bcworld

Sucks to be that person I suppose! It seems like for full time numbers I plugged in (60k, 80k, 100k and certainly anything higher) NZ came up at a lower percentage each time. That's before medicare levy is taken into account or whatever else might be deducted in NZ that I don't know about.

Beoz

Numbeo throws up some interesting results. The average salary is %26 less in Auckland than in Sydney on current exchange rates.

You would need around 6,505.72NZ$ (5,875.79A$) in Auckland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 7,200.00A$ in Sydney (assuming you rent in both cities). This calculation uses our Consumer Prices Including Rent Index. This comparison assumes net earnings (after income tax).

Cost of Living Comparison Between Sydney, Australia And Auckland, New Zealand

Buzzy--Bee

There's no medicare in NZ so no levy.

Each time you go to the doctor's it's about $55 out of your pocket.

BB

BEVS

There is the ACC levy.

Pollyana

Unfortunately for those of us who struggle to find bulk billed doctors its the same here.

Having said that, i was actually talking to an Aussie at work last night who has a kiwi husband. She said they will return to NZ (they already lived there for about 10 years) when they retire as they feel the healthcare bill will be lower overall there ( they have various medical issues) and she said what I often say, Aus doesn't look after those of us who are childless, they've reviewed the tax situation and NZ will be better in their latter years. For now, like me, they will stick out Aus cos the job we are in iS too good to chuck away.

Pollyana

Surely the people who have experienced living in both countries know which one leaves them better off, regardless of statistics, which we all know can be used to prove the moon is made of green cheese if used correctly?

Or have i got you wrong and you have actually lived in NZ?

Laxor

Australia's diversity makes it difficult to generalize. 2 hours west of Sydney and you'll find a climate similar to London only with colder overnight lows. Darwin is 35 degrees tomorrow, Hobart will have a maximum of 12.

bcworld

At some point your knowledge must become outdated though? I haven't lived in the UK for 10 years so I can't tell anyone else how things like COL compare to Australia. All I could rely on would be stats and anecdotes...the latter producing any answer you like of course!

Beoz

Depends when. Do you think someone who lived there 5-10 years ago has a fair assessment of the economy today?

I know one thing. I've spent more time in New Zealand in the last 2 years for work than I have at any other time. I've also bumped into a fair number of Aussies working in New Zealand in rebuild projects and milk projects who couldn't get work in places like Brisbane or Perth. In certain sectors its booming.

This affects salaries and also affects cost of living. New Zealand has changed.

Moses2013

I think these comparisons keep coming up and it's always personal experience. Locations and job situations can change daily, so nobody can really say what's better. You can have the greatest job today and might be without a job tomorrow. Sydney might have job opportunities for skilled people, but maybe you can only afford a small apartment and prefer a house, so Invercargill would be the better option with an unskilled job.

Beoz

I totally agree and the point I was trying to make when the sweeping statements came in. You know, the weather in Dunedin is different to Auckland and just like the weather in Hobart is different to Cairns just like Cairns and Dunedin can be unpleasant on opposite scales.

There is no rule

msmyrtle

Five years in NZ, 4.5 years in Australia... both different, both more of the same. I could live in either place, not really fussed on either to be honest.

Moses2013

Yeah and if someone is scared of venomous snakes, they might prefer New Zealand:-). It's like comparing the UK vs. Ireland and if one location didn't work out for them, they judge the whole country. Some people boast about Singapore's economy, but doesn't help me if I don't like shoe box flats, smog and can't afford a car.

MrsFychan

Depends on what sort of plasterer he is to be able to apply for a visa in NZ. as not all plastering jobs are on the visa lists, some are only on a temp visa list so would not lead to permanent residency and some are not on it at all.

As some have already pointed out in NZ you pay tax on every cent you earn. you pay for Dr's appts. cost of living is much higher than the UK, choice is less for all things from food, clothes to electrical goods and because most things have to be imported costs are generally higher.

Beoz

Yep. You couldn't pay me to live in New Zealand, but I am a big fan of fair assessments.