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Finance - Living Costs

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Shopping at a local supermarket

Most new migrants find that New Zealand offers a better balance between cost of living and lifestyle than in their home countries. Salaries tend to be slightly lower than in some OECD countries, but the cost of living is lower too. Housing is considered more affordable in New Zealand than in many parts of Asia, Europe and North America.

Cost of Living Survey

The 2010 Mercer Cost of Living Survey found that Wellington was the cheapest city in New Zealand.

Worldwide Cost of Living Survey - Mercer website

Commuters catching a train at JohnsonvillePeople-watching on Cuba Street

Goods & Services Tax

New Zealand has a goods and services tax (GST) of 15 percent. In most instances, this is included in the price of goods and services and is not charged separately.

Consumer Price Index

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is used to gauge the rate of change in the price of goods and services that the average New Zealand household purchases. It offers a useful insight into the cost of living, and how it might be affected by changing economic conditions.

Consumer Price Index - Statistics New Zealand website


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Wellington City Council, 101 Wakefield Street, Wellington, New Zealand