Living in NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇿 is EXPENSIVE! Is it worth the cost to move here?

Are you considering a move to New Zealand and want to know more about the cost of living here. Join us to find out what you can expect to pay - from everyday expenses like groceries and transportation to those big-ticket purchases like houses and automobiles!

The first thing we go over is how much accommodation is here. The cost of housing in New Zealand varies depending on the city you live in and whether you plan to rent or buy property. In general, cities like Auckland and Wellington are expensive, but because they have excellent transport networks, commuting costs can be reduced and salaries will often be higher.

Food in New Zealand is plentiful and abundant. With an extensive coastline and a temperate climate, NZ is famous for its variety of fresh and seasonal produce. There are 3 main supermarkets in the country - New World, Countdown and Pak’n Save with a range of products and pricing. We recommend eating in season and to consider planting a garden! Here at the home in Blenheim, where we filmed the video, there are oranges, lemons, limes, ugli fruit, cherries, apples, plums, peaches, feijoias, grapes and a bunch of vegetables - simply amazing!

Transportation costs in New Zealand are reasonable. Vehicle registration fees are low, gasoline pricing is comparable to Europe and there are not many tolls on the road. Be mindful of speeding tickets though 🙂 Public transportation in New Zealand is not well developed outside of the cities, so you will most likely want to buy a car to explore the country.

When it comes to eating out, New Zealanders are spoiled for choices with great cafes and restaurants offering a wide range of international cuisines. Meat pies are a staple of the Kiwi diet and an amazing selection of them can be found everywhere.

Utility bills can get quite steep in NZ compared to other countries, especially if you live outside the city. Most homes do not have central heating systems and in the winter season, they can be quite expensive to heat with electricity. Internet speeds in the city are really fast but be aware that in many rural areas of the country data is not unlimited. This will most likely improve as the country expands a fibre network across the country.

If you like to shop, you can find pretty much everything you are looking for in New Zealand. The selection and sizing for clothing can sometimes be a challenge and electronic goods here are much higher than you’ll find in other countries. However, second-hand op shops are prevalent everywhere and people in NZ love buying from them.

Activities in New Zealand are epic and unforgettable. Some can be quite expensive but well worth the price. There is also a wide range of activities that are completely free. From tramping (hiking) and mountain biking to botanical gardens and pristine beaches the choices are endless.

New Zealand's universal health care system ensures all residents receive treatment for any medical condition. This means that healthcare will never become a luxury available only to those who can afford it.

In all, the most important thing you should consider while packing your bags is what price you’re willing to pay for a safe and stress-free lifestyle. New Zealand is an amazing place with a beautiful landscape, fresh clean air, and warm and welcoming people. If you’re looking for one of the highest standards of living in the world, then New Zealand is the place to be.

Enjoy the video and let us know in the comments below if you are an expat living in NZ or have any questions about moving here.