Moving to the UK as a Regional Sales Manager with £70k – Can I Afford to Support My Wife and 3 Kids?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice as my family and I are considering a big move. I’m from Australia, and my company has offered me a Regional Sales Manager job to help expand into the UK. The job comes with a salary of £70,000 gross per year (about £4,200 net per month after taxes). It’s fully remote, so I can live anywhere in the UK.

Here’s some context about us: • I have a wife and three young kids. • We’re not interested in living in London. We’d prefer a quieter life in the countryside, maybe in the south of England. • My wife might take a casual job, like waiting tables or working as a barista, which could bring in an additional £1,000 per month.

I’ve been trying to figure out if £70,000 plus a potential £1,000 from my wife will give us a good lifestyle in the UK. By “good lifestyle,” I mean: • Renting a 3-bedroom house in a safe area with good schools. • Covering basic expenses (utilities, groceries, transport, etc.). • Owning a car for family trips and errands. • Saving a bit each month for emergencies or the future.

If you’ve made a similar move or live in the UK, can you share your insights? Specifically: 1. Can we afford to maintain a family of five on this salary outside of London? 2. If it’s not enough, how much does my wife need to earn to make it work? 3. Any recommendations for areas in the south of England that are family-friendly, affordable, and within a reasonable distance to amenities?

I’ve looked up the cost of living, but I’d love to hear from people with real-world experience. Is this move going to work for us, or should I negotiate for more?

Thanks in advance for your advice!