How much do you need?

[JJG]

Due to the lack of movement in the housing market near us, we are looking at a back up plan incase my job offer becomes in jeopardy. Therefore we may decide to rent the house for 6months or so.
So the big question is how much money do you think we would need to comfortably get through the first 3 months in NZ. We would be looking at buying a couple of cars, sorting out a rental and either hiring or buying some furniture and other necessities.
So come on how much for a family of 4 going to Christchurch.

Cheers
Jonathan

[katandbob]

have you thought of checking the on-line stores to work out the cost of buying essentials when you get there? thats what I am doing to do to work out a starting figure.

but I await to see what replies you get....

Kat

[westies]

Hi There

There is a cost of living calculator under 'cost of living' on this web site home page, (www.enz.org) we found it very useful
Hope it can help you to work out finances!!


Westies

[jubjub]

Depends on so many things, how many of you are there, where you are going to live etc. But as rough idea,

CArs, 8-10 yr old jap imports around 6-10000, unless you want something flash/or newer then you could be looking at around $20+ have search for Turner auctions.

Rentals, say around $350 per week, you will need three-four weeks rent in advance as a bond (should be returned at end of tenancy providing no damages)

Leccy if in rental you will need to pay a bond of around $150, and then monthly bill of aournd $100 (ours is with Genesis Energy)

Phone rental is about $50 a month but I think you have to pay an installation fee, and then you may need a bond for that as well, so factor in another $150, if you want internet then thats another 40-70 depending on package (check out telecom)

furnture check out DTR for rental prices there was a thread round here somewhere about furniture internet sites, that will be a good guide for you.

Once you have added all this up, I would add at least 10% to the total to cover things that you have not thought of, its shocking how fast the money goes, even if you think you have plenty!

[Billy]

Cars can be bought very cheaply; just drive around and you'll see them parked at the roadside with for sale signs on a big bit of cardboard. I got a decent 13 y/o Mitsubishi Diamante for $1200.

Equipping a house with the basics can be cheap. Just go to the Warehouse; we e.g. toaster $10, kettle $11, cutlery set, $6 pots $12 etc.

White goods can be pricey, check on Trademe.co.nz for secondhand deals. TVs are cheap, we got a 29" with free DVD player for just over $300 new - Warehouse again.

Furniture - got those folding canvas chair things from Countdown, $9 each, I'm sitting on one now.

Cheers
Billy

[Hannah]

If it helps, we have been here 2 1/2 months and have spent NZ$13,000 which has included purchase of a car ($1500) and school fees (about $1500). We are a family of four and we have had some unexpected costs (eg a large dentist bill) and have had to fork out quite a bit with immigration (student permits, work permits for each of us, etc). This has included rental at $400 a week (fully furnished), phone bills, fuel bills (car and heating) and food. Also some xmas spending.

Hope this helps!

[JJG]

Cheers for the replies.
So if I can lay my hands on(beg,steal or borrow) say upto £20000 we should be laughing?
Jonathan