Quote:
Originally Posted by kjohnson75
Does anyone know what the cost of living in New Zealand is relative to Canada. For instance...
If you were used to getting paid about $50000 CAD and would have to drop to $43000 NZD (approx $32000 CAD) could you do this and live in a comparable manner?
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Not even close.
I live in the US, and I have been looking into NZ for some time now. Here's the reality:
1. Housing is an abomination and highly overpriced. Today's (10/10/08) copy of the Herald shows that NZ's median housing price was $330k NZD. Granted, exchange rates are highly variable, but what you're buying is, basically, an uninsulated shack. Good housing is hard to come by and even more expensive.
2. Food, clothing, gas, and utilities are quite a bit more expensive.
3. Educational costs (esp. daycare) are a lot higher.
IMO, you cannot live comparably. Not only will you be taking a 36% paycut, but your expenses will go up dramatically to keep the same standard of living.