06-07-2025
What It Means To Be Wealthy In New Zealand
Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, New Zealand getty
With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant Māori culture, and reputation as a global adventure capital, New Zealand is a dream destination for travelers and expats alike. But what does being wealthy in New Zealand mean? Whether you're considering a move or just curious about Kiwi life, understanding the cost of living, average salaries, and visa opportunities can help you decide if this island nation is for you.
Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings exposed New Zealand to an entirely new audience, enraptured by the stunning scenery. The cliché is that the country has more sheep than people—there are 23.6 million sheep and 5.3 million people, as per AP, meaning there are about 4.5 sheep for each New Zealander. And it's this beauty, adventure, and culture that make the country 8th in CNTraveler's recent list of the Best Countries in the World.
New Zealand ranked ninth on U.S. News' list of the best countries in the World in 2024, up from eighth in 2023, and performed highly in categories such as adventure, quality of life, and social purpose. It came in at number two for a comfortable retirement.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) states that the average household net-adjusted disposable income per capita in New Zealand is approximately $39,024 annually, which is lower than the U.S. average of $51,147, but higher than the OECD average of $30,490.
Incidentally, when asked to rate their general life satisfaction on a scale from 0 to 10, New Zealanders, on average, graded it a 7.3, which is higher than the OECD average of 6.7. Being Wealthy In New Zealand—New Zealand's Cost Of Living
The cost of living in New Zealand is slightly less than in the U.S., where, according to Numbeo, the cost for a single person per month, not including rent, is as follows: Switzerland: $1,659
France: $1,200
U.S.: $1,166
Germany: $1,139
Ireland: $1,112
U.K.: $1,095
Australia: $1,050
Canada: $1023
New Zealand : $1,012
: $1,012 Japan: $927
Italy: $905
Latvia: $874
Greece: $832
Malta: $801
Spain: $731
Thailand: $650
Mexico: $637
Portugal: $592
Philippines: $573
Brazil: $466
Certain expenses, such as housing, can be significantly higher than in Europe—rent in New Zealand can be about 19% higher than in France. In comparison to the U.S., though, rent in New Zealand is 38% lower.
Restaurant prices in New Zealand are typically about 15% lower than in the U.S., and groceries are approximately 9% less expensive. Being Wealthy In New Zealand–Average Net Worth
The 2024 Global Wealth Index by UBS found that New Zealand ranks among the top 10 wealthiest countries in terms of average and median wealth—the average net worth by adults was $408,231. The median household wealth in New Zealand, as reported in a 2021 study, was approximately $397,000. Being Wealthy In New Zealand—Getting A Golden Visa Or A Digital Nomad Visa
New Zealand offers several visa options for those looking to live and work in the country. The Prime Minister recently relaxed New Zealand's golden visa program, eliminating the English language requirement. It also introduced two new portfolio types with varying minimum stay requirements in the country, ranging from 21 days to 105 days. The investment amounts range from $2.9 million over three years to $5.8 million over five years.
In February, the New Zealand government also launched a digital nomad visa that doesn't have a minimum monthly income requirement, unlike other countries. It is also now possible for travelers to work for a foreign employer while visiting the country, a practice that the government previously prohibited. New Zealand is attempting to attract more tourists to the country to restore visitor numbers to pre-pandemic levels.
From the peaks of the Southern Alps to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, the country offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern living. With its affordable and laid back lifestyle, coupled with adventure landscapes and a new digital nomad visa, despite its distance from many other places, New Zealand has never seemed so close. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes New Zealand To Relax Golden Visa Program In April 2025 By Alex Ledsom Forbes Digital Nomad Visas—New Zealand Launches New Long-Term Working Visa By Alex Ledsom Forbes Portugal Golden Visa: Government Plans To Enhance Incentives By Alex Ledsom
