Cost of living: How much should you have

[zoom]

Hi,

I hope people who have already migrated to OZ can help enlighten me. :)

How much money should I have on hand, if I decide to migrate there with my family. We are four ( me, wife, son and daughter ). The kids are 4 and 1 yr old respectively.

Lets say, I need to have at least 3 months allowance to secure a job to sustain me and my family. How much should I have just to stay a float in OZ for those 3 months?

Thanks!

[Dansi]

Hi Zoom,

I'm not out in Oz yet but am well into the research phase, waiting for a job offer.

Where are you intending to go? What sort of lifestyle are you looking for? Is the wife going to be looking for work also?

Could be any figure really $10k to $30k depending on what you are looking for. 2k bond for a place, 2k per month rent, 1k a month shopping, $400 a month medicare, $100 a month phone, then there's electric, water, daily travel whilst looking for work etc etc...... You may have to worry about school fee's for the eldest, and childcare for the youngest depending on situation.

Heaps of other stuff to think of too. I'll hand over to the rest of PIO.

All the best

Simon

Hope this helps

[lostdf3]

Not sure if it helps it will be just me and my missus but from what we have researched for us, it's a minimum of 10k aud. And that is with a job ready and waiting that side, although the thing you need to get out of your mind whilst researching is the price difference. Look at it from what your potential wage may be, it's not as scary then. Although in saying that from what we have looked at and done the math and will be pretty comfortable

[zoom]

Thanks for the responses Dansi and Lostdf3! I'm currently applying for PR visa, but will need to save up as well if everything goes well. Basic necessities first, for the family until we are well settled down. Scared of not securing a job quickly to provide for my family.

If we choose live outside of CBD, will the cost of living lessen? Lets say outskirts of Melbourne...

[RockDr]

If we choose live outside of CBD, will the cost of living lessen? Lets say outskirts of Melbourne...

Depends. If you live in the outskirts, your rent may be lower, but you'll pretty much not be able to get by without a car. Live closer in and you'll be able to manage for a while with just public transport/bike/walking. The first few months are about spreading the financial load, so being able to avoid large purchases like a car for a while can make a huge difference, even if other things are slightly more expensive as a result, for example, a difference in $100 a week rent vs having to fork out thousands for a car.

[zoom]

I heard that OZ provides assistance to family migrant workers. Is this true?... If so, will the assistance get you through for 3 months? Can anyone help how it works? thanks!

[RockDr]

I heard that OZ provides assistance to family migrant workers. Is this true?... If so, will the assistance get you through for 3 months? Can anyone help how it works? thanks!

uhm... no.

[*Fiona*]

If you are referring to family tax benefit then yes it can help but is not enough to live on. All permanent residents with children and income below a certain level will be eligible to claim as far as I am aware. Theres an estimator on the centrelink site.

[DBC]

It also depends on what you mean by the outskirts - some of the suburbs are very expensive here. If you need to get into work in the CBD then living near to a train station will be very important - you can google the trainlines and then look into the areas in more detail. I can thoroughly recommend the Franston line to start you off - I live in Mentone and it's great for families and near to the beach. Other lovely places on that line are Cheltenham, Parkdale and Mordialloc - I'm sure others will chip in with other places that they would recommend.
I would recommend securing a short term rental for when you arrive in an area that you like the look of. You can't rent anything long-term until you are actually here and the few weeks that you have until you do get something will give you a great opportunity to investigate the areas in person.
I think the assistance that you have heard of might be the LAFHA which is going this year anyway and you won't get of you come over here on a PR visa.
Good luck!

[danicaB]

Living without a car may seem like a pipe dream, but it is achievable. It can save you a great deal of money and time that used to be claimed by automotive upkeep, repair and waiting for tow trucks.alking, bicycling and using public transportation are all ways to save big.