Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Australia to New Zealand
The hidden trap: New Zealand has NO tax-free threshold—you pay 10.5% from dollar one. Australia gives you $18,200 tax-free. At NZ$100,000, an Australian pays ~$22,000 (including Medicare levy) while a Kiwi pays ~$23,920. Australia wins at most income levels UNTIL you add Superannuation: employers contribute 11.5% in Australia but only 3% KiwiSaver minimum in NZ. Choose Australia if: you want guaranteed retirement savings. Choose NZ if: you're self-employed (no ACC earner levy on non-PAYE income) or earn $180K+ where NZ's 39% cap beats Australia's 47%.
Top Rate
Plus 2% Medicare levy
Top Rate
No social security deductions
At $100,000 income:
That is $158/month back in your pocket!
| Income | AU Tax | NZ Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $6,717 (incl. Medicare) | $8,020 | Australia saves $1,303 | $13,030 |
| $75,000 | $13,842 (incl. Medicare) | $14,020 | Australia saves $178 | $1,780 |
| $100,000 | $22,217 (incl. Medicare) | $23,920 | Australia saves $1,703 | $17,030 |
| $150,000 | $40,842 (incl. Medicare) | $37,420 | NZ saves $3,422 | $34,220 |
| $200,000 | $63,342 (incl. Medicare) | $56,920 | NZ saves $6,422 | $64,220 |
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Hiring Internationally? Deel Handles Compliance →At $100,000: Australia charges ~$22,217 (including 2% Medicare levy). New Zealand charges ~$23,920. Australia wins by $1,703 due to its $18,200 tax-free threshold. But at $150,000+, NZ's 39% cap beats Australia's 47% top rate, flipping the advantage.
No—this is the biggest difference. Australia gives everyone $18,200 tax-free. New Zealand taxes you 10.5% from the first dollar. On a $50,000 salary, this alone costs Kiwis about $1,900 more per year than Australians, despite NZ's lower top rates.
Australia mandates 11.5% employer Super contributions (rising to 12% by 2025). NZ KiwiSaver requires only 3% minimum employer contribution. On a $100,000 salary, that's $11,500 vs $3,000 in retirement savings—a massive $8,500/year difference most people overlook.
New Zealand wins for high earners. NZ's top rate is 39% on income over $180,000. Australia hits 45% at $190,000 plus 2% Medicare levy = 47% effective. A $250,000 earner saves roughly $8,000/year in NZ on income tax alone.
NZ has no general capital gains tax—shares, crypto, and most investments are tax-free on sale. Australia taxes capital gains at your marginal rate with a 50% discount if held 12+ months. For investors, this is a significant NZ advantage worth thousands annually.