to ask for your monthly budget in London for 2 adults one 3yo

[Babypythagorus]

Hi,

We’re thinking of moving back to London (eep!) but I’m getting scared by the budgeting sums.

We have a house we’re renting that we’ll move back into, so mortgage is what it is.

What do I need to budget for food for 3 of us, travel, etc?

Thanks mumsnet!

Depends on so many things. Which part of London, will you want/need childcare for the 3 year old, will you and/or your partner need to travel, how will you do this (bus/train/tube etc) do you want the 3 year old to go to any activities, what supermarket do you normally shop in, etc etc.

Nursery (3yr old subsidy):£400
Travel: £75ish - mainly bus
Food: £200 approx, surely this won’t change much from what you spend now?
Mortgage/rent is the biggest lay out in london, but you’ve already covered that.

Perhaps do a spreadsheet? Only you know what all your outgoing are...

We currently live on a remote Scottish island, where fresh vegetables cost the earth, and the boat into town costs 16 return - I have literally lost all sense of things!

I’ll need to travel in zone 4, partner in zone 2-4 one day a week. Child will be 4, so I’m reception, which is full time? So wraparound childcare on day partner is at uni...?

Argh adulting is hard.

Does it have to be London? Could it be another big city? If you're currently on a remote Scottish island you could get rid of all the negatives of expensive fresh veg and ferry fares, without becoming a wage slave to your landlord, TfL and nursery.

I moved to London once. I'm planning to get out.

I live in London but impossible to help you without knowing your specific outgoings etc. You need to make a spreadsheet.

I'm afraid the absolute only answer to this is to sell the house in London and move to Glasgow.

It costs me £5 return from zone 1-2 everyday during the week.

Food wise yes you will probably save money if you live somewhere like Orkney. London food can be quite cheap, especially if you shop in cash and carry type places and buy in bulk (VB and sons in Queensbury is pretty good). Or directly from markets.

Rent is the killer though. Expect to pay at least £1500+for a small flat in zone 2-4. Zone 6 can give you more room though - can get a decent size 1 bed flat in Harrow or Wembly for 800-1k per month if you move fast.