Floridians... I need some advice

[coraliesolms 47]

Ok, so I need some advice from those of you who live in Florida. I have a job interview coming up in West Palm Beach at Birks and Mayors. Im trying to compare salaries though.

Right now, I make $12 500 a year. My rent is $400 and my grocery and gas and utilitess probably add up to about another $500. Daycare is about $400 a month as well.

So, heres my question. Is the cost of living in Florida really THAT much more? If I take the job, I will be making $48 000 a year, and want to be sure that Im not just "still going to just survive". I will be getting benefits with this job too, for my whole family.

So is it feasible, and will I in fact be "making more money" or making more money but paying relatively the same percentage of my paycheck to my bills?

[eRica&Toney 5]

Finding rent for $400 in West Palm Beach is like living in a box in an alley there. I used to live there and the price of living has skyrocket due to the major changes. West Palm has build up so much and the living cost is going to match what you are making at $48,000 a year. Do your research on WPB before making a major move...its one of the rich counties in Florida. It depends on how you want to live when you come here, as long as you stay within your budget you should not have a problem. It's a very nice place to live, but you will need to manage your money good to keep up with the Smiths and not the Trumps.

High income areas: Jupiter (think Tiger Woods); Wellington (think Polo); Palm Beach (think Trump); Palm Beach Gardens (think Reynolds); Boca Raton (think old retirees)

[coraliesolms 47]

Arg.. I figured. I was thinking about a surrounding area. Seems like its not much better than WPB though. Its at a jewelry store thats MUCH higher end than where Im at now though, and Ill be making commision on that too, so if anything, as long as I can maintain some semblance of a life and not live in a cardboard box behind my work, the job experience will be worth it though.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Ok, so I need some advice from those of you who live in Florida. I have a job interview coming up in West Palm Beach at Birks and Mayors. Im trying to compare salaries though.

Right now, I make $12 500 a year. My rent is $400 and my grocery and gas and utilitess probably add up to about another $500. Daycare is about $400 a month as well.

So, heres my question. Is the cost of living in Florida really THAT much more? If I take the job, I will be making $48 000 a year, and want to be sure that Im not just "still going to just survive". I will be getting benefits with this job too, for my whole family.

So is it feasible, and will I in fact be "making more money" or making more money but paying relatively the same percentage of my paycheck to my bills?

I really don't see how you could go wrong....what you're making now really isn't alot considering your expenses...if I'm reading right, your 12500/yr = $1041/mon (yes, I know you're married ). With the expenses you've listed you have $100 left over? Girl - that job is a major upgrade. I don't live in FL, but I do live in Northern VA and the cost of living here is high too, but if you made $48000 and your husband is working too, you'd be in comfortable shape.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Plus no State tax!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

PS - I did a search on Remax for rentals in WPB and found dozens of lovely (and large) townhomes and apartments in the up to $1200 range....plenty of variety available in many price ranges.

[coraliesolms 47]

Wow, ok... so I can do this!

Now to get through the big interview!... And hopefully get the hubby hired as soon as we get there, if not before...

Edited February 20, 2011 by coraliesolms

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I'm thinking Boonville to West Palm Beach would be a pretty serious upgrade

Go for it girl!!

[coraliesolms 47]

I'm thinking Boonville to West Palm Beach would be a pretty serious upgrade

Go for it girl!!

After the 2 feet of snow we got 2 weeks ago.... west palm looks pretty damned good!!

[KingCan 0]

If if cannot live on a 48K salary, you have major issues. Lots of people lives on a lot less than that.

[coraliesolms 47]

Ok well. I think Im going to take the plunge then. It just seems like WPB is such an expensive place to live, hopefully with commisions I will be able to keep my head afloat.

I hope hubby can find work as soon as possible, so that we can find ourselves in a decent place in life.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

If if cannot live on a 48K salary, you have major issues. Lots of people lives on a lot less than that.

depends where one lives....it would be stretch in Northern VA/DC if that was your family's only income...cost of living is high here

[coraliesolms 47]

Aint that the truth... $48K in WPB isnt NEARLY as much as $48K in oh say... BOONVILLE, MISSOURI...

I think for the first bit hubby will stay home with Amy. Until we can find a relatively inexpensive daycare and figure out car sharing and exactly how much we need. This way we save on childcare and having to potentially get a second car along the way. Anyone know if there is public transportation in WPB?

[coraliesolms 47]

NM... I just googled it. $60 for unlimited use monthly.

Ok.. so budget as follows.. please add corrections if you feel they are necessary (my mom is far away and I need to adopt one on here.. )

Rent $900

Utilities (average) $200

Cable and Internet $150

Groceries ($200 per week) $800

Public Transport $ 60

Gas for when we use car $200

Total NECESSARY income $2310

Sound about right? Am I forgetting something?

[Udella&Wiz 325]

NM... I just googled it. $60 for unlimited use monthly.

Ok.. so budget as follows.. please add corrections if you feel they are necessary (my mom is far away and I need to adopt one on here.. )

Rent $900

Utilities (average) $200

Cable and Internet $150

Groceries ($200 per week) $800

Public Transport $ 60

Gas for when we use car $200

Total NECESSARY income $2310

Sound about right? Am I forgetting something?

Does groceries include diapers and booze? those are necessities! Car payment or any debt payments like CC bills? Cell or Vonage or regular phone bill(under utilities?)

This is so exciting for you!