siditumart OP t1_j9whgx5 wrote on February 25, 2023 at 1:31 AM

Reply to comment by CDawgbmmrgr2 in Is a 78,000$ salary, before taxes, enough to live comfortably with my non-working wife in Storrs CT? by siditumart

I am a debt free foreigner. Based on the income tax calculator, my net pay would be around 56,263$/4,689 per month. I'm planning to allocate 30% (1,400$) for rent and the rest to pay for basic life necessities, and maybe a car to get around. We're not big spenders, we're planning to do some savings. Sounds doable?

BobbyRobertson t1_j9wttd4 wrote on February 25, 2023 at 3:10 AM

One of your first priorities will need to be a car in eastern Connecticut. If you live close to the center of a town, like Willimantic and Rockville (they're downtown sections within larger towns, you'll get used to it), you'll likely be able to find a bus route to UConn. But overall the public transport network is very lacking if you're used to European standards, especially so in the eastern half of the state because it's more rural.

Busses are free right now so if you're willing to spend the time it's a way to save money very easily. $78,000 is doable for a couple in the area

yolagchy t1_j9wzbu4 wrote on February 25, 2023 at 3:57 AM

Hi there! I just left UCONN after getting my PhD and I can tell you 1,400$ for rent is definitely doable but you might not get a good place, but if you live further away, lets say Ashford, Vernon etc you might get something decent for 1,400$. Car is absolute necessity at UCONN, you can survive without one but your life won’t be fun! And welcome to UCONN!!!

TreeEleben t1_j9yslwp wrote on February 25, 2023 at 3:48 PM

You'll need a car. Especially in the eastern side of CT. Payment/insurance/gas/maintenance will be a significant chunk of your monthly budget. I would suggest buying a cheaper used car in cash so you can avoid the monthly payments. Drive the beater for a while, save money towards a better vehicle down the road.

adultdaycare81 t1_j9yt3wj wrote on February 25, 2023 at 3:52 PM

As a debt free foreigner probably. I see many of the Indian immigrants in my town supporting a small family on what I assume is $75-125 (based on entry-mid level IT pay). But that makes the assumption you aren’t spending like we do here. So if you aren’t going out to eat, drive one older used car, don’t travel for vacations or only fly home.

Would your Spouse want to work eventually? A $25-45k second job from them really changes the math.