--- title: "Which Has A Better Quality Of Life: UK or New Zealand?" description: Here are the five most important quality of life differences between the UK and New Zealand. image: https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_45763/uk-vs-new-zealand-which-has-a-better-quality-of-life_31975ef6f0afef5c1f207cb0720d76c4.jpg --- [+ 44 (0) 1708 868 068](tel:+%2044%20(0)%201708%20868%20068) [info@galleon-ltd.com](mailto:info@galleon-ltd.com) [Track My Move](https://track.galleon-ltd.com/mymove/login) [![Galleon International Shipping Logo](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Galleon%20Logo.jpg?width=415&height=101&name=Galleon%20Logo.jpg "Galleon International Shipping Logo")](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/) - [Home](https://www.galleon-ltd.com) - Corporate Relocation - [Relocation For Employees](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/relocation-for-employees) - [Relocation For Employers](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/relocation-for-employers) - Personal Relocation - [Moving Overseas](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/moving-overseas) - [Moving Within The UK](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/moving-within-the-uk) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog) - [Get In Touch](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/get-your-quote) - [Transfer Of Residence Tax Relief Application Guide](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/transfer-of-residence-tax-relief-application-guide) - [Free Country Guides](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/free-country-moving-guides) - [Your Essential Guide To International Removals ](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/international-removals-guide) - [Moving Checklist](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/moving-checklist) - [About Us](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/about-us) - [Contact](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/contact) - [Free Virtual Survey](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/free-virtual-survey) # Blog [Free Country Guides](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/free-country-moving-guides) ![Someone comparing the quality of life in the UK and New Zealand to determine whether he should move or not.](https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_45763/uk-vs-new-zealand-which-has-a-better-quality-of-life_31975ef6f0afef5c1f207cb0720d76c4.jpg) ## UK vs New Zealand: Which Has A Better Quality Of Life? February 2025 Out of 145 countries, New Zealand is [ranked](https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/happiest-countries-in-the-world) as the 11th happiest country to live in, while the UK is 20th. As such, both are excellent choices for people looking for a good quality of life. However, there are some key markers that analysts look for when calculating figures such as happiness indexes, and there are big quality of life differences between the UK and [New Zealand](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/sponsored-visa-new-zealand-difficulty). Here are the five most important. ## **[![Get In Touch](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/26574138/interactive-184439870699.png)](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLQPUY6ro2%2F9jHrXE62aWWaRrr3nCxOv45MBfbNj1QATd0mt6MiyQc2sQk%2BREzVrvxhFx6Ku5F8p51d%2Fg9A0wR4qzVooNk80nrLaBP24xGucJUaaNpA4zBMN4MD4ybfZ6%2FGl7U0Tb0FPBpV2aeISgfX%2BnNgtR0aW2Bfkapi9YYMiJYTSgOk34xvDiZwRw%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=184439870699&portalId=26574138)** ## **1. Healthcare** Both the UK and New Zealand have similarities in their healthcare systems. Both offer free healthcare to residents, and both [roughly the same](https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/health-care-wait-times-by-country) waiting times for appointments. A critical difference is in dental care. [Almost all dental care](https://rightdentalclinics.com/new-zealand-vs-england-a-comparative-study-of-dental-treatment/) in New Zealand is private, and therefore expensive. If ready access to healthcare is a primary requirement for your quality of life, it may be best to think beyond the boundaries of either the UK or New Zealand. ## **2. Work-Life Balance** Work-life balance is at the heart of the national philosophy in New Zealand. Time off work is [protected by law](https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/annual-holidays), and pay and contentedness are high, placing it not only in the so-called ‘goldilocks zone’ of happiness, but at the [top of the list globally](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/new-zealand-ranked-worlds-best-for-work-life-balance-in-2023-expat-survey/TKOSDC7665BTVH4NK3RUGOQZ7Q/) for quality of life. The same cannot be said of the UK, where employees work the [longest hours in Europe](https://standout-cv.com/stats/work-life-balance-statistics-uk) and 31% state that they do not have enough time to relax. As a consequence, the UK has one of the [highest employee