Living in New Zealand: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in New Zealand

Living in New Zealand

Last updated on Mar 08, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of New Zealand is 4.9 million people. The largest cities in New Zealand are Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Tauranga. Expats love living in New Zealand for its stunning natural beauty, friendly people, and laid-back lifestyle. People describe life in New Zealand as relaxed, peaceful, and full of adventure. Popular foods in New Zealand include seafood, lamb, and pies. Other popular dishes include fish and chips, pavlova, and h?ngi (a traditional Maori dish cooked in an underground oven). The cons of living in New Zealand include the high cost of living, the lack of job opportunities, and the long distances between cities. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,500 to $3,500 USD per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other living expenses.

What do I need to know about living in New Zealand?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to New Zealand, they said:

"Before retiring in New Zealand, expats should research the cost of living in the area they plan to live in. They should also familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the country's immigration and visa requirements. Additionally, expats should consider the healthcare system in New Zealand and whether they will need to purchase private health insurance. It is also important to research the tax system in New Zealand and any tax implications for expats. Finally, expats should consider the climate and geography of the area they plan to live in, as well as the availability of recreational activities," wrote a member in New Zealand.

"It's a great place to live. It's beautiful and interesting. I would stock up on all the products you love. You won't be able to buy them here, or they will just be too expensive to purchase. New Zealand is an island. The cost of shipping goods in, is pricey," commented one expat who made the move to Wellington.

Answer this Question

William Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell

How do I meet people in New Zealand?

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.