Vanuatu vs New Zealand
New Zealand costs roughly 7% less than Vanuatu, though Vanuatu scores higher on safety, making it one of the more financially compelling destinations for Vanuatu expats. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
New Zealand is approximately 7% less expensive than Vanuatu based on cost of living including rent. This makes New Zealand a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
New Zealand has a FIRE Score of 46/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 51.8, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: New Zealand is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over savings.
About Vanuatu
A 5 Mbps internet average rules out serious remote work here; medical care is limited, and private health insurance is recommended for better facilities and medical evacuations. Retirees drawing steady income should look past that: zero personal income tax and a self-funded residence permit requiring just VUV 250,000/mo make this a tax-efficient base for those who can live simply. Safety Index 68.4 and Level 1 travel advisory back that up.
$-38/mo
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About New Zealand
Skip this one if you need a retirement or digital nomad visa to make the move: neither exists here. With no dedicated income requirement pathway and only a 5/10 ease of access score, entry is bureaucratic. It works for high-earners chasing safety (Travel Advisory Level 1) and clean healthcare who can qualify through skilled work or investment routes.
$911/mo
Not sure which New Zealand visa you qualify for?
Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
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Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Vanuatu | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 1: Normal Precautions | Level 1: Normal Precautions |
| Quality of Life Index | 112.4 | 192.5 +80.1 |
| Healthcare Index | 55.1 | 68.4 +13.3 |
| Safety Index | 68.4 +16.6 | 51.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 59 | 55.3 +3.7 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $1,469.2 | $974.5 +494.7 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $4,749.8 | $3,554.3 +1,195.5 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1,569.22 | $1,114.47 +454.75 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,192.98 | $951.41 +241.57 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $3,078.17 | $1,750.08 +1,328.09 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,859.47 | $1,511.47 +348 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 5 Mbps | 289.07 Mbps +284.1 |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
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File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
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Get a quote →Explore New Zealand
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