turnover rates](https://capacityinsights.co.uk/news-and-insights/average-employee-turnover-industry/) in Europe, with some [studies](https://www.cipd.org/uk/about/press-releases/good-work-index-job-quality-new-research/) suggesting that 90% of the UK workforce think that the UK quality of life is poor. When it comes to the UK vs New Zealand quality of life, New Zealand wins the work-life balance. ## **3. Accessibility** The UK is perfectly positioned between Europe, the USA, and Scandinavia, offering its residents easy access to dynamic business and cultural environments. Getting in and out of Britain is effortless, with the [second busiest airport](https://www.oag.com/busiest-airports-world) in the world, London’s Heathrow, ranked the [12th best connected](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/london-heathrow-best-connected-airports-worldwide-survey-b1177260.html) globally. In contrast, New Zealand is very remote. Flights often involve multiple changes and can be very expensive. For some people, this life quality in New Zealand is the definition of paradise. However, if you envisage frequent return visits to Europe as part of your future, New Zealand is probably an impractical option. ## **4. Weather** The UK is globally famous for its weather, and not for its gorgeous sunshine and balmy days. Even in the height of summer, sunlight hours are [few and far between](https://www.statista.com/statistics/322602/monthly-average-daily-sun-hours-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/) and rain is a regular visitor. As such, it is normally other elements of the country, such as its rich and vibrant culture, that attracts visitors. In contrast, the geographical location of New Zealand is temperate, meaning it has a very narrow temperature range. This gives residents the luxury of being able to find the weather that they are in the mood for, whether that be powder snow for skiing, a day of sunbathing, or both. ## **5. Career Options** The population of New Zealand is 5.2 million compared to the UK’s 68.3 million. As a consequence, there are fewer employment opportunities in New Zealand. However, as a developed country, the [full spectrum of jobs](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/working-in-nz/qualifications-for-work/green-list-occupations) are potentially available when positions are free. In addition, New Zealand’s wild landscape and adventure tourism mean that there are many outdoor career opportunities. In contrast, the UK has a wide range of job opportunities, albeit with incredibly stiff competition for many roles, which is one of the biggest differences in living in the UK vs New Zealand. ## **Find Out More** New Zealand is a dream destination for many people. The move can open the door to a less stressful, warmer, and statistically happier life. To learn more about the practicalities of [moving](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/moving-overseas) to New Zealand, please download our free [Guide To International Removals](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/international-removals-guide). [![Internation Removals Guide CTA](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/hubfs/Galleon%20International%20Move%20Long%20CTA.webp)](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/international-removals-guide) Image Source: [Canva](https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEJF3A024w-new-zealand/) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/GalleonInternational/) [twitter icon](https://twitter.com/galleonuk?lang=en-gb) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/galleon-international-shipping-co-ltd) ### Posts By Topics - [Moving Overseas (34)](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/tag/moving-overseas) - [Corporate Relocation (32)](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/tag/corporate-relocation) - [Personal Relocation (22)](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/tag/personal-relocation) - [Global Relocation Services (20)](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/tag/global-relocation-services) - [Corporate Relocation Services (17)](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/tag/corporate-relocation-services) - [Industry News (13)](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/tag/industry-news) - [Galleon News (9)](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/tag/galleon-news) - [International Removals Company (5)](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/tag/international-removals-company) - [Domestic Removal Services (2)](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/tag/domestic-removal-services) - [Global Mobility Solutions (2)](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/tag/global-mobility-solutions) see all ### Articles [Relocating From The UK To Canada: What Visa Do You Need?](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/visa-uk-to-canada-relocation) [Moving To Australia Over The Age Of 35: Is It Worth It?](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/australia-over-35-is-it-worth-it) [UK