It's not all about money

Are you really better off moving to Australia?

The answer is probably yes for many Kiwis with sought-after jobs - but ex-pats warn that you should do your homework first and consider more than just the extra money.

Pay rates are better for most jobs across the Tasman, from chief executives to unskilled labourers. Australians earn an average of 35 per cent more than New Zealanders, even after adjusting for their higher cost of living.

An average family of four is worse off here by about $64,000 each year, according to a Government-appointed 2025 taskforce on closing the income gap between the two countries.

The taskforce reported last October that Australians also had more and better "stuff" across a wide range of measures - from bigger new homes (212sq m on average to 193sq m in New Zealand) and more cars (619 per 1000 people compared to our 560) to more TVs (505 to 477 per 1000) and broadband access (10.3 to 8.1 per 1000).

This week on the discussion forums of nzherald.co.nz, dozens of Kiwis living in Australia backed up these statistics with their own experiences. Some said they could make double their New Zealand salaries. One recent university graduate was looking forward to a starting salary of A$105,000 ($138,151).

An IT worker in Wellington said an Australian recruiter apologised for offering him "only" A$75 an hour. He had turned down that job because he couldn't move in time but planned to take another similar offer soon.

Two secondary teachers said they were much better off. "Bazza" in Northern Territory said that as a teacher at the top of the salary scale he would make about $69,000 in New Zealand. In Australia his salary package, with employer-contributed superannuation, came to A$117,500.

Others warned against moving for anything less than $150,000 a year, mainly because of Australia's higher cost of living. A survey last month found the country had the least affordable housing in the world, with Sydney ranked the second-most expensive city after Hong Kong.

A Weekend Herald survey last year found a typical supermarket shopping trip was more expensive in Australia than in New Zealand, Britain or the United States. Dairy products were cheaper than in New Zealand but fruit and many basic items like tinned tomatoes and pasta were more expensive.

Although petrol is generally cheaper, used cars are more expensive (thanks to high tariffs in the past) and car registration can cost a lot more.

However, Ross Frew, who has lived in Australia since 1974, said the Australian dollar's strength against the US dollar made big-ticket items cheaper. For instance, a new Ford Falcon XR6 which in New Zealand would cost about $53,990, cost A$36,000. A big-screen television, worth $4000 here, cost A$2100.

For many New Zealanders money will not be the only factor - enjoying Australia also depends on how you like the lifestyle, from the weather to the constant sheep jokes.

Says Melbourne-based Jackie: "Sure there is the heat (40.2 degrees today) and the flies can be revolting - but the men are great."