NLVNet Life Value

Moving from
to

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

The verdict

Cost of living is similar. Tax rate goes from 19.9% to 28.0%. Quality of life drops by 2 points.

While France and New Zealand show a close overall Quality of Life score (62 vs 64), a deeper look reveals significant divergences. New Zealand holds a substantial lead in safety, scoring 96 compared to France's 82—a 14-point difference that speaks to daily lived experience. Conversely, France's healthcare system outperforms New Zealand's, with a score of 67 against 59, suggesting better public provision. Taxation is another notable differentiator; New Zealand's score of 38, relative to France's 24, indicates a less burdensome tax environment, even as France boasts a lower price level of 96 versus New Zealand's 105.

New Zealand slightly edges out France, primarily due to its significantly higher safety rating and more favorable taxation, despite France's superior healthcare system.

Moving to France? NLV varies by city.

Bordeaux54Lyon53Paris47

Tax Comparison

At $40,116 USD equivalent gross salary

🇳🇿 New Zealand

GrossNZ$66,860
Income Tax-NZ$12,279
Social-NZ$1,023
NetNZ$53,559
Effective Rate19.9%

🇫🇷 France

Gross€36,804
Income Tax-€3,103
Social-€7,206
Net€26,495
Effective Rate28.0%

Net difference: $3,255/year in France.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: New Zealand = 95, France = 94 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$4.80→$5.40
+13%
☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$3.80→$4.80
+26%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$7.00→$7.50
+7%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$860.00→$900.00
+5%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$11.50→$13.49
+17%
⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.55→$1.85
+19%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$2.50→$2.15
-14%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$95.00→$95.00
0%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn NZ$66,860 gross in New Zealand ($40,116USD), here's what you need in France depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

€42,383

You keep the same $32,135/yr net in both countries. But France taxes 10.6% more.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

€41,937

Accounts for the fact that prices are similar in both countries. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $40K

🇳🇿 New Zealand

50

0

🇫🇷 France

50

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

New Zealand: 64/100 vs France: 62/100

Cost of Living
59
63
+4
Climate
48
55
+7
Safety
96
82
-14
Healthcare
59
67
+8
Internet
81
81
0
Taxation
38
24
-14

Moving to France: Practicalities

Visa Openness

55/100

English Level

52/100

Expat Community

12.8%

Digital Nomad Visa

No

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from New Zealand to France?▾
The effective tax rate changes from 19.9% in New Zealand to 28.0% in France. You keep about $3,255.44 less per year in France.
Is France cheaper to live in than New Zealand?▾
Cost of living is similar between the two countries (within 5% across 30 products).
What salary do I need in France to match my lifestyle in New Zealand?▾
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between New Zealand and France. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from New Zealand to France?▾
It depends on your priorities. Higher taxes but lower cost of living in France. The cost savings may offset the tax increase.

Also Consider

🇳🇿 → 🇺🇸 United States🇳🇿 → 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇳🇿 → 🇩🇪 Germany🇳🇿 → 🇪🇸 Spain🇳🇿 → 🇵🇹 Portugal🇳🇿 → 🇮🇹 Italy