I want to know cost of living in Orlando (apartment, rent)

[vctor]

We are planning to migrate next year in Orlando.

We don't have any idea yet of where we are staying, but I will be working as a consultant for a I.T. company, I would just like to get a glimpse of the cost of living for a family of 5, my eldest son is only 7 and my youngest is 2. I would like information also about school and how much is it. I was told there were free schools in Orlando.

Also about the culture, are people helpful, kind? or do they have discrimination?

Thanks for the infos!

[annerk]

Where exactly will your job be located? It's a very spread out area. How much are you looking to spend for housing?

[MiamiRob]

I take it you are not from the US since we have free public education in this country. We need to know more specifics as to how much do you want to spend on housing.

[vctor]

Yes you are right, from where I come from, you still pay even on public schools. And you get better education if you pay on private schools.

Anyway, I was thinking of a house with garage and maybe 4 bedrooms

I would like to know if for example I am going to receive $3,000 as salary, will that be enough for the 5 of us?

[annerk]

$3000 a week, month, or year?

If it's a week you'll live well. If it's a month you'll be impoverished.

[vctor]

A month actually. Do you have a simple computation on monthly expenses?

[annerk]

Rent for a three bedroom apartment or home will be over $1000 a month, not including utilities.

Utilities will run a minimal average of $400, and could be well over $1000 depending on where you decide to live and your heating/cooling habits and water use.

Food for a family of five eating well but frugally will be between $600 and $1000 a month.

Car insurance depends, but seeing as you don't have a US driving record it will probably be expensive, so for a modest family sedan or minivan plan on $200 a month.

Will health insurance be provided?

You'll also have various taxes taken out of your paycheck. Normally a $3000 paycheck translates to $2400 or less in take home pay.

[Broker Dave]

This website should give you an idea based on zip codes, Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitors sites is not allowed
But I'm going with Annerk, 3,000 will be tight for a family of 5 even with the public school system.
If I can help with more information let me know.

[salmanalk]

very tough on 3k a month. On top of what was mentioned above, clothes, school supplies, gas for the car, plus the car payments....very very tough!

[vctor]

So you think $4000 will be just enough? Plus the wife can get a job maybe, so that could help also right?