Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

New Zealand is 7% more expensive. Tax rate goes from 29.8% to 19.2%. Quality of life improves by 1 points.

While Italy and New Zealand post nearly identical Quality of Life scores, 63 versus 64, a deeper look reveals distinct priorities. Italy's climate score of 63, reflecting a 14°C average, significantly outpaces New Zealand's 48, which averages 12.5°C, indicating a preference for warmer conditions among Italy's populace. Conversely, New Zealand offers substantially higher safety, scoring 96 to Italy's 85, a notable 11-point difference. Economically, Italy presents a more accessible lifestyle with a price level of 85 compared to New Zealand's 105, alongside a much lower taxation burden at 26 versus 38. However, New Zealand compensates for higher costs with a generally safer environment, a trade-off many consider.

New Zealand edges out Italy, primarily due to its superior safety rating despite a slightly higher cost of living.

Tax Comparison

At $37,769 USD equivalent gross salary

🇮🇹 Italy

Gross€34,650
Income Tax-€6,813
Social-€3,531
Net€24,307
Effective Rate29.8%

🇳🇿 New Zealand

GrossNZ$62,948
Income Tax-NZ$11,105
Social-NZ$963
NetNZ$50,880
Effective Rate19.2%

Net difference: +$4,034/year in New Zealand.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Italy = 89, New Zealand = 95 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.20$4.80
-8%

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.20$3.80
-10%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$6.00$7.00
+17%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$900.00$860.00
-4%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$12.99$11.50
-11%

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.90$1.55
-18%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$2.00$2.50
+25%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$85.00$95.00
+12%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn €34,650 gross in Italy ($37,769USD), here's what you need in New Zealand depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

NZ$53,155

You keep the same $26,494/yr net in both countries. New Zealand taxes 12.9% less.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

NZ$56,738

Accounts for the fact that New Zealand is 7% more expensive than Italy. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $38K

🇮🇹 Italy

51

-2

🇳🇿 New Zealand

49

NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Similar overall quality of life in both countries.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Quality of Life

Italy: 63/100 vs New Zealand: 64/100

Cost of Living
66
59
-7
Climate
63
48
-15
Safety
85
96
+11
Healthcare
62
59
-3
Internet
73
81
+8
Taxation
26
38
+12

Moving to New Zealand: Practicalities

Visa Openness

55/100

English Level

100/100

Expat Community

27.7%

Digital Nomad Visa

No

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Italy to New Zealand?
The effective tax rate changes from 29.8% in Italy to 19.2% in New Zealand. You keep about $4,033.74 more per year in New Zealand.
Is New Zealand cheaper to live in than Italy?
No. New Zealand is about 7% more expensive across 30 everyday products. Budget accordingly.
What salary do I need in New Zealand to match my lifestyle in Italy?
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Italy and New Zealand. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from Italy to New Zealand?
It depends on your priorities. You save on taxes but New Zealand is more expensive to live in. The net benefit depends on your spending pattern.