cost of living NZ vs. Canada

[rata]

Hi,

I'm in fact a NZer, who thought and actually did move to Canada in 2009/2010 so I think in this particular forum have a unique perspective on the topic.

A lot of the information is very biased to the way you might feel if you were Canadian and I guess used to certain customs, or the ways things are. So that would be important if you are giving up and moving from there I guess. But seemed a little misleading in some aspects (without probably meaning to be).

NZ isn't a big country, that much is true. People who come there often tend to like the great outdoors, as let's face it you can't do that 365 days of the year in Canada. But in NZ this is very possible, and this is one of the reasons I decided I can't stay in Canada, as nice as it appears it's extremely cold and I value not being stuck inside all day.

As for the insulation of the houses in NZ, it's true many aren't as warm but if you can afford a new one they usually are a lot warmer (but again let's face it if you like in Auckland & north wards you won't really be needing particular good insulation as it isn't cold and in fact semi-topical).

If you are on a low salary in N Z, tax breaks are better in Canada. i.e. First 14k no tax from memory type of thing. NZ although it's a proportional tax system still favours those earning more. I am in a professional job, and earn plenty to cover most things, more than comfortably. But again depends on your qualifications, your age and experience. I know of several Canadian woman who have had no problem getting work, and obtaining good positions. So I'm not sure what circle or position in life one of the earlier writers was, but it's not completely accurate.

Ideally though, NZ is a place ideally if you have money already you have more time to enjoy the outdoors. There's a great focus on family life, and we mostly tend to know our neighbours. It's less PC (politically correct) than Canada, and I find far more relaxed.

Also as for childcare, it seems the opposite to me (seems more expensive and less subsidies in Canada) so I think it depends on your point of view. As for education, NZ still rates as far as I last checked as one of the top in the world higher than Canada I'm fairly certain although undoubtedly Canada would have better Universities, and more.

As for Health insurance, perhaps Canada is good although a real hassle in the first year (you basically have to pay, then claim back later) which I found frustrating. In NZ you can get it straight away, and we even offer coverage by ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) where you can get either free, or extremely subsidized care for Physio etc. Even covering dental. i.e. you fell over playing some type of sport (not even related to work). I've had several small procedures in NZ, and none took any longer than 2-3 months (knee operation etc). Most people don't bother with insurance, as it's still more than adequate in most cases.

Additionally under 5's have free of charge, doctors visits (only a few doctors charge a surcharge). We also have Plunkett in NZ, which is something unique I think the World as I know people from Germany etc have all told me they wish it existed there. Plunkett walks every step of the way with you once you have a baby (it exists pre & post baby) and is on top of the service you get with your medical professional. They follow the child right up to age 5 I believe is the end date. This free service also offers home visits, a place to go and sleep if it's all too much after the birth etc etc.

I hope I've given some food for thought. If your sole credential is money and big cities, then probably NZ may not be the place for you. But most other things it's more than there.

[kiwibeeper]

I am a Canadian who has looked into moving to NZ many times over the years as my dad is from there.
The interesting thing to me is that I just read a posting on a completely different site saying that when you leave one country (they were referring to the U.S.) for another country, "Go with the flow or go home!" Their words, not mine, but to an extent, I think they have a point.
If you go from Canada to New Zealand, MANY things will be different. First - the climate (what I think many of us Canadians dream of when we consider moving just about anywhere). My mom lived in NZ a few times, and for a girl from 'Winterpeg', it was quite different. She said the only time she got homesick was not having snow for Christmas. With that, you get different animals (I think I can trade the magpie for just about any other bird), different terrain and vegetation. Amazing diversity on this little planet!
Second - the culture. Life is a different pace in island countries than it is here. I can't imagine why people would move from here or visit another country and expect to land someplace exactly like where they came from. They had a very different experience growing up, and how they live is considerably different from how we live. I think part of the point of seeing other areas of the world is to learn about diversity and appreciate things you never enjoyed before, as well as appreciating and sharing some of the things you have left behind. If you want to live in North America, live in North America. If you want to experience some of the rest of the world, don't expect it to be North America!
Oh, no, I was hoping I would not end up sounding like I'm on a soap box; that's not what I intended to do.

[carosapien]

Originally Posted by rata

Hi,

if you like in Auckland & north wards you won't really be needing particular good insulation as it isn't cold and in fact semi-topical.

Bless you but I couldn't stop laughing when I read that . Cold and damp is how I'd describe it and it's not even the coldest part of the year yet!

