Not after any major in-depth analysis of UK vs NZ price comparisons but what is the opinion of a 'Good/Great Salary' band for a family of 2 adults and 1 child (under 10) to live on in the North Island (north of Auckland)?

My thoughts were anything above NZD 100K was good anything above NZD 140K was great and anything above that your a rock star :-)

How far 'North' of Auckland are you talking about? Some place up there you would be considered a rock star on $100k

Despite the many low salaries in NZ, plenty of people in Auckland/Wellington are on quite a bit more than $140k, especially if you consider overall family income. (e.g. two married medical specialists could be on well over $1m combined)

"North of Auckland" is about as varied as "North of London". $100k is a good salary in most places in NZ, the trouble is the further you go North of Auckland the less likelyhood there is of earning that salary outside some relatively rare areas - for instance no medical consultants North of Whangerei as there are no hospitals further North. So, if you can earn it, its good. IF.

You would need to change that to $180k average. $200k is ok

$1m average house price
Assume 80% mortgage $800k
Reasonable mortgage to income 4.5 = $180k

Please feel free to check those figures.


You could probably live cheaply in howick versus upper areas like herne bay

I inherited a team last year averaging $130k at the other end Invergargill

5 and 6 bed homes for under $400k

makes you think Auckland is not the best location

Thanks Simonsi, thats what I was thinking - I specifically mentioned North of Auckland as I know the cost of housing is so varied there as like any major city and dont want to talk of Auckland. I will be earning in excess of NZD150K annually (basic pay) so was trying to gauge opinion of that salary - not speculate on a salary I could get as I know it already. Thanks again.