$ 3.500 monthly expenses for a couple in the RTP area (Raleigh: insurance, student loans)

[fscottfitz]

I should clarify, I did not include gas and groceries.

[carolinadawg2]

Originally Posted by John_bcn

There is no comparison , I live in Europe and my expenses are in euros, for that reason I'm looking for comments/information from locals. Here We have a different health system mostly free, and car insurance is not that expensive. I have not idea, but I read a article which says that average family's expenses for Raleigh is $ 3.500 monthly...

So are you retired, or will you be working? Will you own a car? Will you have a car payment? Any debt? You need to provide far more details in order to get any helpful, meaningful information.

[John_bcn]

Originally Posted by fscottfitz

Yes, definitely. I assumed mortgage and/or rent was included. Our monthly expenses are just over 1500. We are a married couple with a toddler and own a house in a sought-after location. The only debts we have besides mortgage is my student loans.

Really? What location?

[John_bcn]

Originally Posted by carolinadawg2

So are you retired, or will you be working? Will you own a car? Will you have a car payment? Any debt? You need to provide far more details in order to get any helpful, meaningful information.

We'll be working (Software Engineer and Graphic Designer, 40's) It seems that at least one car would be necessary (public transportation is very limited I think), no debts, just the expenses of living there. Our lifestyle is very healthy without excesses ; healthy food (vegan), sports (outdoor, running, gym), occasionally movies, theater and restaurant but mostly at home.

[michgc]

Here is my general estimate for basic living expenses for a couple in this area:

Apartment (1-2BR): $900-$1300
Utilities (gas/water/electric): $150-$200
Food: $300-$400
Health insurance through work (no dental): $300-$400
Extra health costs (copays, dental, etc.): $100
Internet/Cable (optional landline phone): $100-$150
Cell Phones for two: $100-$150
Gasoline (varies widely depending on circumstances): $100-$200
Car Insurance (for two cars): $100-$125
Personal Property tax on cars: $50
Clothing: $100
Entertainment (assuming doing mostly free and frugal things): $100
Gifts/Misc: $100

This does not include any income taxes, travel, or savings. And obviously, expenses vary greatly depending on how far from jobs you live, what your health needs are, the types of cars you drive, how you eat, etc. But this can be a starting point. I don't *think* I've left out any major expenses.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by carolinadawg2

So are you retired, or will you be working? Will you own a car? Will you have a car payment? Any debt? You need to provide far more details in order to get any helpful, meaningful information.

I agree. And if you are employed, will health insurance be paid by employer for your entire family? In the US, that expense can be huge. Will you need one car or two - public transit is not great around here.

[John_bcn]

Originally Posted by fscottfitz

I should clarify, I did not include gas and groceries.

OK! ...gas and groceries would be like $ 600 approx?

[John_bcn]

Originally Posted by michgc

Here is my general estimate for basic living expenses for a couple in this area:

Apartment (1-2BR): $900-$1300
Utilities (gas/water/electric): $150-$200
Food: $300-$400
Health insurance through work (no dental): $300-$400
Extra health costs (copays, dental, etc.): $100
Internet/Cable (optional landline phone): $100-$150
Cell Phones for two: $100-$150
Gasoline (varies widely depending on circumstances): $100-$200
Car Insurance (for two cars): $100-$125
Personal Property tax on cars: $50
Clothing: $100
Entertainment (assuming doing mostly free and frugal things): $100
Gifts/Misc: $100

This does not include any income taxes, travel, or savings. And obviously, expenses vary greatly depending on how far from jobs you live, what your health needs are, the types of cars you drive, how you eat, etc. But this can be a starting point. I don't *think* I've left out any major expenses.

Wow thanks! I hadn't found such a detailed list of expenses.. very helpful

[JONOV]

Originally Posted by John_bcn

There is no comparison , I live in Europe and my expenses are in euros, for that reason I'm looking for comments/information from locals. Here We have a different health system mostly free, and car insurance is not that expensive. I have not idea, but I read a article which says that average family's expenses for Raleigh is $ 3.500 monthly...

Originally Posted by John_bcn

Really? What location?

It can be accomplished in most parts of the triangle. Its a question of what you want and where. The short answer to your question is yes, of course, but that assumes that you don't have a payment on a new Porsche and expect a 4000 sf home.

To answer the health insurance question, are you moving here for work? If yes, then your employer will be providing health insurance (that you will pay for as well.) I would ask HR to see a sample pay stub with your health insurance taken out of it. That will give you a solid number to work with. You can get a rough idea on car insurance by going to Progressive or Geico online and getting quotes based on a zip code. Use your work's zip code.

[John_bcn]

Originally Posted by JONOV

It can be accomplished in most parts of the triangle. Its a question of what you want and where. The short answer to your question is yes, of course, but that assumes that you don't have a payment on a new Porsche and expect a 4000 sf home.

To answer the health insurance question, are you moving here for work? If yes, then your employer will be providing health insurance (that you will pay for as well.) I would ask HR to see a sample pay stub with your health insurance taken out of it. That will give you a solid number to work with. You can get a rough idea on car insurance by going to Progressive or Geico online and getting quotes based on a zip code. Use your work's zip code.