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For those of you that live in this area or in Wake County, can someone realistically live comfortably on 55-65K a year? I am looking to possibly move down from New Jersey, however, I do not want to regret the move because of financial reasons. I have been down many times and know that the area is very, very nice. This is my only concern. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Google "cost of living calculators" and compare your city and cities in the Triangle. That's a start. The one on the CNN/Money website is good because it gives details about what items are more expensive and less expensive.
It all depends upon what you spend your money on and how many people are in your family. Where do you want to live? What kind of housing? Do you want to travel? Do you buy a lot of clothes? Go out to eat a lot? Go to the beach a lot? Rent a beach house? Save for the future? Have medical insurance? Will you need a new car? Are your hobbies expensive?
My initial response to this is "No." But as the other posters have said, there are a lot of factors that come in to play. This area is not cheap. Housing is less expensive then NJ but don't kid yourself - everything else is just as expensive, if not more (btw - we moved here from Northern NJ).
Google "cost of living calculators" and compare your city and cities in the Triangle. That's a start. The one on the CNN/Money website is good because it gives details about what items are more expensive and less expensive.
It all depends upon what you spend your money on and how many people are in your family. Where do you want to live? What kind of housing? Do you want to travel? Do you buy a lot of clothes? Go out to eat a lot? Go to the beach a lot? Rent a beach house? Save for the future? Have medical insurance? Will you need a new car? Are your hobbies expensive?
The CNN Money website is really good. Thanks.
I would like to own a house, preferably in one of the suburbs of Raleigh, maybe Garner. Not a big family, would just be my girlfriend and I. Would like to travel. After looking at the cost of living calculators, I'm thinking that with 2 incomes it could work.
My initial response to this is "No." But as the other posters have said, there are a lot of factors that come in to play. This area is not cheap. Housing is less expensive then NJ but don't kid yourself - everything else is just as expensive, if not more (btw - we moved here from Northern NJ).
I am from Central Jersey. Aside from money, how do you like the move? Any regrets?
It depends on what makes you happy. We live off of $60-$65 now and are happy. We live in Garner...can't afford, and really don't want to live in Cary. I quit working when my oldest son was born. My youngest has one more year before he starts kindergarten. I'm in school and will graduate in about 1.5 years, then go back to work. We have no problem paying our bills, saving, and vacationing every year. We have 2 cars that are paid for (finally.) Our kids that gobble up a lot of that money...karate, clothes, food...expensive little boogers. We don't have the biggest house in town, but that isn't important to me. We have 3 bed/1.5 bath and it's well maintained. In a few years we'll need something bigger, but will be able to afford more when I go back to work.
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