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Thinking of moving to New Zealand from the US? Relocating to New Zealand offers a unique lifestyle in one of the world’s most beautiful countries, no matter the reason for your move. This guide walks you through every step: from visa options and removal costs to job hunting and daily living expenses. Let’s help you make your move a success.
Relocating to New Zealand from the US involves careful planning, paperwork, and a financial commitment. To move to New Zealand, you need to:
How much does it cost to immigrate to New Zealand? The cost of moving to New Zealand is between $15,000 – $20,000. This includes:
Sirelo Tip! Unsure how to calculate the size of your move? Our trusty moving space calculator is here to help.
International shipping costs vary depending on your location in the US, the size of your household, and the freight service used. Below is a breakdown of typical costs and timelines for shipping your belongings to New Zealand via sea freight from both the East and West Coasts.
| Property Size | Time | Costs |
| 1-bedroom | 8 – 11 weeks | $3,400 – $4,700 |
| 2-bedrooms | 6 – 8 weeks | $4,600 – $6,200 |
| 3-bedrooms | 6 – 8 weeks | $8,100 – $10,900 |
| 4-bedrooms | 6 – 8 weeks | $8,600 – $11,500 |
Disclaimer: Updated in November 2025. Please keep in mind that the rates shown above are just estimates and thus will vary depending on your actual point of departure.
| Property Size | Time | Costs |
| 1-bedroom | 7 – 10 weeks | $3,100 – $4,300 |
| 2-bedrooms | 5 – 7 weeks | $4,100 – $5,700 |
| 3-bedrooms | 5 – 7 weeks | $7,200 – $9,800 |
| 4-bedrooms | 5 – 7 weeks | $7,700 – $10,400 |
Disclaimer: Updated in November 2025. Please keep in mind that the rates shown above are just estimates and thus will vary depending on your actual point of departure.
If you’re looking for cheap removals to New Zealand, compare quotes from multiple international movers. Prices vary by volume, origin, and shipping type (FCL vs LCL). Popular US-to-NZ movers include:
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To immigrate to New Zealand from the US, you must:
Visa Options for Americans:
How much money do you need to immigrate to New Zealand? Budget at least $20,000–$30,000 NZD to cover moving costs, initial rent, and visa fees.
| Property | Average Cost |
| One-bedroom apartment (Rent) | 1,560 NZD per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment (Rent) | 2,450 NZD per month |
| Three-bedroom house (Buy) | 500,000 – 700,000 NZD |
Living in New Zealand is slightly more expensive in terms of groceries and housing, especially in cities like Auckland or Wellington.
Living in New Zealand offers:
There are over 16,000 American expatriates in New Zealand. To adapt:
New Zealand offers simplified personal taxes. However, Americans must also report income to the IRS due to global taxation. See IRD.govt.nz and irs.gov for details.
Growing work sectors in New Zealand include:
If you feel like you still need some extra help moving to New Zealand, we recommend that you check out the articles we have linked for you below. Good luck!
Our mission is to be your go-to moving platform for you and your loved ones. With our years of expertise and extensive network of movers, we’re here to make your moving process as stress-free as possible.
