[the_parkster]

All,

Shortly migrating to Sydney with family and am trying to work out monthly budget, don't want to 'compare' against UK, but need to form a baseline from somewhere. After research and kind advice offerred by forum members, I've come up with the following straw man for the 'big ones':

Rent (Manly): $2,800
Food: $1200 (2 adults, 2 children)
Elec/Gas/Water: $240
Car/Petrol: $900
Contents Insurance: $80
Monthly 'Ferry to CBD' costs (1 adult): ???

Would be very interested on views of things I've missed and/or the value I've put against each item.

Many thanks, A

[Sam66]

Hi,

I think your figures are reasonable for food, rent, insurance and utilities.

Regarding the car, my car rego/insurance is $1100 a year and I spend about $200 a month on petrol. We manage to get by with just one car which helps keep costs down.

You might want to add in the cost of internet, TV (Foxtel) and mobile phone. We pay monthly about:

internet $80
Foxtel $70
mobile less than $20 (hardly used)

The cost of the ferry is $67.20 for 10 trips.


Normal Fares:
Ten-journey Smart Card ticket: $67.20
Single ticket: $8.20

Plus there is a $5 fee for the smart card
http://manlyfastferry.com.au/content/view/13/28/

[Thongs of Praise]

I'd budget the following, depending on whether you're a bit on the frugal side or a bit of a spender.

Phone line and internet $50 - $100 a month
Electricity /gas/Water - $150 - $200 (depends on how often you have the air con/heating on and if you have a heated pool)
Foxtel/Cable TV $60 - $120
Car reg/insurance $600 - $1000 a year
Car petrol $100 - $400 (depends if you have 1 or 2 cars and if you drive to work)
Health Insurance $1000 + a year (depends on cover options – most Aussies don't have any)
Food $900 - $1300 (family of four)
Mobile phone $20 - $80
Contents Insurance $40 - $80

Your personal mileage may vary!