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Beware that the size of the shipping container, origin (West or East Coast), and services you hired for your move can modify the final price.
Shipping to Auckland your household goods can be expensive – remember that you’ll be paying per volume of your move – so, before making any decision, these tips may help you:
Check out the best international movers below and read their reviews, services, and request quotes.
Whether to apply for the visa, manage finances, taxes, or any other process, you will need to have ready and gather your identification documents – Passport, various certificates (birth, marriage if applies, etc.), and an income statement.
As an American, to be able to live and work in Auckland, you’ll need a visa. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for different options.
The most common is Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, which allows you to live permanently, work, and study. You must have a job offer from a New Zealand employer and qualify for the skill set.
🏠 As long as you meet the visa conditions, you can apply for permanent residence.
Opening a local bank account is an important step when settling in Auckland. In general, you’ll be required to present your passport, visa status, proof of address, and your tax number (either from the US or New Zealand if you already have one).
Some banks such as ANZ and Bank of New Zealand allow you to open an account before arriving in New Zealand. Other options include ASB, Kiwibank, or Westpac.
As an American living and working in Auckland, you’ll be considered a tax resident when spending more than 183 in New Zealand within 12 months.
To ensure you are taxed correctly, you’ll need an IRD number. You can easily apply for it online, and do it around your arrival date to the country. The US and New Zealand have a tax treaty to avoid double taxation and prevent fiscal evasion, so rest assured that you won’t be taxed twice.
New Zealand, hence Auckland, boasts a public universal healthcare system. It’s known to be one of the best in the world for its efficiency and medical network.
Foreigners who have a permanent residency or long-term visa are entitled to its subsidized care. Upon registrarion, you’ll be assigned a GP as your primary point of contact and will have access to a variety of specialized medical care.
You can opt for private health insurance, which can be convenient for shorter waiting periods for non-urgent procedures that can be slower through public insurance.
As one of the biggest cities on the island, Auckland has a lot to offer – natural landscapes, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences.
However, the prices on average are almost 50% lower than in the US. To get a better idea, the following table compares living expenses in Auckland, New Zealand vs New York, US:
| Metric | New York, US | Auckland, NZ |
| Eggs (12) | 5.46 $ | 6.91 $ |
| Restaurant Meal | 65 | 38.5 |
| Cappuccino | 5.60 $ | 3.43 $ |
| Single transport ticket | 2.90 $ | 2.50 $ |
| Basic utilities | 174 $ | 152 $ |
Source: Numbeo
If you’re still hesitant to move to Auckland, the following pros and cons may help you decide:
Auckland and Wellington are two major metropolitan areas in the northern island of New Zealand. While both are a good option to move in, they can offer different opportunities depending on your needs:
| Auckland | Wellington |
| More expensive | More affordable |
| Wider range of job options | Fewer industries but higher salaries |
| Outdoor and bustling lifestyle | Relaxed and cultural |
| Cool and windy weather | Warm and rainy weather |
| Family-friendly | For young people |
Overall, moving to Auckland with your family is a great opportunity. The city offers high-quality schools and universities (both private and public), many outdoor activities, and family-friendly events. It also counts with excellent suburbs like Devonport, Takapuna, and Howick.
Kiwis are welcoming and friendly, so integrating with communities and other families will be easy.
To make a living in Auckland, you can increase your chances of finding a job by looking at the sectors where New Zealand has a skill shortage (check the skills shortage list here).
Some sectors in most demand in Auckland are healthcare, construction, education, engineering, telecommunications, and agriculture. You can also search through job portals like SEEK, Indeed, or Trademe.
Before moving, you must be aware that the housing market in Auckland is highly competitive and expensive compared to other areas of the country. In recent years, the housing market has been gradually recovering after a significant drop in house prices in 2023.
Renting can be a convenient and easy process in the short term, as buying can imply more steps, aside from the fact that you’ll need to have a residency visa. For more housing information, visit the Auckland Housing page on the official immigration website.
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