The decision to live in Australia or NZ is a difficult one for some, and it very much depends on your personal context. Firstly I must say that Australia is a big country so there is a great deal more variety there in terms of climate. In that respect, I don't like NZ can compete with the East & West Coasts of Australia, where you will happily where a t-shirt for 10 mths a year. In NZ I seem to be wearing a jumper for 10mths a year, and I've almost given up hope of going whitewater canoeing without a wet suit.
Those important factors aside, lets look at other considerations:
1. Employment: Unless you can work on the internet or in essential services that NZ has a need for, then Australia offers far better job prospects, a higher standard of living, and greater prospects for getting a job you want. NZ however cannot be ignored.
2. Lifestyle: If you have savings or wealth NZ makes more sense as your wealth will go further, and it has a great life. The people are friendly, but not as aspirational. Its a relaxed, backwards place, and I mean that in a good way. It's quiet, its an adventure. I certainly think the rural setting in NZ is better. Its greener, and there are a number of good size, friendly country towns.
3. Variety: I think Australia offers greater variety, though the problem is you need to travel 1000s of kms to experience it. NZ is pretty homogenous English-type culture. Its basically city-country divide.
4. Climate: NZ is wet and windy. We find it mostly rains during the day, though its hard to plan. Australia is far more predictable, and just has a fresh breeze, which offers good relief from a hot sun. Australia is dry heat except for north of Brisbane. Its hard to enjoy water sports in NZ because you will need a wet suit. Australia has bad droughts, but its great for water sports.
5. Economy: Australia is still the mineral and food basket for the world. Over $50 billion of investment in mining & energy projects in the next few years will only increase its standing. Expect this to have an impact on local values. If you are aspirational, its the place to be. If you want the quiet life, try NZ or Tasmania (Australian island).
6. Cost of living: Goods in NZ are a little bit cheaper than Australia, except for processed foods. Australia is cheaper in terms of purchasing power. I find fresh produce including meat better quality in Australia. NZ is probably exporting its best.
7. Activities: If you like wining & dining then Australian cities are better than NZ cities, though NZ country towns are more cosmopolitan. Sporting activities in Australia & NZ are comparable.
8. Services: Both countries are similar in this respect.
9. Transport: Its pretty easy to get around in both countries, though speed cameras and police in Australia are more 'oppressive', and the long distances are a turn off. The flipside is that its a hassle and expense crossing the Cook Strait in NZ. It really divides the country. No prospect of a tunnel in this case.
10. Isolation: NZ is much more isolated, and its more expensive to fly to the rest of the world.
11. Nature: NZ is famous for its geographic wonders. Australia has just as many, the difference is that in NZ they can be viewed in 10 days on a fly & drive, whereas in Australia, you would need a 3-6 month trip covering 30,000 kms.
Here is a sample of NZ's natural wonders....the seal colony of Kaikoura, South Island.
Those important factors aside, lets look at other considerations:
1. Employment: Unless you can work on the internet or in essential services that NZ has a need for, then Australia offers far better job prospects, a higher standard of living, and greater prospects for getting a job you want. NZ however cannot be ignored.
2. Lifestyle: If you have savings or wealth NZ makes more sense as your wealth will go further, and it has a great life. The people are friendly, but not as aspirational. Its a relaxed, backwards place, and I mean that in a good way. It's quiet, its an adventure. I certainly think the rural setting in NZ is better. Its greener, and there are a number of good size, friendly country towns.
3. Variety: I think Australia offers greater variety, though the problem is you need to travel 1000s of kms to experience it. NZ is pretty homogenous English-type culture. Its basically city-country divide.
4. Climate: NZ is wet and windy. We find it mostly rains during the day, though its hard to plan. Australia is far more predictable, and just has a fresh breeze, which offers good relief from a hot sun. Australia is dry heat except for north of Brisbane. Its hard to enjoy water sports in NZ because you will need a wet suit. Australia has bad droughts, but its great for water sports.
5. Economy: Australia is still the mineral and food basket for the world. Over $50 billion of investment in mining & energy projects in the next few years will only increase its standing. Expect this to have an impact on local values. If you are aspirational, its the place to be. If you want the quiet life, try NZ or Tasmania (Australian island).
6. Cost of living: Goods in NZ are a little bit cheaper than Australia, except for processed foods. Australia is cheaper in terms of purchasing power. I find fresh produce including meat better quality in Australia. NZ is probably exporting its best.
7. Activities: If you like wining & dining then Australian cities are better than NZ cities, though NZ country towns are more cosmopolitan. Sporting activities in Australia & NZ are comparable.
8. Services: Both countries are similar in this respect.
9. Transport: Its pretty easy to get around in both countries, though speed cameras and police in Australia are more 'oppressive', and the long distances are a turn off. The flipside is that its a hassle and expense crossing the Cook Strait in NZ. It really divides the country. No prospect of a tunnel in this case.
10. Isolation: NZ is much more isolated, and its more expensive to fly to the rest of the world.
11. Nature: NZ is famous for its geographic wonders. Australia has just as many, the difference is that in NZ they can be viewed in 10 days on a fly & drive, whereas in Australia, you would need a 3-6 month trip covering 30,000 kms.
Here is a sample of NZ's natural wonders....the seal colony of Kaikoura, South Island.
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