- $ 250 (70c / litre / on avg 3050 km shared by 2 cars per month with avg 10l / 100km)
- $ ___ water (avg / month)
- $2000 rent - 3 bedroom (~200 sq./ft.)
- $____ medical insurance - ($300 to $1500) family of 5 depending on work based benefits (if any) and an income
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GT: $3640

Pointers:
- get a job with medical insurance included,
- rent a house, with efficient / modern heating system preferably propane based,
- rent a house in the within a (even small) city area, it would lower gas costs