Cost of Living in QLD
Hello everyone! My family and I are considering emigrating to Queensland, specifically the Sunshine Coast. I’ve come across several posts highlighting the high cost of living, and it’s making me a bit anxious. 😥 We’re about to submit our Expressions of Interest for a 190 visa, and both of us are on the skilled occupation list.
From what I’ve seen on Seek, it looks like potential salaries in our field range between $85k and $95k for each of us. We have three kids and are hoping that securing PR will help us avoid school fees and grant us access to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
I’m reaching out to those already living in the QLD/Sunshine Coast area with families. Can anyone share insights on whether a combined family income of $170k to $190k would allow us to live comfortably? We’d like to be more than just scraping by; we want to enjoy some quality of life too! Additionally, any information on how taxes, utility bills, and general food costs work would be incredibly helpful as we’re trying to figure out our budget, especially with rental prices in mind.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hello! It’s great to hear that you and your family are considering a move to Queensland, particularly the Sunshine Coast—it’s a beautiful area with a lot to offer!
As for the cost of living, a combined family income of $170k to $190k should allow you to live quite comfortably in the Sunshine Coast region, especially given that you’ll have access to public schooling and the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) with PR status. Here are a few insights that might help you:
Housing: Rental prices in the Sunshine Coast can vary significantly depending on the suburb. Generally, you can expect to pay around $500 to $800 per week for a family-sized home. Of course, prices can be higher in more sought-after areas near the beach.
Utilities: Monthly utility costs (electricity, water, internet) range from $200 to $400, depending on usage and the size of your family home.
Food and Groceries: A weekly grocery budget for a family of five might range from $200 to $300, depending on your shopping habits and dietary preferences.
Transportation: If you’re planning to use a car, include expenses such as fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Public transport is also available, but many families benefit from having their own vehicle for convenience.
Taxes: The tax rates in Australia can be a bit complex, but as a rough guide, the higher your income, the higher the tax rate, ranging from 19% to 45%. It might be helpful to use an online tax calculator to estimate your take-home pay.
General Lifestyle: With your projected income, you should be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, participate in local activities, and save for the future. The Sunshine Coast offers plenty of outdoor activities, good schools, and a friendly community vibe, which can enhance your family’s lifestyle.
Overall, while the cost of living can be high in some areas, your family income should give you a comfortable lifestyle with some extra for leisure and savings. It’s wise to keep budgeting in mind as you make your plans and remember that adjusting to a new country can take time. Good luck with your EOI submission—exciting times ahead! If you have more specific questions or concerns, feel free to ask!