Cost of Living
 

Just wondering how it is "Across the ditch" Its all doom and gloom in NZ at the mo with everything being so expensive and crap wages....

Any different over there?

Re: Cost of Living
 

Prices are rising but the economy is doing okay considering the global economic situation. In Qld and WA - the 2 boom states - the economy is still growing fast. Not so much in the other states. In effect, we have a 2-speed economy. Many Kiwis are moving here. The socialist government that you have had for many years has f**ked your economy. We also now have a socialist government, so may go the same way, but right now it's good.

Re: Cost of Living
 

It's possible to earn good money here but things cost about the same as in NZ and housing is expensive (to buy).
In my opinion, most people, would be better off, financially, in Australia. As for the common problems that expats face in NZ - well they can all be found here too. The sunshine makes up for a lot though.

Re: Cost of Living
 

My parents in law have just returned to NZ from a holiday with us here in Melbourne.

The word they used to describe the cost of living in Australia - "gobsmacking".

They say many things in New Zealand are TWICE the cost of what they are in Australia, particularly supermarket food, and utility bills. Couple that with the wages here being double what they are in NZ, that makes Australia four times as affordable as NZ in my book.

Buzzy

Re: Cost of Living
 

I think NZ seems cheaper for food and alcohol and eating out etc, but the wages here in Oz seem alot higher.

I was in NZ for a month before coming back here and was surprised that foods hasnt gone up as much as I was expecting. Some items were practically the same as they were when I left NZ 11 years ago (albeit not alot of stuff).

But I think once you factor in wages, then it's not a great deal different.

My sister earns less than me in NZ and but pays less in rent so it works out a similar percentage. comparatively it's not to so different, just depends on your lifestyle.