At a Glance
Cost of Living
high
Safety
very high
English Level
high
Climate
Temperate oceanic: mild north, cool south, windy and rainy
Essentials
Cost of Living
New Zealand has high cost of living, especially in Auckland. A single expat needs NZD $3,500-5,500/month, while families require NZD $7,500-12,000 for comfortable lifestyle. Housing dominates budgets.
Healthcare
New Zealand provides free public healthcare for residents, but wait times can be long. Many expats choose private insurance for faster service. ACC provides no-fault injury coverage for everyone including visitors.
Housing
Housing in NZ is expensive, especially Auckland. Rental market softened in 2025-2026 with first year-on-year price drop in a decade. Build quality varies - many homes lack central heating.
Banking & Finance
Modern banking system with major banks ANZ, BNZ, ASB, and Westpac. Need IRD number to open account. New migrants may qualify for transitional resident tax status exempting overseas income for 4 years.
Lifestyle
Transportation
Car-dependent outside major cities. Auckland and Wellington have public transport. Drive on left side of road. Rental cars affordable but petrol expensive. Narrow winding roads require adjustment.
Remote Work
Excellent infrastructure for remote work with reliable high-speed internet. All visitor visas from January 2025 allow remote work. Growing coworking scene in major cities.
Language
English is the primary language. Te Reo Māori and NZ Sign Language are also official languages. English proficiency high, no language barrier for English speakers.
Community
Kiwis are friendly but can take time to form deep friendships. Strong expat communities in major cities. Join sports clubs, outdoor groups, or volunteering to build connections.
Food & Dining
Excellent café culture, especially in Wellington. Fresh local produce superb. Groceries expensive, especially imported goods. Dining costs similar to or higher than USA/UK.
More Topics
Safety
New Zealand ranks 4th globally on the Global Peace Index with very high safety. Low crime rates, political stability, and generally safe environment for tourists and residents.
Climate & Weather
Temperate oceanic climate: mild in north, cool in south. Famous for "four seasons in one day." Seasons opposite to Northern Hemisphere. Rainfall year-round, especially in south and west.
Education
Public schools free for citizens and permanent residents. High-quality education system ranked globally. Private schools cost NZD $8,000-15,000/year. Universities internationally recognized.
Family Life
Family-friendly country with good schools and outdoor activities. Childcare costs NZD $240-340/week, with 20 hours free ECE for 3-5 year olds. Before/after school care and holiday programs available.
Taxes
Progressive tax system with rates from 10.5% to 39%. PAYE system automatically deducts tax from wages. GST 15% included in prices. ACC levy 1.67%. Fiscal year April 1 - March 31.
Culture
Blend of Māori, European, and multicultural influences. Egalitarian society with laid-back attitude. Outdoor lifestyle central. Māori culture increasingly visible. Modest, down-to-earth values.
Questions
No expat life questions for New Zealand yet. Be the first to ask!