It can be difficult to work out the price comparisons between the United Kingdom and New Zealand when taking into account the pound to dollar conversion and different salary levels.
While the exchange rate varies, a quick rule of thumb is to multiply the pound by three to find the cost match for the Kiwi dollar. If you want a more precise tool, you can use an online currency converter such as Moneycorp.
Salaries
Depending on the industry you work in, salaries can be anywhere from the same level to less.
Some immigrants find they get up to a third less pay for the same job, while others in high demand jobs such as IT can find the pay structure is better. The average Kiwi salary is $35-40k per annum, though many professionals get paid considerably more than that.
House Prices
House prices and rentals vary around the country. In Auckland expect to pay over $400k for a house in most areas, or rent for around an average of $400 per week. It is generally cheaper to rent and buy in the South Island and in provincial areas.
Petrol
Petrol is around a third cheaper than it is in the UK. It is easy to pick up a good quality second hand car cheaply as New Zealand has plenty of imported cars from Japan which keep the prices down. European cars tend to be more expensive.
Phone and Internet
Most UK immigrants find the cost of phone or internet comparable, though mobile phone charges are higher. While internet costs are comparable, the connection speeds, even on Jet Stream are slower.
Healthcare
There is free healthcare for under six year olds, and subsidised healthcare for under 18s and over 65s. Paying for doctors visits will be a change from what you are used to, and health insurance to help subsidise the cost of visits can be a good option.
Fruit and vegetables
Fruit and vegetables can vary widely in price. The key is to purchase them in season. Produce in season is a lot cheaper than in the UK. Purchasing a tomato in the middle of winter can be an expensive exercise, moving from the low price of a few dollars a kilo in summer to over 10 in winter.
Current prices of everyday goods (October 2007)
1 loaf of bread $1.99
1l milk $1.69
1.5kg sugar $2.83
2kg apples $3.99
1kg minced beef $11.99
1l petrol $1.56
Movies
Movies cost anywhere between $10-16 per person depending on the day or session time.
Eating out
It is relatively easy to eat out cheaply and takeaways such as fish and chips or pizza tend to be a lot cheaper than their UK counterparts. However, convenience food at supermarkets tends to be considerably more expensive than in the UK.
Most supermarkets cater for UK immigrants providing a few of their favourite food items in the international foods aisle.