Australia and New Zealand, Oceania
An English-speaking, top-3-safest country with universal healthcare and a fast-growing 31,000-strong American community — but high housing and investor-visa thresholds.
New Zealand is a moderately priced, high-quality destination for American expats. Numbeo's 2025 Cost of Living Index ranks it 23rd globally at 55.3 (rent index 23.4), with living costs averaging roughly 11% below the United States, though housing dominates budgets in the two largest cities: a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages about NZ$1,896/month and NZ$1,659/month outside the centre (Numbeo, June 2026). Basic utilities for an 85m²/915-sq-ft apartment run ~NZ$266/month and broadband (60+ Mbps) ~NZ$87/month. Safety and healthcare are major draws. The 2025 Global Peace Index (Institute for Economics & Peace) ranks New Zealand the 3rd most peaceful country in the world with a score of 1.282, and the US State Department maintains a Level 1 'Exercise Normal Precautions' travel advisory. Note that perceived street-level safety scores lower than national-peace metrics: Numbeo's crowdsourced Safety Index for New Zealand is a moderate 51.2. Healthcare is delivered through a universal public system (Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora) that covers citizens, residents, and most work-visa holders staying two or more years; Numbeo's 2025 Health Care Index rates the system 68.4 (29th globally). Language and community barriers are minimal for Americans. English is an official language spoken by roughly 95% of the population (2023 Census). The US-born community is sizeable and growing fast: the 2023 Census counted 31,779 US-born residents (up from ~21,500 in 2013, ~4% annual growth), concentrated in Auckland (9,903), Wellington (4,926) and Canterbury (4,191). Multiple visa pathways exist, from the unlimited Working Holiday Visa (ages 18–30) to skilled-employment and investor routes, though residency-by-investment thresholds are high (NZ$5M+).
Key indicators to help you understand what life in New Zealand might be like
Data last updated: 6/16/2026
Available visa types for Americans looking to move to New Zealand
Residency-by-investment programme (revised April 2025). Growth Category: minimum NZ$5M invested for 3 years (21 days presence required). Balanced Category: minimum NZ$10M for 5 years (105 days presence). Investments must be in approved managed funds, direct investments, or (Balanced) NZ bonds — not personal-use property.
Fast-track permanent residency for Tier 1 Green List occupations.
Residence pathway after working 24 months in a Tier 2 Green List role.
For partners of NZ citizens/residents in a stable, genuine relationship of 12+ months. Leads directly to residence.
Points-based permanent residence pathway. Applicants need at least 6 points from occupational registration, qualifications, or income (3–6 points) plus skilled work experience, and must hold skilled employment with an accredited employer and meet English, health, and character requirements.
For skilled workers with a job in New Zealand. Main pathway to residence.
For study at an approved NZ education provider. Allows part-time work (up to 20 hrs/week). Can transition to post-study work visa.
For applicants aged 66 or older. Requires NZ$750,000 to invest in New Zealand for 2 years, NZ$500,000 in maintenance funds, and an annual income of at least NZ$60,000. Grants a stay of up to 2 years (renewable) but does NOT provide a path to residency or citizenship.
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