I have looked at so many different ‘sites’ trying to find out about NZ wage rates Vs standard of living etc, and I’m still not sure!!??
I have been offered a job (Electrician) in Chch at $18.50/Hr which I guess comes out at $37k annum. Honestly now, can anyone tell me if this is reasonable? I have seen rates quoted of between $15 and $30/Hr, but it all means nothing unless you have tried to live there! I have all the costs of houses, food, services etc, but I still cant make a comparison. Okay, we will (should be) mortgage free, but this shouldn’t really be an issue, as most people aren’t.
My wife is also planning to work, but I don’t feel we should have to count on two of us working to make ends meet… however, from what I read, eg quotes of some of you folk struggling at $60 to $70k makes me feel inadequate and the dream impossible! My wife is studying for her final year/s CIMA (Accountancy) which will hopefully put her on a good salary… however, if she decides to stay at home and be a ‘mother’, what will our standard of living be like? :?
Hope I get a few replies on this folks, as we are nearing the final fence now (had the right to apply letter from NZIS).
Oh… as a yardstick, I earn about £30k presently (self employed), wife earns £25k. and we live in the Midlands. We travel quite a bit, and have a good lifestyle (material things), so this is obviously not our reason for moving. And yes, we do expect a ‘drop’ in the green stuff, hopefully tempered by a better overall lifestyle, by which I mean ‘quality’ of life.
Regards all.