Cost of Living in New Zealand vs the UK

New Zealand may be a dream move for Britons, but what are the living costs?

The stunning natural landscapes and slower pace of living attract thousands every year. In fact, it’s estimated that around 4.5% of the New Zealand population comprises English expats. Moving to New Zealand offers endless opportunities for a new life, which could mean a better work-life balance, often a more welcoming atmosphere, and an exciting outdoor lifestyle. 

However, choosing to move so far away from home is not a decision to be taken lightly. Many factors make a new life abroad realistic, and one big one to consider is the cost of living. While you should do your own research based on your specific circumstances, we have put together a comparison of what living in New Zealand vs the UK could cost you. For the most part, we have taken prices from the capital cities as the most comparable.

Salaries in New Zealand vs the UK

You might be moving to a new destination for a new career. In this case, it’s worth considering the differences in salary between these two nations, taking into account your industry and precise locations. Previously, it was estimated that Kiwi salaries were far higher than in Britain; however, 2025 figures tell a different story. In New Zealand, the median salary is around 69,804.80 NZD (£30,134.73), while the UK median annual salary stands slightly higher at £37,430. 

These figures are not black and white, however. Some industries in both countries see surges in wages within in-demand sectors each year, like the UK saw in manufacturing sectors in 2024. It’s important to compare specifics, also taking into account that capital cities typically see higher wages, too. Plus, if you are set to receive lower wages in New Zealand, you might find that the lower cost of living allows you to enjoy the same (or higher) quality of life after your move.

Income Tax Differences 

When thinking about how your salary may change in New Zealand, you’ll also want to consider differences in tax rates and deductions, as these will affect how much of your salary you actually take home. Both New Zealand and the UK have progressive income tax systems, which means the more you earn, the more you’ll pay. 

The main difference is that while New Zealand does not offer a tax-free personal allowance, tax rates for higher earners are lower than in the UK. This typically means that high earners benefit more from the income tax system in New Zealand.

Housing Costs 

Accommodation is an incredibly important cost factor when you are considering where to move.  On average, rent in New Zealand is around 20.7% lower than in the UK; however, prices will vary depending on the exact location and how close to the city centre you are living. Below is a breakdown of the average prices in the capitals of each destination.

While renting is considerably cheaper in Auckland than in London, it’s worth noting that London is a particularly pricey place to live. These figures will vary if you are looking at moving to a more rural area or even a smaller city.

Cost of Groceries NZ vs the UK

While this isn’t a large upfront cost, the cost of groceries is something to consider as part of your daily expenses. In general, groceries are typically more expensive in New Zealand than in the United Kingdom. This is due to higher import costs, limited competition and a smaller market size, which pushes prices up.

Again, this will depend on your lifestyle and shopping habits in the UK and New Zealand, but here is a breakdown of the average prices of common purchases in both destinations.

Transport Expenses in New Zealand

Getting around is an incredibly important part of life, no matter where you choose to settle. Public transport will vary depending on your exact location. For example, the availability of trains in Auckland is higher, likely better quality, and better connected than if you were to live somewhere more rural. A monthly transport pass in Auckland costs around £94, while rural commuters may need to rely on limited bus services, which could work out more expensive in the long run.

Driving is a common way of getting around in both countries, so you may need to consider this as an option when comparing living costs in the UK and New Zealand. If this is the way you would prefer to get around, it might be useful to know that, on average, the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle is typically lower in New Zealand. This includes purchasing and insuring your car as well as the cost of fuel per litre.

Much like in the UK, many cities in New Zealand now also offer bike-sharing schemes, which can be convenient and cheaper alternatives to using public transport.

Healthcare in New Zealand vs the UK

Both New Zealand and the UK have healthcare systems in place that are funded (mainly) by the population’s taxes. A reciprocal agreement is in place, which means Britons staying in New Zealand for a short period can utilise the free healthcare system as they would use the NHS for emergency treatment only. Once you have obtained a visa that allows you to stay in the country for 2 or more years, you will be able to register with a local GP and access public healthcare.

Private healthcare options are available for additional costs in both countries, the price of which will depend on your age, medical conditions, and more.

That being said, there are some costs in both destinations that are not absorbed by the governing bodies, including prescriptions. In the UK, if you are not eligible for free prescriptions, you will pay around £9.65 for medications, whereas in New Zealand this is around 5 New Zealand Dollars, or £2.16. The cost of a prescription in New Zealand may be more if not subsidised or if it is classed as a specialised prescription.

Leisure Activities & Entertainment

While there isn’t a huge disparity, it’s estimated that the cost of leisure and entertainment activities is higher in London than it is in Auckland. However, London is a notoriously expensive city, so this should be considered if you are not currently living in the capital. Comparisons could vary more dramatically, for example, if you’re moving from rural England to the capital of New Zealand.

Here are a few examples of costs when it comes to comparing entertainment costs between these two countries.

Cost of Living in New Zealand FAQs

What is the average house price in New Zealand in pounds?

The average house price in New Zealand is £391,275.22 compared to £296,000 in the UK. The combination of factors that contribute to these high prices in New Zealand includes excess demand over limited supply, construction costs and land availability. If you’re looking to purchase in Auckland, you could be looking at an average of £524,981.92.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in New Zealand?

Excluding rent, estimated monthly costs are £731.20 for a single person, or £2,677.70 for a family of four. When you factor in the cost of housing in a region with lower rent prices, such as Christchurch, a family of four would need at least £3,813.45 per month. 

What are typical costs for heating, air conditioning and other utilities?

Monthly utilities, including heating, cooling, water and garbage, cost around £101.87 for an 85 m² apartment in New Zealand. This is around £137 cheaper than in the UK. Broadband internet with unlimited data costs around £37.11 per month, and a mobile phone plan with 10GB of data and calls included costs around £24.34 per month. 

Is owning a car expensive in New Zealand?

Typically, it is cheaper to own and run a car in New Zealand than it is in the UK. The initial outlay, as well as insurance and fuel, costs less in New Zealand. 

What cities in New Zealand are the most expensive to live in?

Much like in the UK, the cost of living varies hugely between cities in New Zealand. While Auckland is typically regarded as the most expensive city, other expensive cities include Queenstown and Wellington. That being said, not all big cities in New Zealand are equally costly; Christchurch and Dunedin are considered to be more affordable. 

If you need more advice before deciding whether to relocate or are even considering moving back to the UK from NZ, then our blog is a great source of information. With Bishop’s Move, you can worry about the important things while we take care of the rest. Get in touch today to start your New Zealand removal process with a free moving survey.

*All prices are approx. as of November 2025.