In a world bustling with diverse economies, cultures, and lifestyles, there are strong contrasts between New Zealand, with its breathtaking landscapes and hub of adventure, and the United States, a sprawling nation known for its economic power and cultural melting pot.
But while these are great selling points, how a nation portrays itself to the world and what it’s actually like to live in are two very different things. So how do these two countries, half a world apart, compare?
Petrol in New Zealand is 72% more expensive than in the US. Illustration by Vania Chandrawidjaja (source: 1News). (Source: 1News)
Oil
It’s no secret Kiwis are paying sky-high fuel prices so it won’t come as a surprise that stateside gas is significantly cheaper. Americans pay around US$3.73 (NZ$1.64) per gallon of 91 – we added sales tax of 18.3%. In New Zealand, the same petrol costs on average NZD$2.85 per liter.
A gallon is about three and three-quarter liters, so after converting, Americans get a pretty significant saving on fuel – New Zealand is 72% more expensive.
Rent
Auckland is New Zealand’s most populous city, while New York is America’s. Comparing their average rents, you’ll be paying a whopping US$4860 a month (NZ$8216) for a two-bedroom apartment in the Big Apple.
Meanwhile, Auckland is averaging NZ$2,360 for an apartment in the CBD. That makes New Zealand 71% more affordable. But where New York has Times Square, Auckland’s got Queen Street – not quite the same.
Housing
If you’re a little more well-off and looking to buy, you’re much better off in the States.
The average American house price is US$392,500 (NZ$663,517), which seems like a lot but it’s nothing compared to New Zealand’s NZ$925,812 average. That works out to be 40% more expensive than the US.
But those prices mean nothing if we don’t talk about the first run on the property ladder: income.
US workers earn 53% more yearly than Kiwi employees. Illustration by Vania Chandrawidjaja (source: 1News/Pexels). (Source: 1News)
Income
The average wage in the United States is US$59,428 (NZ$100,462) a year which is far better than New Zealand’s which averages at NZ$65,749 annually. This means American workers earn 35% more. In Aotearoa’s defence, Kiwis get 32 days off each year while US workers only get about 10.
Of course, your income often depends on your education.
Tertiary education
University education in New Zealand will cost you around NZ$6000-NZ$10,000 per year. That’s not including accommodation, just the course itself. Depending on what you choose to study, some degrees will cost more, and some will cost less. In the United States, a public in-state university will cost you around US$10,300 (NZ$17,412) which is 54% more expensive than down under.
Ivy League schools are another story – they’re reaching heights of US$90,000 (NZ$152,013) a year. There’s no argument that university is much more affordable in New Zealand, plus depending on the existing rules, you could qualify for either your first year or last year as fees-free.
Doctor’s appointments are 453% cheaper in NZ than the US. Illustration by Vania Chandrawidjaja (source: 1News/Pexels). (Source: 1News)
Healthcare
The US has a notorious reputation globally for their healthcare system so this isn’t going to come as much of a shock that the average price of a doctor’s visit is no exception.
You might want to start saving now, as on average adults in America spend US$125 (NZ$210) per visit. In New Zealand, the average price per appointment is NZ$38 which is 81% cheaper.
Well, there we have it. If it’s a choice between New Zealand or the United States, both have their pros and cons financially.
