WA SS cost of living question - advice please.

[gtdave]

Hi,

I am preparing my WA state sponsorship app and I was wondering if someone could give me a quick run-down on the cost of living in Perth. I have a pretty good idea of the basic costs such as accommodation and groceries but I could do with some guidance on ancillary household bills such as:

• water
• electric
• phone/internet/tv packages
• car rego / insurance
• anything else that I havent listed

Also, should I list health insuarance? I know all PR's are entitled to Medicare not sure if most people have private health insurance.

Thanks in advance,
Dave

[LynseyB]

Check out www.aussiemove.com
Gives a really good breakdown of costs and helped us.

Cheers!

[gtdave]

Thanks Lynsey

[shazb]

Hi
If you need it our friends has just sent up a list of costs as we are also applying for wa state form?
How are you getting on with it?
cheers

[gtdave]

Hi Shaz, that would be great thanks. Just putting the finishing touches to the SS app now. Only lodged my VETASSESS in early December, so I'm going to be waiting a while for the outcome (current waiting time is 12-16 weeks apparently).

[shazb]

Hi Dave, so here we go with the costs I have just had from friends in Perth... this is based on family of 2 adults & 2 kids, so just use it as a guide depending on how many there is of you!!!
When we lodged our vetasses we were told 12-16 weeks and it took 3 weeks!!! Everything seems to happening quick at the moment
Elec - 100 dollars per month
Gas - 100'dollars per month
Council tax - 1600 per annum
water bill - 300 dollars yearly then water meter approx 40 dollars per month
Car insurance 40 dollars per month
House contents insurance 70 dollars per month
Sky (foxtel) 100 per month
Phone /Internet 60 per month

The gas and elec I pay monthly direct debit but am in credit with both so will be bait cheaper than 100

Hope this helps, just to give you a guide- how did you find the form?? Im nearly done with it, didnt find it too bad, just a few queries with it..apparently they are coming thro quite quick... which is good... good luck cheers shaz x

[gtdave]

Thanks a lot Shaz - thats been really helpful. Theres only 1 of me, so hoping my bills will be a lot less : )
3 weeks for VETASSESS?!! That's fast. Hopefully mine is coming close to the top of the pile.
Found the form pretty staright-forward. Sounds like they dont scrutinise them too much anyway.

Thanks again and good luck,
Dave