vs New Zealand: Which Has A Better Quality Of Life?](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/uk-new-zealand-better-quality-life) [Cost Of Living: Which Countries Are Most Affected?](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/cost-of-living-countries-most-affected) ### Subscribe to our blog [![Free virtual survey design one](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/free%20virtual%20survey%20CTA/Free%20virtual%20survey%20design%20one.webp?width=650&height=363&name=Free%20virtual%20survey%20design%20one.webp)](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/free-virtual-survey) [![footer-logo](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/footer-logo.webp?width=366&height=89&name=footer-logo.webp "footer-logo")](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/) We guide and support our clients through an overseas move. Taking great pride in our ability to provide a personal and bespoke service, no detail too great; from start to finish; door to door. [+ 44 (0) 1708 868 068](tel:+%2044%20(0)%201708%20868%20068) [info@galleon-ltd.com](mailto:info@galleon-ltd.com) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/GalleonInternational/) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/galleon-international-shipping-co-ltd) [twitter icon](https://twitter.com/galleonshipping) Galleon International Shipping Ltd. Galleon House, Kerry Avenue Purfleet Industrial Park, Aveley, Essex RM15 4YA We adhere to the British Association of Removers Alternative Dispute Resolution Scheme which is independently operated by;   3-4 Viewpoint Office Village Babbage Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2EQ T: 0333 241 3209 www.thefurnitureombudsman.org [![Untitled design - 2023-02-07T102803.080](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-02-07T102803.080.png "Untitled design - 2023-02-07T102803.080")](https://www.thefurnitureombudsman.org) - [Relocation For Employees](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/relocation-for-employees) - [Relocation For Employers](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/relocation-for-employers) - [Moving Overseas](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/moving-overseas) - [Moving Within The UK](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/moving-within-the-uk) - [Blog](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog) - [Transfer Of Residence Tax Relief Application Guide](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/transfer-of-residence-tax-relief-application-guide) - [Free Country Guides](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/free-country-moving-guides) - [Removals To Australia](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/removals-to-australia) - [Removals To Canada](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/removals-to-canada) - [Removals To The USA](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/removals-to-usa) - [Your Essential Guide To International Removals](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/your-essential-guide-to-international-removals) - [Terms & Conditions](https://26574138.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26574138/Galleon-TCs-2019.pdf) - [Cookie Policy](https://www.galleon-ltd.com/cookie-policy) - [Transfer Of Data Policy](https://26574138.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26574138/Galleon%20-%20Transfer%20of%20data.pdf) - [GDPR Data Protection & Privacy Notice](https://26574138.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26574138/Galleon%20-%20GDPR%20-%20Data%20Protection%20and%20Privacy%20Notice.pdf) - [Galleon International Anti-Trust Charter Policy](https://26574138.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26574138/Galleon%20Anti-Trust%20Charter%20for%20website%20Policy-1.pdf) - [Galleon International Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption Policy](https://26574138.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26574138/Galleon%20Anti-Bribery%20%20Anti-Corruption%20for%20website.pdf) VAT No.: 362 4614 61 Company No.: 1616815 Copyright 2023 Galleon International Shipping Ltd. All rights Reserved. Designed and Developed by [JDR Group](https://www.jdrgroup.co.uk/). ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Christopher Townsend", "url" : "https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/author/christopher-townsend" }, "dateModified" : "2025-02-26T10:00:00.944Z", "datePublished" : "2025-02-26T10:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Which Has A Better Quality Of Life: UK or New Zealand?", "image" : [ "https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_45763/uk-vs-new-zealand-which-has-a-better-quality-of-life_31975ef6f0afef5c1f207cb0720d76c4.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.galleon-ltd.com/blog/uk-new-zealand-better-quality-life", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://26574138.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26574138/Galleon%20Logo.jpg" }, "name" : "Galleon International Shipping Co. Ltd." } } ```