More Kiwis than ever are packing up and heading across the ditch but what’s really driving the surge in New Zealanders moving to Australia? Is it better job prospects and higher wages? Or more affordable living and sunnier skies? It seems there’s no shortage of reasons New Zealanders are making the move. With cultural similarities and an easy transition process, Australia is more appealing than ever.
In this article, we explore the top reasons behind the growing trend of Kiwi’s moving to Australia.
Is Australia Really More Affordable?
It’s a common question for Kiwis considering the move and while the answer depends on where you’re headed, many find that Australia offers better value across key living costs.
According to recent 2025 data from Numbeo and Trade Me comparisons, average salaries in Australia are around 25–30% higher than in New Zealand, particularly in trades, healthcare, and skilled professions. At the same time, everyday expenses like groceries and petrol are often cheaper, thanks to stronger supply chains and lower taxes on goods.
Housing is more nuanced while Sydney and Melbourne remain pricey, regional centres and smaller cities like Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide offer larger homes at lower cost per square metre compared to major NZ cities. Renters, in particular, may find more space for less.
Factor in lower income tax rates at certain thresholds and stronger employer benefits, and it’s clear why many New Zealanders feel they can get ahead financially in Australia. While not everything is cheaper, the overall earning potential and lifestyle trade-offs are tipping the scales for thousands making the move.
To illustrate this, we’ve put together a simple NZ vs AU comparison table below highlighting some of the most common financial differences Kiwis are weighing up when considering life across the ditch.
| Category | New Zealand | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | NZD $62,000 | AUD $92,000 (~NZD $100,000) |
| Petrol (per litre) | ~NZD $2.90 | ~AUD $1.90 (~NZD $2.05) |
| Groceries | Higher overall | Often 10–20% cheaper |
| Rent (3-bed home) | Auckland: ~$800/week | Brisbane/Adelaide: ~$600–$700/week |
| Income Tax | 30% on income over NZD $70k | 32.5% on income over AUD $120k |
| GST/Sales Tax | 15% | 10% |
Are There Really Better Job Opportunities and Higher Incomes in Australia?
Yes, and it’s one of the biggest motivators for Kiwis making the move. Australia’s job market continues to outperform New Zealand’s in both availability and income potential, especially in sectors like healthcare, construction, education, mining, and IT.
In 2025, the Australian unemployment rate is sitting around 4.1%, compared to New Zealand’s 5.2%, reflecting stronger economic demand and broader opportunities across states. What’s more, average full-time weekly earnings in Australia recently surpassed AUD $1,900 (Stats Australia), which equates to over NZD $100,000 annually, a significant jump from the NZ average of NZD $62,000.
Many Australian employers also offer better superannuation (retirement) contributions and professional development support, making long-term financial growth more accessible. For skilled workers and tradies, Australia’s migration and labour shortage strategies are opening even more doors.
It’s not just about the paycheck, it’s about career progression, training opportunities, and being in a job market that rewards experience and qualifications. For many Kiwis, Australia represents a chance to build a better future, faster.
Here are top 5 employment sectors currently driving job opportunities for Kiwis moving to Australia in 2025:
1. Healthcare & Aged Care
Australia is experiencing a long-term skills shortage in nursing, allied health, mental health, and aged care roles with thousands of vacancies across both metro and regional areas.
2. Construction & Trades
Infrastructure investment and a housing shortfall are fuelling strong demand for builders, electricians, plumbers, and project managers. Many roles are on Australia’s skilled migration lists.
3. Education
Teachers (especially in early childhood, secondary STEM, and regional schools) remain in high demand, with attractive relocation incentives offered in some states.
4. IT & Tech
From cybersecurity and data analysis to software development, Australia’s tech sector is growing fast offering competitive salaries and career progression opportunities.
5. Mining & Engineering
With resource-rich states like WA and QLD booming, engineers, geologists, and mining professionals are highly sought after, often with premium pay and benefits.
Sun, Space, and a Fresh Start
For many Kiwis, the move to Australia isn’t just about money, it’s about lifestyle. The lure of year-round sunshine, warm winters, and endless outdoor living is a major drawcard, especially for families and retirees looking for a change of pace.
Australian cities like Brisbane, Perth, and the Sunshine Coast offer more space for your dollar, often with larger homes, bigger backyards, and easy access to beaches, parks, and nature reserves. It’s a climate and lifestyle that encourages barbecues in July, after-work swims, and weekend road trips.
Beyond the weather, many see the move as a chance to reset to chase new opportunities, raise their kids in a different environment, or simply enjoy a better work-life balance. With cultural familiarity and easy access back to New Zealand, Australia offers the rare mix of adventure and comfort that makes a fresh start feel possible and exciting.
When it comes to sunshine, the difference is clear. While Auckland averages around 2,100 sunshine hours per year, cities like Brisbane and Perth enjoy upwards of 2,800–3,200 hours annually that’s up to 1,000 extra hours of sunshine each year. For many, that alone is enough to make the move.
Average Annual Sunshine Hours
| City | Country | Avg Sunshine Hours (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | New Zealand | ~2,100 hours |
| Wellington | New Zealand | ~2,000 hours |
| Christchurch | New Zealand | ~2,200 hours |
| Brisbane | Australia | ~2,800 hours |
| Perth | Australia | ~3,200 hours |
| Sydney | Australia | ~2,600 hours |
| Melbourne | Australia | ~2,200 hours |
| Adelaide | Australia | ~2,900 hours |
Family Ties, Community, and Ease of Transition
One of the biggest comforts for Kiwis moving to Australia is how familiar it feels. With strong cultural overlap, a shared language, and similar systems, settling in often feels more like relocating than immigrating. There’s no need to navigate new currencies, healthcare systems, or driving rules making the transition remarkably smooth.
Many New Zealanders also have friends or whānau already living across the ditch, which makes the move feel less daunting and more inviting. Whether it’s reconnecting with family or joining an established Kiwi community, you’re never far from a sense of home.
From schools and sports clubs to local cafes and workplaces, you’ll find communities that are welcoming, diverse, and easy to integrate into. There’s also the peace of mind that, under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, New Zealand citizens can live and work in Australia without the need for a visa making the logistics of moving far simpler than most international relocations.
Why Getting Expert Help Matters
Moving to Australia from New Zealand? It’s important to plan ahead and seek assistance where needed. Relocating across the ditch involves more than just packing, from customs regulations and quarantine rules to shipping logistics and timing, expert support can make a huge difference.
Ausmove are experts in relocation services from New Zealand to Australia. With decades of experience, we handle everything from packing and freight to documentation and delivery, ensuring a seamless, stress-free move.
For detailed information on Ausmove’s services and expertise, visit www.ausmove.co.nz or call (09) 360-4777.
