Is a Second Income a Necessity in NZ?

Many migrants, especially those who move to Auckland, find the cost of living higher than they expected.

New Zealand's dollar and housing market have been very strong in recent years. This means cash brought from overseas is buying much less than it did at the beginning of the new millennium.

It is increasingly being said that a second income is a must in New Zealand.

Figures from Johnston and White, however, reveal many NZ mothers don't take jobs while they have young children.

Percentages of Mothers at Work
(whose children are under 6 years old and who have partners)

So does this mean it's easy to get by on a single income in New Zealand? In fact New Zealanders, living in one of the most isolated countries in the world, are masters of thrift.

More Kiwi mothers seem to make-do and mend than mothers in other English-speaking countries do. This is certainly one of the reasons they can afford to stay at home more so than their British, American or Canadian counterparts can.

If you are coming to Auckland, and you are accustomed to buying lots of consumer items, it's very likely you will need two incomes - unless one of you is a company director or you can afford a house without a mortgage.

If you are moving to one of the less-expensive cities, and you have simple tastes, a single income will probably suffice - as it does for around a half of Kiwi families with young children.

You can get a rough estimate of day-to-day living expenses and the income you'll need in New Zealand using our Cost of Living Calculator.