Living costs

[Chrisinnz]

Originally Posted by American Guy

I'll provide a slightly different perspective.

My family and I (wife, 2 kids in school) seriously (seriously) looked into moving to NZ from the USA (Minnesota, to be exact) not too long ago. We are both professional types (both of us have doctorates). In looking at what we could earn, assuming we could gain employment, it was clear that we'd be taking a huge pay cut moving down under - like about 40% or more. That, however, wasn't the deal breaker - it was the expenses of living in NZ. I cannot speak to the UK, but housing in NZ is ridiculous-expensive and of poor quality overall. I was shocked. Here, $150,000 US (about $205,000 NZD) would buy a newer home, about 2500 sq. ft., air conditioned, etc. Nothing even close in NZ. Food was much higher. Utilities were far more expensive. Transportation as well. Almost everything was 30-40% more expensive. Granted, nearly everything in NZ has to be imported, but still....it was sobering. Add to that the fact that Americans are not particularly welcome in NZ (probably different for Brits, etc.), and we were on the fence. The deal breaker was the education our children would receive - we have kids on the "extremes" - one very advanced and one with a lot of needs. Neither would flourish under the NZ system. So, we didn't go.

We're originally British but have lived in Australia, Canada, USA and now NZ. It's the most expensive we've ever lived in. Not only because the salaries are the lowest and the taxes the highest with little/no benefit for children or non-working spouses and no basic benefits at work such as long term sickness or life cover. We have been in all of the above countries in the past year and are shocked at the cost of living here. Prices at the supermarket, electricity, fuel, housing, etc, are far more expensive here than USA with little choice. In Australia, the pay is far higher, the taxes, etc, lower, the housing standard far better, choice better in everything, supermarket costs, etc, much cheaper. In UK, housing was harder to come by and more expensive, but bills far cheaper. The supermarkets were also cheaper. Canada is the closest for costs of living and taxes but the salaries are higher so you can do more. Also, the housing in these countries has proper heating/airconditioning as needed but it's HORRENDOUS here as the high amount of sickness shows. We are professionals and are used to being able to buy what we want (within reason) and go where we want (within reason). Here, we run out of money at the end of every week and are constantly thinking about how we're going to survive. This Christmas is not so good for our 3 children as we can't afford the presents they want as we could overseas.

The education here seems to be better than Australia, but not up to US standards. We also have children at both ends of the spectrum. The youngest was getting fantastic help and support in the schools in USA, but not much here and apparently he's getting more than most because of my pushing. My eldest is a straight A student but, although he came first in maths and sciences exams in his entire high school year here, he did not get an award as he started half way through the year. We are fighting to get him into the higher group for these subjects as all places have been taken by kids in the system already, so this is discrimination as they've admitted he's the top. We're here because of the recession, but the moment it lifts we're off!

The people here seem to be pretty friendly but no-where near as good as USA. The people in Canada were pretty off, and in Australia they are very family oriented and it's very difficult to break in. We've made some great friends here, although most are imports, but that's OK. If anyone has a choice, putting everything into perspective (lifestyle, salaries, health systems, friends, etc) the best seems to be Australia by far. Guess that's why half of New Zealand lives there!

[Newdawn55]

Hi,
Noticed you live in Rolleston, we are moving to NZ in the New Year and were planning on Rolleston as our final detination. We did visit the Christchurch area and particularly liked the look of Rolleston, can you share your views on Rolleston?

[Chrisinnz]

Originally Posted by Martin Tuhill

Hi,
Noticed you live in Rolleston, we are moving to NZ in the New Year and were planning on Rolleston as our final detination. We did visit the Christchurch area and particularly liked the look of Rolleston, can you share your views on Rolleston?

Hi Martin,

We've been in Rolleston since June and have just bought a block of land in the township as it suits us very well. We have made good friends here and the lifestyle is calm. We originally chose the area because we wanted a good high school for our eldest and Lincoln has a good reputation. It has turned out to be an excellent school so we wanted to stay somewhere in their catchment. We have two younger children as well and they like the local primary school.

Rolleston is quiet and in the countryside but has the necessary shops in the township with the larger ones not far away this side of Christchurch. The housing is some of the better in the region as most of it is new and so is insulated and heated (you need to check for the latter and need at least one heat pump). If the Kiwis say it's toasty warm in winter, don't believe them. A heat pump is a necessity here and even then the bedrooms are freezing in winter. All in all, Rolleston has a good community and good lifestyle compared to a lot of places in and around Christchurch. We are pleased we chose it and they're building a pool here soon which will be good.

Hope this helps. If you want any more info please contact me. When/If you come here, please let me know and I'll give you more information about everything and give you the details of the Newcomers' Association which is great to get to know people from all over the world, mainly Brits and Kiwis.

Good luck.

Chris

[Reddevil]

Ive got to agree with sensiblebear on the cost of living in NZ,Were still living in the UK and its
a complete mess from start to Finnish living here, are bankers/Government leaders have all
ripped us Brits off,The UK is on it's knees and my children's children will be picking up the dept bill in years to come if were continue to live in the UK,Hence the reason why we really are thinking about emigrating to NZ as soon as my wife finishes her degree in nursing,The UK has finished ....

