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3

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 00:11

Please could someone give me an idea of what sort of salary per month would be needed to support a family of five with two primary school age children, living in a 3/4 bed villa possibly two vehicles and money for a social life in order to meet people. Thanks

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460

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 12:48

Thanks for all your reponses, I know it was a tough question as there are lots of factors to take into account. I just needed to get an idea, to make sure we are not going to be out of pocket and scrimping and saving and not being able to go out to meet people as I would rather be doing that at home (uk) where I do know people and have a support network, That is a good point because there is definitely a very sociable culture here and always something going on - it is especially difficult when you first arrive because to make new friends you want to say yes to everything that is going on.

3

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 12:39

Thanks for all your reponses, I know it was a tough question as there are lots of factors to take into account. I just needed to get an idea, to make sure we are not going to be out of pocket and scrimping and saving and not being able to go out to meet people as I would rather be doing that at home (uk) where I do know people and have a support network,

3863

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 11:06

Dont forget if you get a car loan now you have to pay a 20% deposit up front too ( They did change it from 10 didnt they i didnt dream that) They have ways around that though, the dealers all offer ways around it if you earn a salary of over 10k Thanks :-)

1280

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 11:04

Also, do you have things you have to pay for back home, mortgage, pensions, loans, etc ... remember to include these!

STILLadviceseek...

425

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 11:02

Dont forget if you get a car loan now you have to pay a 20% deposit up front too ( They did change it from 10 didnt they i didnt dream that) They have ways around that though, the dealers all offer ways around it if you earn a salary of over 10k

3863

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 11:00

Dont forget if you get a car loan now you have to pay a 20% deposit up front too ( They did change it from 10 didnt they i didnt dream that)

STILLadviceseek...

425

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 10:52

Please could someone give me an idea of what sort of salary per month would be needed to support a family of five with two primary school age children, living in a 3/4 bed villa possibly two vehicles and money for a social life in order to meet people. Thanks Hi Tammyfm, again echoing the other posters message (how long is a piece of string) however I can give you a rough idea of what basic expenses can cost. Rent This depends on what size house you want and what area you'd be willing to live in. You can pick up a 5 bed villa in "the villa" for 135-140k per year. Bare in mind the first year you have to pay 5% agency fee and 5% deposit, and most landlords ask for 1-2 cheques, so you'd need the rent money up front in most cases. There are 3 bedroom villas in Mirdiff/Jumeirah Village Triangle/Jumeirah Village Circle for 80-120k per year. I don't think there are many 3 bed apartments cheaper than these villas, however their DEWA might be lower. School With two school aged children, the price will vary depending on the quality of education and the type of school you'd like your children to go to. The top end would be around 35-40k per child per year, I think you have to pay per term up front. There aren't really any schools I could recommend that are cheaper than the top end price. Transport This depends how many cars you need. Bare in mind you have to drive pretty much everywhere unless you're able to use the metro and the bus system here. If you take out a loan you can get a car for around 1500 per month or much higher depending on the type of car you want/need. DEWA DEWA is a really tough one to answer, but for a family of 5 I would budget for 2000 per month and hope that it is lower, but it is a bit unpredictable at times. Groceries Again, this can vary greatly depending on your needs and where you choose to shop, a good friend of mine is a family of 5 and she shops at Spinneys and complains all the time about how much it costs, she says she spends at least 1500 per week (although I think that includes Nappies and formula).

460

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 09:40

As other have said - it depends on your lifestyle, if you make an effort to save money and only do cheap or free activities (beach, camping, low cost restaurants) then you can live on much less than if you are wanting to go out every weekend, pay for babysitters, take the kids to clubs, lessons etc. But to give an idea of some costs: Cars = approx 1700 per month for cheapest hire car (such as Toyota Yaris which would not be a great family car) but if you buy a car then you can get a better car (such as a 4x4) and pay this amount towards the loan each month Dinner in hotel restaurant = 500 - 1500 for 2 people including wine depending on number of courses, amount of wine Dinner in non hotel restaurant = From 50 dirhams per person Bottle of wine in restaurant or bar = minimum 150 Bottled of beer in restaurant or bar = minimum 40 Rent = 10000+ per month depending on area, size of villa DEWA (water and electricity) bills = 500+ per month, will be much more in the summer and if you have a pool Live in maid = Up to 2000 per month Part time maid = 30+ per hour Not sure where you are from but things like clothes, shoes, hair cuts are more expensive than the UK. School fees I have no idea about but I am sure that someone will be able to give you an idea. I also don't know how much any other child related costs would be but again I am sure there are plenty of people on here who do.

Little Bubblici...

58

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 07:43

That's like asking how long is a piece of string. That was my first thought too! People living off a lot less and people landing themselves in debt with a lot more! and vice versa of course.

45

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 07:25

Dhs 45 000 - 60 000 per month total package

Monkey Face44709

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EW GURU

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 07:01

That's like asking how long is a piece of string. You find people living and surviving here on a wide range of salaries and so much depends on YOUR quality and standard of living, your expectations, your lifestyle, where you're coming from, etc.

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