I want to know cost of living in Orlando (sale, coupon)

[annerk]

Sorry, but I can't imagine trying to live on $4K a month with a wife and three kids in the Orlando area.

[MovedfromFL]

Also, be aware the sometimes health insurance doesn't begin until a certain waiting period (sometimes up to 3 months), so you could be without coverage for awhile in that case. Also make sure you check into "pre-existing condition" coverage. Does the policy have any exclusions for conditions that you were already treated for before starting the new policy? (like heart disease, cancer, etc) Some policies limit the amount of money they will pay for pre-existing conditions or they won't pay until after a certain period.

Make sure you understand what you are getting for insurance. Also, be aware that family coverage costs a LOT of money for a decent policy. You will be asking the employer to add well over $1,200 to your monthly cost and probably a lot more. At my last job, it would have cost me almost $700 a month (as a deduction to my paycheck) for family coverage. (and this was with a public school system) My employer was also picking up the remainder of the premium cost.

I still get the feeling that this company is trying to find the cheapest labor that they can. It might be fine for someone like you who is single to come over and make a go of it, but your situation requires a lot more.

[qdogfball]

Originally Posted by annerk

Sorry, but I can't imagine trying to live on $4K a month with a wife and three kids in the Orlando area.

Sheesh! Try living on public assistance around here!

(I don't but it has to be cheaper than $3,000 a month!)

You can find decent rental home for $1,100. a month.

Food for a family of 5 = $500. We make it on $350 a month.

Our Utilities avg $160 a month. So make it $200.

Car is $200 a month, insurance is $80 for two cars.

Private tuition is $860 a month for 10 months.

Add $150 for gas and repairs. I spend $80 a month on two cars.

and $150 for misc. items and clothes.

I get $3,240.00 with two kids in Private schools.

It can be done.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by qdogfball

Sheesh! Try living on public assistance around here!

(I don't but it has to be cheaper than $3,000 a month!)

You can find decent rental home for $1,100. a month.

Food for a family of 5 = $500. We make it on $350 a month.

Our Utilities avg $160 a month. So make it $200.

Car is $200 a month, insurance is $80 for two cars.

Private tuition is $860 a month for 10 months.

Add $150 for gas and repairs. I spend $80 a month on two cars.

and $150 for misc. items and clothes.

I get $3,240.00 with two kids in Private schools.

It can be done.

You didn't factor in health insurance copays, home owners or renters insurance, life insurance, etc. And I'm not sure how you only spend $160 on utilities. My garbage/sewer bill alone is $45 a month. My electric is about $150, and I'm frugal with the heat and a/c. My car insurance is over $300/mo for three cars with full coverage.

The OP is talking $4K gross, which works out to $3K or less take home.

[ambersmom722]

ok, I am going to ask my question here. As a single mom of 1 child (turning 3 next month) would I be able to provide for the two of us on a teacher salary down there? By the time I move (next summer) I would have completed 14 yrs of teaching including a master's of education. (would be halfway finished with my specialist degree)

I do not have a car note, I do not use credit cards and havent used one in 2 yrs (paying off existing debt through CCCS..I would have 2 yrs left by the time I moved) My child would be turning 4 so I am already bracing for another yr of paying for childcare. I do not get any financial support from her father or from the govt. I would look for a nice 2 bedroom rental. Is that feasible?

[annerk]

Originally Posted by ambersmom722

ok, I am going to ask my question here. As a single mom of 1 child (turning 3 next month) would I be able to provide for the two of us on a teacher salary down there? By the time I move (next summer) I would have completed 14 yrs of teaching including a master's of education. (would be halfway finished with my specialist degree)

I do not have a car note, I do not use credit cards and havent used one in 2 yrs (paying off existing debt through CCCS..I would have 2 yrs left by the time I moved) My child would be turning 4 so I am already bracing for another yr of paying for childcare. I do not get any financial support from her father or from the govt. I would look for a nice 2 bedroom rental. Is that feasible?