[juleswales]

Hi all, before we moved here we spent a large part of our research on the cost of living by checking out the weekly circulars, specials and catalogues of the main stores which we compared with Tesco and Asda so that we could see what we were getting into. I have attached a few of these which may help and give you an up to date guide on today’s prices.

New World Supermarkets
Countdown - Shop Smarter | the supermarket brand for the future
www.woolworths.co.nz
Our Specials - Raeward Fresh
Dick Smith - New Zealand
Online Shopping at The Warehouse. Buy Online!
Computers Electrical Furniture Bedding - Harvey Norman New Zealand
Welcome - Bond and Bond
Noel Leeming - New Zealand's leading appliance, computer, gaming and whiteware store
Consumer NZ - independent product ratings & reviews
Another site that we came across that has lots of good info and calculators on utilities and finance Financial Calculators New Zealand | New Zealand Investment Calculators

Jules

[topcat83]

Great list, Jules.

Add this one to it too - Interest rates in New Zealand

[Pepperpot]

Originally Posted by Chrisinnz

We're originally British but have lived in Australia, Canada, USA and now NZ. It's the most expensive we've ever lived in. Not only because the salaries are the lowest and the taxes the highest with little/no benefit for children or non-working spouses and no basic benefits at work such as long term sickness or life cover. We have been in all of the above countries in the past year and are shocked at the cost of living here. Prices at the supermarket, electricity, fuel, housing, etc, are far more expensive here than USA with little choice. In Australia, the pay is far higher, the taxes, etc, lower, the housing standard far better, choice better in everything, supermarket costs, etc, much cheaper. In UK, housing was harder to come by and more expensive, but bills far cheaper. The supermarkets were also cheaper. Canada is the closest for costs of living and taxes but the salaries are higher so you can do more. Also, the housing in these countries has proper heating/airconditioning as needed but it's HORRENDOUS here as the high amount of sickness shows. We are professionals and are used to being able to buy what we want (within reason) and go where we want (within reason). Here, we run out of money at the end of every week and are constantly thinking about how we're going to survive. This Christmas is not so good for our 3 children as we can't afford the presents they want as we could overseas.

The education here seems to be better than Australia, but not up to US standards. We also have children at both ends of the spectrum. The youngest was getting fantastic help and support in the schools in USA, but not much here and apparently he's getting more than most because of my pushing. My eldest is a straight A student but, although he came first in maths and sciences exams in his entire high school year here, he did not get an award as he started half way through the year. We are fighting to get him into the higher group for these subjects as all places have been taken by kids in the system already, so this is discrimination as they've admitted he's the top. We're here because of the recession, but the moment it lifts we're off!

The people here seem to be pretty friendly but no-where near as good as USA. The people in Canada were pretty off, and in Australia they are very family oriented and it's very difficult to break in. We've made some great friends here, although most are imports, but that's OK. If anyone has a choice, putting everything into perspective (lifestyle, salaries, health systems, friends, etc) the best seems to be Australia by far. Guess that's why half of New Zealand lives there!

What if you had to choose between New Zealand or the U.K? That is the choice we are making at the moment and the U.K. is winning on cost of living and salary.

[Chrisinnz]

Originally Posted by Pepperpot

What if you had to choose between New Zealand or the U.K? That is the choice we are making at the moment and the U.K. is winning on cost of living and salary.

UK is definitely better for cost of living and salary. Also for choice and quality of products. However, if you're moving to get away from the crime and violence for your family, then somewhere like Christchurch is a good bed. It's pretty safe here compared to UK. The schooling is also good for the kids and you don't need to go privately. Auckland is more like UK.

It's easier to get into NZ than Australia because half of NZ already live in Oz and are still moving over in droves so leaving a vacuum of skills here. The salaries there are high, taxes much lower, cost of living cheaper, lifestyle better, little violence, etc. Many Brits are convinced there are too many bugs and it's too hot. Australia is a continent and it's like comparing Greece to Norway. There is a wide range of climates there. Certainly, if you're coming to NZ for good, consider getting your citizenship and then moving to Oz later if you don't like it here. There are options.

Good luck.

[Pepperpot]

Originally Posted by Chrisinnz

UK is definitely better for cost of living and salary. Also for choice and quality of products. However, if you're moving to get away from the crime and violence for your family, then somewhere like Christchurch is a good bed. It's pretty safe here compared to UK. The schooling is also good for the kids and you don't need to go privately. Auckland is more like UK.

It's easier to get into NZ than Australia because half of NZ already live in Oz and are still moving over in droves so leaving a vacuum of skills here. The salaries there are high, taxes much lower, cost of living cheaper, lifestyle better, little violence, etc. Many Brits are convinced there are too many bugs and it's too hot. Australia is a continent and it's like comparing Greece to Norway. There is a wide range of climates there. Certainly, if you're coming to NZ for good, consider getting your citizenship and then moving to Oz later if you don't like it here. There are options.

Good luck.

Thanks, My missus won't go near Oz, too scared of Spiders! I think we will struggle financially in NZ if salaries are lower and cost of living is the same as U.K.

[Chrisinnz]

Originally Posted by Pepperpot

Thanks, My missus won't go near Oz, too scared of Spiders! I think we will struggle financially in NZ if salaries are lower and cost of living is the same as U.K.

If you move to Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia (Adelaide) there are no more spiders there than here. It's only in the tropics that there are more (Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin). Don't rule Australia out in the long term.