How Does the Cost of Living and Working as a Doctor in New Zealand Compare to the UK?
Before you begin looking for GP jobs, you may want to consider the costs of living and working as a GP in New Zealand. Many of our GPs decide to move to New Zealand due to its warm climate, amazing scenery and the fabulous work/life balance available to doctors. We’ll discuss some of the basic expenses and costs to consider before accepting a GP job in New Zealand.
New Zealand Doctor Salary
New Zealand offers attractive doctor salaries. As you won’t need to pay high taxes (the tax rate is capped at 33%) or National Insurance contributions, your salary will go even further. On average, General Practitioners salaries vary between NZ$150,000 and NZ$185,000 depending on experience and location. With an average wage of around £100K, GPs will easily be able to afford a comfortable lifestyle.
Relocation & Accommodation Assistance for Doctors
Some GP jobs in New Zealand offer additional financial support to help with relocation. These are generally subject to negotiation and will need to be worked out with your employer. However, you will get practical help with finding a house and a car and you may get financial help with medical registration, medical indemnity and relocation expenses.
New Zealand Housing Costs
Due to a recent housing boom, the cost of buying a home in some areas is higher than in the UK. Auckland is one of the most expensive places to buy property in New Zealand, with average prices reaching NZ$1 million (£550K 29/05/2017) at the end of 2016 for the first time. However, the majority of our doctors relocate to other areas of New Zealand across the North and South Island further afield from Auckland.
When looking at these areas for rental and house purchase, costs are generally much lower than the UK. If you compare the cost of renting a three bedroom apartment in London to a similar property in New Zealand the cost is significantly less in NZ.
Basic Living Costs for GPs in New Zealand
Some basic living costs are much cheaper in New Zealand than here in the UK while others are a little more expensive. Milk, for example, costs an average of 90p per litre in the UK but the same product would be the New Zealand dollar equivalent of £1.38. Likewise, fresh white bread costs around £1 for 500g in the UK but would cost £1.41 in New Zealand. Other locally-grown food items, like apples and local cheeses, are often cheaper.
Cost of Living in New Zealand: Luxury Items and Services
Eating out is usually less expensive in New Zealand than in the UK with the cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant being an average of £8 per head versus £15 in London. Mid-range restaurant costs are similar between the big cities in both countries and the price of beer and drinks such as cappuccinos are also identical.
To go shopping for a new pair of jeans or running shoes costs are very similar in both countries while the price of leisure activities such as a cinema ticket or fitness club membership is lower in New Zealand. Cars are driven on the same side of the road as in the UK and the cost of a litre of petrol is slightly cheaper on average.
Working in New Zealand as a Doctor
The demand for skilled workers in New Zealand is very high and we currently have plenty of GP jobs available across New Zealand. Our GPs report more favourable working conditions than in the UK as they are often given more time to study, higher annual leave allowances and are required to work fewer hours. On average, doctors in New Zealand are only expected to work 36 hours across four or four and a half days. As a result, working in New Zealand as a GP often provides a better work/life balance and living standard than working in the UK.
Speak to Our Medical Recruitment Specialists
Thinking about relocating to New Zealand? Our experienced medical recruitment specialists are here to help. We can advise on everything from visa queries to questions about the cost of living in New Zealand. Speak to us today to get started on your move down under or browse some of our excellent GP jobs New Zealand.
Other Blogs about Working in New Zealand as a GP
8 Benefits of Moving to New Zealand
Discover some of the most common reasons you should consider moving to New Zealand. From more time with patients to a better work/life balance, read about the benefits of working in New Zealand as a doctor.
What is Life like for GPs in New Zealand
Read out guide here to find out what it’s like to work as a GP in New Zealand. From the Medical Registration process to visas for New Zealand, we’ll answer some of the questions you may have.
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