New Zealand

Living in New Zealand: the short version

New Zealand offers spectacular nature, a relaxed pace and a clear skilled-migration system, but wages are lower and housing costs higher than many newcomers expect. Distance is the biggest trade-off: flights to Europe take a full day.

Best for: Skilled workers in shortage occupations, young working holidaymakers and nature lovers.

How to move to New Zealand: main visa and residency routes

Summaries only — requirements and income thresholds change. Always check the official sources below.

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

Work visa sponsored by an accredited New Zealand employer.

Skilled Migrant Category resident visa

Points-based residence for skilled workers with a qualifying job.

Working Holiday visa

For young people from partner countries to travel and work.

Healthcare for newcomers

Residents and those on work visas of two years or more usually qualify for public healthcare; many people add private insurance to skip elective surgery waits.

How New Zealand compares

Calculated from our data for all 55 countries. How we calculate this

Cost of living rank

15th most expensive of 55

Single person, core costs

$1,845/mo

Family of four, core costs

$3,426/mo

Take-home on $60,000

$45,233/yr

• Renting a one-bedroom home takes about 31% of the average local salary in New Zealand, less than the median of 36% across the countries we cover.
• Core monthly costs for one person (rent, groceries, transport, utilities, internet and eating out) come to about $1,845, or 53% of the average local monthly salary.
• On a gross salary of $60,000 taxed locally, our estimate leaves $45,233 a year after income tax and employee social security (an effective rate of 25%), the 20th highest take-home pay of 55 countries. After single-person core costs, that leaves roughly $23,093 a year to save or spend.
• Countries with a similar overall cost of living: Netherlands, Austria, Japan.

Estimates for planning, using simplified national tax brackets in US dollars; local taxes, deductions and your own spending will differ. Try your own numbers in the tax calculator or budget planner.

Our guides to New Zealand

• New Zealand Immigration: How to Move There · Immigration

Sources and methodology

Figures on this page are estimates in US dollars, compiled from the international datasets below and converted at recent exchange rates. The cost of living index uses New York City as 100. Guidance was last reviewed on September 30, 2026. Found something out of date? Tell us.