This morning's temperature

Temperature 11.0°C
Dew Point 10.0°C
Feels Like 9.9°C
Relative Humidity 94%

Just because it doesn't snow and frosts aren't that frequent it doesn't mean that it's warm in winter even in the North Island.

If people could afford to insulate heat their homes properly perhaps they wouldn't be so concerned about the big increases in electricity prices?

Poll: 1/3 of Kiwis are very worried about power price rise | WeatherWatch.co.nz

The price hike is due to energy price increases made months ago. But with the cold weather coming in, the price hike will be felt even more.

According to the New Zealand Herald, the increases will be especially felt in the North Island.

Some Auckland households with one provider face increases of up to $64 for the three months of winter, and further increases are expected until at least 2015.

Budgeting services say that although most power prices went up in April, families will feel their true effect over winter.

Figures from energy retailer Powershop show an average-sized home in Auckland will face a power bill of up to $805 for June to August.

[Weta]

Originally Posted by rata

Hi,
As for the insulation of the houses in NZ, it's true many aren't as warm but if you can afford a new one they usually are a lot warmer (but again let's face it if you like in Auckland & north wards you won't really be needing particular good insulation as it isn't cold and in fact semi-topical).

Semi-tropical? Is that what you call it?




I seached but I could not find the *wetting myself* smiley.

I have yet to meet any nationality, other than Kiwi, that would say this is true.

[anski]

Originally Posted by Weta

Semi-tropical? Is that what you call it?




I seached but I could not find the *wetting myself* smiley.

I have yet to meet any nationality, other than Kiwi, that would say this is true.

No certainly not semi -tropical apart from the humidity, however the humidity here is not as bad as Sydney or particularly Brisbane which is one of the reasons I moved here.

While it may be cold at night & first thing in the morning the days have been lovely at 18c & sunny with the odd sprinkle.

Many landlords have installed insulation as then rental properties are more desirable to decent tenants.

Many homes have now been insulated, there have been big incentives & help with the cost of insulation & heating & it is possible to pay them off under a scheme they have. My friend took advantage of this offer in Hawkes Bay, she received free insulation & they installed a new low emission woodburner allowing her to pay it off.

[jawnbc]

Strictly speaking, only Northland is sub-tropical in climatological terms. Auckland's close, but the North Island's size and location make the climate cooler than an equivalent latitude in, say, Sydney Aus (37 versus 34 latitude).

[Lee-Lee]

I'm wondering about schools in NZ. Are they free like in CAN? Of nit how much?

[kiwiemma]

Originally Posted by Weta

Semi-tropical? Is that what you call it?




I seached but I could not find the *wetting myself* smiley.

I have yet to meet any nationality, other than Kiwi, that would say this is true.

I don't know any New Zealanders who say this country is semi-tropical, sub-tropical, or any other kind of tropical. It gets cold in every single part of the country, north or south. On the other hand, relatives from the UK roared with laughter when I said how cold it gets here, saying "but NZ is sub-tropical".

State schools are more or less free in NZ, you are required to make a small donation each year of a few hundred dollars, but I don't know how that applies to non-residents. Someone else might be able to help.

[topcat83]

Originally Posted by Lee-Lee

I'm wondering about schools in NZ. Are they free like in CAN? Of nit how much?

Free to residents. But some ask for a 'donation' - the amount varies depending on the school.

Of course there are private schools too.

[topcat83]

Originally Posted by kiwiemma

I don't know any New Zealanders who say this country is semi-tropical, sub-tropical, or any other kind of tropical. It gets cold in every single part of the country, north or south. On the other hand, relatives from the UK roared with laughter when I said how cold it gets here, saying "but NZ is sub-tropical".....

It's definitely generally warmer than the UK - but I think people hear 'Australasia' and think 'hot all year and I don't need a woolly jumper'.
I always tell visitors 'There's a reason it's green here, and a reason it's called the Land of the Long White Cloud'. From Auckland upwards we rarely get frosts, and it's getting on for sub-tropical in the far north. But head to the centre of North Island, and down to South Island, and I don't think 'ski field' and 'sub-tropical' can be said to go together.

Having said that, my son was snowboarding on Saturday in Ruapehu, then scuba diving on Sunday off Tauranga. And you can ski on Mount Taranaki in the morning and go surfing off the west coast in the afternoon. I don't think there are many countries who can boast that!