Immigrating to Boston from the Netherlands (Cambridge, Somerville: rental, to buy, salary)

[TomBr]

Alright, thanks Boston_Burbs. I do not want to go into too much details because I am not sure if I am allowed to. But our company has recently started to do business in the US. As we are still extremely small in the US and a "company" health insurance is not (yet) feasible. Hence, I will look for my own insurance (with their help) and they will compensate. But from what I keep hearing the compensation should be "substantial", this is duly noted.

[drro]

Originally Posted by TomBr

Indeed, my wife will not be working immediately. But of course, she will look for work and I do not think she will have a hard time finding a job (highly educated and relevant experience). But I will take ryanms3030's reply into account.

Drro, I see your "location" is now Holland. But have you also worked/lived in MA?

In other states yes but not in Boston or MA, I just happened to read this thread. Perhaps you could (temporarily) look at something like 'OOM verzekeringen', they offer health insurance for Dutch people abroad. No idea how good their cover is. Although I don't really approve this, if you decide to live in the US you should be prepared to deal with their expensive health care system too.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by ryanms3030

Assuming your wife isn't working, $70k/year with no health insurance or benefits in the Boston area will practically put you in poverty.

Well, the company said they would pay for the health care.

And the median Boston/Cambridge/Quincy household income was $75k in 2014, so its right about there.

Not rolling in it, but certainly not poverty.

[Dm84]

Originally Posted by TomBr

Alright, thanks Boston_Burbs. I do not want to go into too much details because I am not sure if I am allowed to. But our company has recently started to do business in the US. As we are still extremely small in the US and a "company" health insurance is not (yet) feasible. Hence, I will look for my own insurance (with their help) and they will compensate. But from what I keep hearing the compensation should be "substantial", this is duly noted.

I'm sorry but that's nonsense and they're taking advantage of the fact that you don't know better being a foreigner. There are small group insurance plans that your company can sign up for with very few employees. They are screwing you pretty hard unless they are literally willing to pay you an extra $30k/year.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by Dm84

I'm sorry but that's nonsense and they're taking advantage of the fact that you don't know better being a foreigner. There are small group insurance plans that your company can sign up for with very few employees. They are screwing you pretty hard unless they are literally willing to pay you an extra $30k/year.

If they'll cover the cost, how is he being "screwed"? I mean, sure, he has to do some legwork/paperwork, but it isn't that onerous if he wants this opportunity.

[Dm84]

Originally Posted by timberline742

If they'll cover the cost, how is he being "screwed"? I mean, sure, he has to do some legwork/paperwork, but it isn't that onerous if he wants this opportunity.

You usually get better coverage through an employer sponsored plan. Also what if they decide after he signs up that his plan is more expensive than they're willing to reimburse? It's shady.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by Dm84

You usually get better coverage through an employer sponsored plan. Also what if they decide after he signs up that his plan is more expensive than they're willing to reimburse? It's shady.

I dunno, I assume he has a good relationship with his employer. I mean, he could move here and then be laid off too, hypothetically. But one can't live life always looking for the negatives and assuming the worst. Some chances need to be taken, living (and working) scared sucks.

[yellowstatus]

Originally Posted by timberline742

I dunno, I assume he has a good relationship with his employer. I mean, he could move here and then be laid off too, hypothetically. But one can't live life always looking for the negatives and assuming the worst. Some chances need to be taken, living (and working) scared sucks.

I agree with timberline. This seems like a small employer situation expanding internationally (US).

$70,000 income is enough to live in the area; many grad students manage with half that income. Comments about $75k being poverty line reminds me of an Ibanking friend who insists that anything below $500k income in manhattan is poverty. A lot depends on the social circles and lifestyle that one is used to.

To the original poster: I recently moved to Cambridge and love the area. Seems like a fun opportunity to move to the US, and I wish the original poster the best. Do a little research and everything will be great.

[BostonCollege]

[quote=TomBr;45738785]Indeed, my wife will not be working immediately. But of course, she will look for work and I do not think she will have a hard time finding a job (highly educated and relevant experience). But I will take ryanms3030's reply into account.

Your wife cannot work on dependent visa. So it will not be easy to find a employer who can sponsor her visa.
Your paycheck will be around 4000 dollars so budget according to these numbers. Welcome to MA

[TomBr]

Thank you again, I appreciate the warnings. I do have a good relationship with my employer. But I do understand that this setup comes off as being shady and that I am being (very) naive. Perhaps I am really being a bit naive in my enthusiasm and thinking that these things such as healthcare will work their selves out.
If the costs turns out to be more expensive, we will adjust my salary. If I get laid off I will by the way not be permitted to stay in the US on my visa (L1 - only for my specific company). Wife will be able to work on L2 visa (after getting EAD)

But once again, I hear very different numbers from various people, ranging from $200 a month to now $30k a year. Where does $30k come from? That would be $2.5k a month. Is that not exaggerating a bit much? Or is that based on the possibility that we could both become severely ill..?