Introduction
Both Australia and New Zealand are attractive destinations for immigration because they are very well known for natural beauty, high living quality and multicultural environment. To answer the question, which country is better for immigrants, New Zealand or Australia, you may need to consider differences between the two countries in terms of living style, jobs opportunities, welfare benefits and policies. Too much information that you need to generate to compare these countries? SOL Migration will help you!
1. Australia vs New Zealand - Population
Australia
Australia has a population of 26.7 million people (as of 2024), and there are more than 1,639,000 temporary residents living in the country each year (Australian Bureau of Statistics). The large number of residents creates a big and dynamic market for this country.
New Zealand
The population of New Zealand is smaller than Australia, with 5,263,838 people in May 2024. The total number of international students coming to this country is also lower: 42,695 students in 2023.
2. New Zealand and Australia - Job Opportunities
Australia
Due to a bigger population and market, there are more job opportunities being created in Australia each year. As of Feb 2024, 363,800 job vacancies are available in Australia, and the highest demanding sectors include Information media and Telecommunications (31.1% of businesses reporting vacancies), Mining (23.8%), Construction (25.0%), Wholesale Trade (23.8%), Health care and social assistance (22.6%), and Accommodation/food services (20.3%) (refer to https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/jobs/job-vacancies-australia/latest-release)
New Zealand
Similar to Australia, the job market in New Zealand is increasingly active after the Covid. There are about 40,000 new jobs created each year, mainly in the Accommodation/Food Services, Business services, Construction and Retail trade. In May 2024, there are 18,696 job advertisements on the job search (Seek.com) itself.
3. Australia and New Zealand – Wage
Australia
The minimum wage in Australia for a full-time employee is AUD23.23 per hour (AUD882.80 per week of 38 ordinary hours). For a casual employee, the minimum wage needs to be 25% higher than the national minimum wage, which is AUD29.0375 per hour as of 2024 (https://www.fwc.gov.au/agreements-awards/minimum-wages-and-conditions/national-minimum-wage). The average earnings for an employee in Australia are AUD1,300 per week.
New Zealand
The minimum wage in New Zealand is a bit lower than in Australia, with NZ 23.15 per hour. For the training period, the payment can be dropped to NZ18.52 per hour (https://www.employment.govt.nz/hours-and-wages/pay/minimum-wage/minimum-wage-rates/).
4. New Zealand vs Australia - Health Care System
Australia
Australia provides its permanent residents and citizens with free or subsidised public health services, under the Medicare system. Medicare will cover treatment and accommodation in public hospitals, and part (or full) of the cost for general practitioner (GP) and specialist appointments. However, in many cases, you need to queue in a long waiting list to receive treatment and you may be required to co-pay the costs.
To reduce the burden for the public sector, Australia encourages its residents to purchase a private health insurance. The private insurance will help you cover the cost in private hospitals or out of pocket payment in public hospitals. If you are in an urgent situation, you can go to the private sector and don’t need to wait for long for the treatment.
New Zealand
Similar to Australia, New Zealand offers a publicly funded health services for eligible individuals. Health services free or at low cost will apply to the following services: treatment at public hospitals, maternity care, prescriptions, fertility and support disabled services.
While Australia only provides Medicare benefits for its citizens, permanent residents and individuals who are invited to apply for PR visas, New Zealand offers the free healthcare for a wider range of people. Besides citizens and permanent residents, work visa holders who are eligible for 2 years or more, foreign language teaching assistants, people under 17 years and their parents/guardians are also eligible for publicly funded health services (https://www.govt.nz/browse/health/public-health-services/getting-publicly-funded-health-services/#:~:text=You%20may%20be%20able%20to,for%202%20years%20or%20more)
5. Australia vs New Zealand - Education
Australia
In Australia, schooling is free for citizens or PR visa holders. However, the fees for childcare and kindergarten are very expensive.
- Long day care (childcare centres) can range from $70 to $188 per day.
- Pre-school costs can range from $45 to $80 per day.
- Family day care charges between $7.50 to $16.80 per hour.
The good thing is that you can be eligible for childcare subsidy from Australian Government. This means that the Government will co-pay the childcare/kindergarten fee and the amount you can receive will vary depending on your family income.
New Zealand
The childcare costs in New Zealand are much cheaper than Australia. The average cost of childcare in this country is only NZ60.16 per day before subsidies. If eligible, you can also receive Early Childhood Education subsidies from New Zealand Government, depending on your income.
Same as Australia, schooling in New Zealand is also free for its residents.
6. Australia and New Zealand - Cost of Living
Australia
The living costs in Australia is considered as high compared to other countries, with the estimate cost for a family of four being at AUD6,092 per month (https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Australia). However, given the good payment, you can live comfortably in Australia if you and your partner get a job offer.
New Zealand
The average living costs in New Zealand is a bit lower than Australia. A family of four need to spend NZ6,054 for living allowance for month, without rent (https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=New+Zealand).
7. Australia and New Zealand - Quality of Life
Both Australia and New Zealand are on the list of best countries to live. According to U.S News Best Countries Report 2023, Australia stands at top 6 and New Zealand is at top 10 of countries with the Highest Quality of Life (https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/standard-of-living-by-country).
Conclusion
Both Australia and New Zealand are well-known for the high quality of life, beautiful nature, multicultural and friendly environment. Both countries are also wonderful destinations for migrants and have a lot of similarities in terms of social welfare and policies. However, if you prefer a more dynamic and busier lifestyle, Australia may be your option. If you wish to explore more natural landscape, cooler weather and more quiet living environment, then New Zealand may suit you more.
Want to know which country, Australia or New Zealand, you are eligible for migration? Contact our experienced migration agents at 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com to learn more.