How New Zealand’s cost of living compares really depends on what country you’re coming from and what part of New Zealand you settle in. But in general, while some things may seem more expensive and others cheaper, overall the cost of living in New Zealand is comparable to what you’ll find in any OECD country. You’ll find we offer the same sort of consumer goods you’re used to, at competitive prices. Costs for imported items like cars, electrical and computer equipment and petrol are similar to what you’d find in Australia or other similar countries. To give you more of an idea – one independent international survey ranked Auckland 58th in the world in terms of its cost of living, and Wellington 75th, far better than other major cities. More info at: http://jpc-nz.com/

1. Cost of Living in New Zealand (Part II)
Private fishing is free in the sea! There are limits in fish size and how many fishes you can take
home. But no license needed to go fishing!
Parks and Botanical Garden are free to visit. Picture made in Auckland Botanical Garden.

2. Construction work, plumbing, electrical works charged by an hour from $60 per hour or by the
quote for your project.
How New Zealand’s cost of living compares really depends on what country you’re coming from
and what part of New Zealand you settle in.
But in general, while some things may seem more expensive and others cheaper, overall the
cost of living in New Zealand is comparable to what you’ll find in any OECD country.
You’ll find we offer the same sort of consumer goods you’re used to, at competitive prices. Costs
for imported items like cars, electrical and computer equipment and petrol are similar to what
you'd find in Australia or other similar countries.
To give you more of an idea - one independent international survey ranked Auckland 58th in the
world in terms of its cost of living, and Wellington 75th, far better than other major cities.
Such cities included Hong Kong (3), Singapore (4), New York (16), London (25), Sydney (26),
Melbourne (33) and Guangzhou (31) - showing that comparatively, New Zealand’s major
metropolitan areas are more affordable than those in other countries.
You can read more about Mercer's 2014 Cost of Living survey on the NZ Herald website:
New Zealand more appealing to ex-pats - survey | NZ Herald
Goods and services tax (GST)
New Zealand has a ‘Goods and Services’ tax (GST) that is added to the price of most things you
buy.
GST currently applies at 15%.
GST doesn’t apply to rent on a home, apartment, flat or other accommodation. It also doesn’t

3. apply to financial transactions, like bank charges, or to income.
Prices you see advertised are required by law to include GST, but you should always look for the
phrase ‘incl GST’. Sometimes businesses will quote a price excluding GST because it looks
cheaper.
Typical prices in New Zealand
The government’s Statistics Department has a publication called New Zealand in Profile which
lists the prices of some common purchases in 2013:
Bread - white sliced loaf (700g)
NZ$1.94
Milk - standard, 2 litres
NZ$3.19
Fish and chips
NZ$5.77
Apples (kg)
NZ$2.32
Meat - lamb chops (kg)
$12.29
Beer - glass (400ml)
NZ$5.78
Petrol - 91 octane per litre
NZ$2.05
(That works out to be NZ$9.35 per gallon)
GP/doctor’s visit - adult
$36.28
Other typical prices (as at June 2013):
Washing machine
NZ$600–1100
42” LED-LCD flat screen TV
NZ$700–1500
Round of golf
NZ$20–100

4. Cup of coffee (flat white)
NZ$4.00
Big Mac
NZ$5.00
Movie ticket
NZ$12-20
Pair of jeans
NZ$60–200
Car - Ford Focus (2.0L, 5 door)
NZ$35,490
The average family budget
Our government Statistics department surveys what households are actually spending. Here’s
where the average New Zealand weekly household budget went in 2013.
Planning your finances
Newly arrived people sometimes find that the cost of living in New Zealand is more than they

5. expected. Salaries for some professionals may be below equivalent roles in Europe and the USA,
and our physical location and small population means some imported goods are more
expensive.
Before you book your plane ticket it's a good idea to research the type of lifestyle you'll be able
to afford here. Then you’ll be able to settle into Kiwi life and enjoy our great country without
any financial surprises.
To find out the cost of things in New Zealand you can look at online stores and cost comparison
websites. You’ll find some links below to get you started.
It may also be useful to look at the information available on the Government’s Sorted website to
ensure outgoings versus income is going to stack up for you.
Source: http://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/living-in-nz/money-tax/comparable-living-costs

6. expected. Salaries for some professionals may be below equivalent roles in Europe and the USA,
and our physical location and small population means some imported goods are more
expensive.
Before you book your plane ticket it's a good idea to research the type of lifestyle you'll be able
to afford here. Then you’ll be able to settle into Kiwi life and enjoy our great country without
any financial surprises.
To find out the cost of things in New Zealand you can look at online stores and cost comparison
websites. You’ll find some links below to get you started.
It may also be useful to look at the information available on the Government’s Sorted website to
ensure outgoings versus income is going to stack up for you.
Source: http://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/living-in-nz/money-tax/comparable-living-costs