need help: To live in NZ

[sniper]

Hi, im new here and im from the Philippines. My family is planning to migrate in New Zealand ( no definite place yet) but im uncertain if my family of 5 members could live a decent life there. I have a wife, a pharmacist and three daughters aged 2,5 and 9 years of age. Im an electrical engineer but my work is in the telecommunications industry for 13 years already. I dont know yet how much i could earn working there in the telecoms industry. Could someone there in NZ provide me information on the monthly expenses on the following:
house rental,electricity,water,groceries,internet service,telephone. I would also like to know what are the insurances i have to pay. Also how much would it cost me to bring my kids to school.
Pls include expenses that i missed to include.

For a family of five how much should be the total income per month to have a decent life there?

Thanks in advance...

We are also thinking the possibilities in Canada

[familyof5]

Hi there,
It depends on where you decide to settle in NZ as to the cost of living. Auckland tends to be the most expensive, although income also tends to be more to compensate. I think the cost of living here is high in comparison to earnings but we came here for the quality of life, which now have!
A 4 bedroom home can vary depending on the age of the property and the area, but expect to pay between $360 - $500 / week. Electric is approx $140 - $200/month depending on the time of year. Water is mainly included in the rates which the landlord pays if you are renting. Some areas ask you to pay for the metred water. We pay for a land line and broadband connection which is about $80 / month + calls. Fuel prices are also on the up. Our average weekly groceries for a family of 5 are about $300, but we can reduce this with some careful planning etc. I think you need to bring home about $1000 / week to live comfortably, you can manage on less and more would be good.
Good luck with your plans.