Guest Heafod Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Hi folks! I'm new to the site so apologise if this has been asked and answered already elsewhere... I've been offered a job in Perth and I'm looking for some information about salaries. I have no idea what a "good" salary would be in WA and I'd like to get some idea of what a family of four (me, my wife and our two kids) would need in order to live comfortably. We do not live an extravagant lifestyle and just want to be able to get by without living hand-to-mouth. The employer is offering a salary of around $85k per year. Do you think this would be enough? I know that this is a difficult question to answer and that a lot depends on lifestyle, etc. but we appreciate any advice you can give us. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chandi Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 I would have a look for some threads on cost of living to get an idea of whether $85k would be enough, there are a number of them at the moment. As you say it depends on what you see as your expenditure. For us there are 5 (a adults and 3 children) with me only working on slightly more than that and we get by but we don't spend a lot. It would probably help if your wife gets a job to be honest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bensdad Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Depends what lifestyle you live most people spend what they earn anyway. You should be ok on that if you shop smart it is expensive in places but when you know where to go its not that bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted November 20, 2012 Report Share Posted November 20, 2012 There is a general rule of thumb that a lot of people find useful. Take your current salary in pounds and times it by 2.5. That gives the income in dollars you need forth same income. So, $85k is going to be about the same as earning £25k. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colinmacl Posted November 20, 2012 Report Share Posted November 20, 2012 There is a general rule of thumb that a lot of people find useful. Take your current salary in pounds and times it by 2.5. That gives the income in dollars you need forth same income. So, $85k is going to be about the same as earning £25k. I am guessing Maths is not your strong point is it? 2.5 = 34K. I would say its more like 2 to 1 unless you like to drink in pubs a lot lol! And a lot depends on wether you are PR or sponsored as you pay more tax on a sponsored visa plus you can't claim family tax assistance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Heafod Posted November 20, 2012 Report Share Posted November 20, 2012 Thanks for the advice guys -- much appreciated. I assume that we would be sponsored by my employer and so it's useful to have the tax info (thanks colinmacl). We're not big drinkers and only go out very occasionally, enjoying a quieter family life really. My wife also plans to work which would increase our family income, though I'm not sure about the legalities of her working -- would she need a work permit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted November 20, 2012 Report Share Posted November 20, 2012 I am guessing Maths is not your strong point is it? 2.5 = 34K. I would say its more like 2 to 1 unless you like to drink in pubs a lot lol! And a lot depends on wether you are PR or sponsored as you pay more tax on a sponsored visa plus you can't claim family tax assistance I stand corrected on the math. The 2:5 ratio is what people have on here and on other forums over the years I have been on them come ton a consensus on as an average. It may be lower for some, for others higher, it depends on lifestyle. For me personally, it is probably x3 as we like to eat out a lot which is expensive here. You are completely wrong about e tax situation. Sponsored visas have no difference what so ever. The only visas that do are working holiday visas. I have had 2 457 visas and am now pr. You are correct on benefits entitlement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil Posted November 21, 2012 Report Share Posted November 21, 2012 My wife also plans to work which would increase our family income, though I'm not sure about the legalities of her working -- would she need a work permit?Depends on the visa type. From the sounds of it you may be on a 457 visa, in which case she should be fine to work, but it may be worth having a read up at immi.gov.au and checking that's (still) the case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted November 21, 2012 Report Share Posted November 21, 2012 Depends on the visa type. From the sounds of it you may be on a 457 visa, in which case she should be fine to work, but it may be worth having a read up at immi.gov.au and checking that's (still) the case. Yep. Still the case. If he is on a 457 visa, his wife, nominated under that visa can work without restriction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Heafod Posted November 21, 2012 Report Share Posted November 21, 2012 Hi guys - thanks for the visa information. I think I'll probably be coming over on a 124 visa. Having checked the immigration website it looks like this is a permanent residency visa which I had not realised before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted November 21, 2012 Report Share Posted November 21, 2012 A 124 and they are offering 85k a year? This visa is for things like top scientists, sports stars and things? Are you sure it's a 124? I would imagine if you are eligible for a 124 you would also be entitled to earn a fair bit more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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