[Vim]

Hi everyone

Looking for a bit of advice about the cost of living.

We currently live near York and manage on my OH's salary (he's a web designer). We don't live extravagantly, drive a very basic car and don't go out very much. We're looking to move to the SI next year (probably Christchurch) and I wondered how realistic we are being about us managing on one salary.

Our children are 1 and 4 and I don't want to return to work 'til my youngest is at least 3. We'd make about £25000 - £30000 on our house if we sell it for the amount we bought it for, but hopefully more.

So are we being realistic, or is it a real struggle to manage on one salary?

Thanks

Vicky

[Familyofmonkeys]

We are in similar situation, although based in Auckland. My kids are 4, 2 and 8 months, so I haven't worked for about 4 years and will not go back to work until they are all at school.

Your OH is obviously in IT, which is comparatively well paid in NZ. Make sure he gets the salary he is worth...do your research before you accept a job offer! People often get offered silly salaries, but can negotiate to get more if you have skills they really need.
Going off subject a bit though....you could do fine over here, but it will depend on OH salary and whether you rent/buy and how much you want to spend etc. I suggest you do some research and figure out how much you will need for these things as well as day to day costs. People are often surprised at the cost of things. For example grocery shopping can be a bigger proportion of your salary if you shop the UK way i.e. buy pretty much same stuff every week. If you learn to buy seasonally and when things are on special offer, it can be much cheaper than NZ. There are loads of threads on these topics, so I would have a really good read :) .

[Vim]

Thanks!

Yes, I think some serious research is in order.

Vicky

[minnieuk]

We are planning to do something similar. We have just been selected from the pool and hope to be able to go to Christchurch Sept/Oct time next year. My OH is in IT and I am currently studying full-time. I hope to continue with this and do an MA (and hopefully a PHD) in NZ if I can get a place at the university.
We are going out in December for a reccie. We have rented a house just outside Christchurch so will be able to check out the shops etc and get a feel for the cost of living.