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| Subject: Vancouver living standards |
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Hi all
I hope there is some one who can put my mind a bit at ease.
My OH received a joboffer from a Vancouver firm and we need to give them an answer very soon.
What is the average salaries for a single earner?
I am myself very well qualified, but would not want to start working immediately as I would first need to focus on getting the kids settled.
The office will be based in Richmond. I looked at house prices, and do not know how we would be able to afford a house. What is the general trend? Do people tend to rather rent
I would really appreciate any help
Rita
[29-05-2008,17:32]
[***.54.202.70]
Rita |
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(in reply to: Vancouver living standards)
Richmond is a suburb of Vancouver and you will find housing less costly than Vancouver. Average salary - that all depends on the job! Average household income in Vancouver (2 earners is $52,000). Most Vancouver households require 2 incomes to make ends meet.
Richmond is a nice community. Good amenities, relatively safe. Consider a rental apartment to start until you get the feel of the neighbourhood.
[29-05-2008,17:39]
[**.155.160.37]
Sharon |
(in reply to: Vancouver living standards)
Hi thank you for your fast reponse Sharon.
I might be misunderstanding you but do you mean $52,000 per person or per household? Their offer are way above that ($150k). Just very worried when we saw the prices of houses. Mortgages just seem extremely high.
The work will supply us with a house for 4 months and a car for 6 weeks. So it will definetely help a lot.
Do you perhaps know of any links were daily living costs can be calculated?
Rita
[29-05-2008,17:52]
[***.54.202.70]
Rita |
(in reply to: Vancouver living standards)
no... $52,000 per family. there are very few people out there earning $150K. Mortgages are high - no doubt about it and you will not escape it anywhere in the Greater Vancouver area.
My telephone bill is $49, internet is $45, cable is $51, electricity is $85 (2 BR condo, hot water included in my strata fees) I am in a condo and my civic taxes are around $1,400. I eat out a lot and $600 is generous for groceries. Car lease, insurance and maitenance on a newer model import compact car runs me about $585 a month. Symphony tickets are about $50 each.
Where will you be working? I am guessing it is the tech sector. Curious about who is hiring!!
[29-05-2008,22:00]
[**.155.160.37]
Sharon |
(in reply to: Vancouver living standards)
Hi Sharon
Thanks for sharing all your info. I used a very general tax calc and it looks like we will be taking home about $7.5k a month.
The only expense that I am realy concerned about is housing.
We currenlty own a 4 bedroom freestand home in SA and it will not be possible to afford the same. We definetely would be renting the first year or so.
Yes, my OH is in the tech sector and he will be involved in developing a new technology. It will also be a director appointment.
I suppose I should start getting actual costs on the necessities like primary schools.
Do you have kids Sharon?
Thanks again for your responses.
[30-05-2008,02:47]
[***.54.202.70]
Rita |
(in reply to: Vancouver living standards)
no kids for me but a family full of school teachers.
the school system is free for residents and the Richmond district is excellent. Private school is truly not necessary.
I would encourage you to rent for a year just to get to know the area and where you really would like to live.
McDonald Detwiller?
[30-05-2008,02:59]
[**.155.160.37]
Sharon |
(in reply to: Vancouver living standards)
Rita:
Congratulations on your husband´s new position and your upcoming move.
Would you mind sharing how you landed a job before moving to Canada? Did you or your husband have contacts in Vancouver or with his new company? I´m not trying to be nosy, just trying to figure out the game.
Interesting stats on income, Sharon. I´m having a hard time figuring out how people pay for such expensive housing on the average income (and still maintain a reasonable and stable lifestyle).
[30-05-2008,10:37]
[**.189.189.252]
wannabecanadian |
(in reply to: Vancouver living standards)
we wonder the same thing. Here is the absolute truth - our real estate prices have doubled in the last 10 years. If you got in 10 years ago... you are fine. Or if Mom and Dad gave you some cash for a down payment. No sub-prime mortgages here but we do have 40 year mortgages. Or you moved from Vancouver to Richmond where the prices are more affordable, or you went to smaller spaces.
Obviously, once you have your foot in the market you are on your way. If you were not that lucky, renting is common.
In some reports, housing is 50-70% of household income.
[30-05-2008,12:20]
[**.155.160.37]
Sharon |
(in reply to: Vancouver living standards)
Hi wannabecanadian
My husband has been working closely with this company for a couple of years now. When they however heard that he has accepteed an employment offer in New Zeeland with a different company, they made him this offer.
No Sharon, it is not a very big company and that might also be why I am a bit reluctant to relocate. Do not want to be stuck in a strange country with no job no money. Not that I in any way doubt my husband´s ability. The market is just very volatile at the moment and it is becoming more costly for smaller companies to exist.
I read some where that school year starts in September. I doubt it if we would be able to be there by then.
I am sure we woud be able to afford a decent house once I settled and got employment also. I am a Certified Public Accountant and would need to do a conversion of my qualificaion with some additional subjects in order to be able to get work in Canada
Rita
[31-05-2008,13:20]
[***.54.202.70]
Rita |
(in reply to: Vancouver living standards)
yes, school starts in September. First Tuesday - whatever that date happens to be.
[31-05-2008,13:34]
[**.155.160.37]
Sharon |
(in reply to: Vancouver living standards)
Rita:
Thanks for the reply. Sounds like you have a fantastic opportunity, and are fortunate to be moving to such a beautiful area. Best of luck to you.
[31-05-2008,19:11]
[**.189.189.252]
wannabecanadian |
