Hi fellow LCers

I just got a job offer to spend a year in Sydney. The job itself is not that exciting, but I am very tempted by the idea of spending time in Australia, it's a dream of mine to visit there. And a whole year should allow me time to explore other (relatively) close venues (NZ, here I come...)

At the same time, I just started a new job. A little startup with major potential - and also major growing pains. I'm really debating what to do - going to Syd. is NOT a career move - but it would be an adventure. Staying here (I'm originally from the US, but living and working in Israel) can be a good career move, but involves patience and forbearance.

I'm 40 - the good side of that is I'm still young enough to DO stuff like this... the bad side is I really need to be thinking of my future...

Anyhow. I'm not asking anyone to help me make the decision, per se, but I could really use some input from anyone living there - like:

- what does an apartment in Sydney cost?
- what is considered a GOOD salary?
- is it hard to find a place that allows cats?
- I dunno, anything else that might be helpful

Thanks!!

Hi Katana,

I'm sorry no one has answered you - I'm not sure we have any current Sydney members.

Not being a Sydneysider, I can't help you with specific questions, but I can tell you I loved every minute of the 5 years I lived in Sydney. The harbour city really is a wonderful place, and if I were you, I would jump in with both feet.

It's hard to mention salaries without knowing what sort of work you do, because the range can vary widely. Apartments (called "flats or "units" here) can also vary dramatically in price depending on where in Sydney you live.
This site is aimed at university students, but gives the following info:

I hope that's of some help, however limited.

Roz

Thanks so much, Roz - every little bit helps!

Hi

To answer your salary question a bit more information is needed ie. What industry are you in? How many years experience have you had in this discipline?

Flats/Units differ widely in price, which area of Sydney will you be working in? You'll probably want to live reasonably close to where you work; I say this as if you don't you could spend hours every morning and evening travelling. Also do you like the beach or the mountains? Sydney covers both.

Australia is a great place to live. I reckon you'll love it if you decide to come here.

Good luck.

I know it seems like a too general question to ask, but I really want to know what is generally considered a good salary.

I've already looked into the work I'll be doing, and know that what they're offering me is quite fair.

For example, in Israel, anyone who makes over $35K (US) is considered to be making a "good" salary, but in Tel Aviv, that would be more like $50-60K.

In Tucson, where I used to live, $50-60K would also be considered pretty good, but in NYC, on the other hand, that would be barely liveable.

So I'm trying to get an idea about Sydney in that sense. If, for example, I were making US$60K, would that enable me to have a nice lifestyle and travel, or would I be paying for rent and food, and that's it?

(I think US$60K is about AU$85, more or less)

I really do appreciate your feedback - a lot

In any case, I'm heavily leaning toward coming over... It's just too tempting

Hi Again

$85k is considered a good salary. Your cost of living will really depend on where you want to live, the price of a one bedroom unit in central Sydney is from $300 a week and up (some in the thousands). Whereas a one bedroom in Parramatta would be from $250 a week and in Penrith or the Blue Mountains from $130 a week.

Do you know what suburb the job is in, I could let you know the surrounding suburbs that are nice (some places are nicer than others) so you could have a look at the available accommodation .

Cheers

I don't know where the job is yet - I'll find out, though