Ultimately, the cost of living in New Zealand is so high that it may not be sustainable for many people over the long term.
As per the recent survey, New Zealand has emerged as the country with the most expensive cities in the world, beating its closest competitors- Australia and Japan. The survey conducted by Mercer, a global human resources consulting firm, measures the cost of living in different cities across the globe. This survey takes into consideration various factors like housing, transport, food, clothing, entertainment, and other expenses. According to the report, the New Zealand dollar has strengthened over the last year, which has led to the increase in the cost of living in the country. The cost of accommodation and transport in cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch has increased significantly, making them some of the most expensive cities in the world.
Auckland was recently ranked the fourth least affordable city for housing in the world by Demographia.
By the end of 2021 homes in Auckland have come with an average house price now NZ$1.3m (US$934,000), according to QV, a valuation and property services company in New Zealand.
Overall, it is important for local governments and businesses to address the issue of high living costs and their impact on residents. This can be done through initiatives to increase affordable housing, as well as advocating for fairer wages across all sectors. There is a growing divide between the rich and poor across New Zealand as the cost of living keeps rising.