Moving From Chicago to CA (San Jose, Santa Clara: rent, car insurance, houses)

[mdwstrnkid]

Originally Posted by chrmer4u

If I was to pay the 3500 a months rent including the increase cost of living any idea where I would need to be for financial comfort. I know this is a hard question, but there seems to be so many statements relaying hte fact that although housing is more other things are not.....

Well, I think that depends on a lot of factors, i.e. what your desired savings goal is, what your lifestyle is (traveling, types of cars, going out to eat, hobbies, etc.), how many kids do you have, are they going to public schools, how much are you planning to save for college, etc.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by chrmer4u

I really appreciate all the information, it is really helpful in my decision process. I want my girls to experience so much more than what vacations provide, the weather in the midwest is just plain depressing during the cold months, and they seem to be getting longer as our warm months seem to of course be getting shorter....
I am still negotaiting with the employer and they seem to have met the relocation package now I am hoping the get on the salary bandwagon.
Such a rough choice...I have found a 5 bedroom, 4 bths, 2 car garage, pool, spa on a very nice piece of property for rent. If I was to pay the 3500 a months rent including the increase cost of living any idea where I would need to be for financial comfort. I know this is a hard question, but there seems to be so many statements relaying hte fact that although housing is more other things are not.....

Honestly, I think that statement about other things being the same or cheaper here is not true. The sales tax is above 9% in most or all of the Bay Area counties.

Gas is higher than most parts of the country (which matters a lot if you do decide to make a long commute).

And overall I think groceries are higher than average as well.

The only thing that I can think of that might be a little less is the health care costs (and I emphasize 'little bit').

I would say that if it were not for housing, the high cost of the other things would be merely an annoyance for most of us. But since hosuing costs are also high, the high cost of the other stuff makes life here tough for some.

[chrmer4u]

We save about $500 a month, does not include what we save for college. Our oldest goes to private college and our two others will go to the best school available in the area, if public schools arent good they will attend private. We have three girls, 18, 17 and 10, all have cell phones, internet, computers, 18 year old has a car (98 grand am) girlfirend has a 2004 cavilier, I currently sold mine but looking for who knows depends on if and when we move, 17 will turn 18 next month and will have a used car as well. We eat out or order in not a lot but a bit and we like to travel. With all girls its fashion galore but reasonable.
I am thinking we could make it same as here in the midwest, of course we have a significant increase in rent, groceries, gas, utilites are all necessities and if we move to CA we will deal with it.
I am just trying to balance and make a good decision, instead a making a huge mistake. I would be working for Kaiser.

[CrownVic95]

Originally Posted by chrmer4u

I really appreciate all the information, it is really helpful in my decision process. I want my girls to experience so much more than what vacations provide, the weather in the midwest is just plain depressing during the cold months, and they seem to be getting longer as our warm months seem to of course be getting shorter....
I am still negotaiting with the employer and they seem to have met the relocation package now I am hoping the get on the salary bandwagon.
Such a rough choice...I have found a 5 bedroom, 4 bths, 2 car garage, pool, spa on a very nice piece of property for rent. If I was to pay the 3500 a months rent including the increase cost of living any idea where I would need to be for financial comfort. I know this is a hard question, but there seems to be so many statements relaying hte fact that although housing is more other things are not.....

It sounds to me like your heart has already made up its mind and you are looking for ways to convince your head to go along. I know the feeling - I had it, too, many years ago.

The old saying "be careful what you ask for - you may get it" comes to mind. Having lived in both areas for a good many years (although I realize my Midwestern experience is 19+ years ago) I just can't see a move from there to here as a quality of life improvement - especially if you have young children. If you go through with it, it is likely that you'll see it quite the opposite way within..say..two years time.

But again, best of luck.

[chrmer4u]

You are right! Normally, I get what I ask for and its not always good, I guess thats why I am trying to get so much information prior to deciding. My mom moved to anahiem when i was 17 and came back only because it was so hard about three years later. I would like to believe I have it all together...but I am sure I dont thats a big statement.
My kids are all girls, 18, 17 and 10. My statement of a quality of life improvements may have been inappropriately stated...we love the outdoors, swimming, hiking, beach walks, skiing, almost anything outside we enjoy. And, that is just not found round the year here in the midwest, wish it were but it doesnt.

[mdwstrnkid]

Originally Posted by mysticaltyger

Honestly, I think that statement about other things being the same or cheaper here is not true. The sales tax is above 9% in most or all of the Bay Area counties.

<snip>

And overall I think groceries are higher than average as well.

AFAIK, the sales tax in Chicago is 10.25%, higher than the sales tax here in the Bay Area. Also, while meat and cereal is more expensive here, I know that produce is often cheaper here than in the Midwest.

I agree with your other points.

[chrmer4u]

Woul dyou relocate on 145

[mdwstrnkid]

Originally Posted by chrmer4u

Woul dyou relocate on 145

Are you referring to a salary of $145K? If so, is this before or after the move?

[SVHomePro]

Originally Posted by chrmer4u

Woul dyou relocate on 145

I would relocate here as long as it was a 25% increase in your income. Otherwise the cost of living is going to be overwhelming, specifically for housing.

If you are renting there are many areas you could consider within an hour with good schools. Almaden (area of San Jose), Morgan Hill, Gilroy(not the best schools) or even San Martin (Morgan Hill Schools big lots).

@ 145k you're @ 33% of your income with a $3500/mth payment. With that payment you could afford a loan of $650k and a home value around $720k if you had the down payment $$. No way you would be able to find a house around Santa Clara county with 3/4 acre and 5 bedrooms. The closest I've seen is a home in the east foothills @ $799k. Alum Rock schools (worst in SJ).

[SVHomePro]

There are some nice homes in Morgan Hill for Rent ~ $3000 w/ some land.
There is a 7 Bedroom home in Almaden for $3150 (Great Schools)