In theory, yes--barely. In reality, no. There are no teaching jobs here unless you are ESL or SpEd.

You would be able to find an apartment for about $800 a month in a decent area with decent (not great) schools. You might be able to qualify for a low income place (not section 8) that could bring the rent down closer to $600 a month. Plan on $400 a month for utilities--many of the apartments around here include nothing but garbage and sewer, you pay your own water, heat/ac, cable, electric, etc.

My concern is what happened when you need to buy a new car or have some other unexpected financial hit?

[ambersmom722]

thank you for the speedy response. First, I would never go for section 8 (not my style). I am accustomed to paying for all of my utilities. (that's a given here in metro Atl). I do understand about the teaching jobs. That's pretty much the deal all over. (not moving without one and I'm planning to go into a critical area as I am working on certification for that).

I should have at least 5 or more good yrs left on my vehicle. It was paid for in full and I had a new engine installed last yr. My financial hits are usually resolved through saved money and/or me making sacrifrices. I am not a materialistic person. I just make sure that my child is provided for (main goal). I did the salary/cost of living calculation on monster.com and found that the cost of living is lower there than it is here and that I would basically break even (worst case) to having a little surplus down there.

Again, thank you. I was up late and reading. Orlando is not a first choice for me. It has been years since I have been there. I once lived in Jacksonville...but I miss the state, hence the constant research and upcoming visits, etc. The earliest I would move anywhere would be next summer.

[qdogfball]

Originally Posted by ambersmom722

ok, I am going to ask my question here. As a single mom of 1 child (turning 3 next month) would I be able to provide for the two of us on a teacher salary down there? By the time I move (next summer) I would have completed 14 yrs of teaching including a master's of education. (would be halfway finished with my specialist degree)

I do not have a car note, I do not use credit cards and havent used one in 2 yrs (paying off existing debt through CCCS..I would have 2 yrs left by the time I moved) My child would be turning 4 so I am already bracing for another yr of paying for childcare. I do not get any financial support from her father or from the govt. I would look for a nice 2 bedroom rental. Is that feasible?

Judging by your response, yes you can definitely afford to live in Orlando area.

The key is how "high on the Hog" you live.

See my response for actual expenses for those that don't spend a lot on things like cable/satellite, cell phones, having $450 a month in car payments, so needing full coverage on the vehicles that get 15 miles per gallon.

Keep the AC at 79/80. in Winter, keep the heat at 65-70.
Use compact florescent lights. Use cold water in washing machine, etc.

I know that I can live with 3 children on one salary with 2 kids in a private school. So daycare should be doable.

Most things like living costs are relative.

When I lived in NC, my salary was a lot less, but rent of $790 was doable.

[Parrotrosie]

Originally Posted by qdogfball

Judging by your response, yes you can definitely afford to live in Orlando area.

The key is how "high on the Hog" you live.

See my response for actual expenses for those that don't spend a lot on things like cable/satellite, cell phones, having $450 a month in car payments, so needing full coverage on the vehicles that get 15 miles per gallon.

Keep the AC at 79/80. in Winter, keep the heat at 65-70.
Use compact florescent lights. Use cold water in washing machine, etc.

I know that I can live with 3 children on one salary with 2 kids in a private school. So daycare should be doable.

Most things like living costs are relative.

When I lived in NC, my salary was a lot less, but rent of $790 was doable.

I wanna know your secret to feeding 4 of you on 87.50 a week... God Bless Ya! I think I am ashamed of my food bill...LOL!

[qdogfball]

Originally Posted by Parrotrosie

I wanna know your secret to feeding 4 of you on 87.50 a week... God Bless Ya! I think I am ashamed of my food bill...LOL!

lol!

Eat home made foods..Cook own breads, rolls, biscuits and gravies.

Soup once a week, with enough leftovers for 4 lunches.

Big Rice/Oriental meal.

Go out only once per month and make sure that you have a coupon or go to a place where kids eat free. Always is a nice treat when the Grandparents come, so they can take us out to eat