Food is a lot more expensive in NZ than in Germany (to give one datapoint).

That's fair, and it's something I've noticed at supermarkets in Dublin as well. I think the price of eating out is comparable though.

That said, I've noticed the portions of food tend to be smaller here in Dublin as well (I suspect being a metropolitan area the supermarkets cater more to individuals whereas the supermarkets back home tend to cater to families). For example, it's next to impossible to buy 1kg of Cheese here in Dublin as the largest you can get from a supermarket is 400 grams.

> I think the price of eating out is comparable though.

Eating out is cheaper in Germany (if you weight prices relative to wages) than NZ.

I can't account for Germany but from Canada it is more expensive but quality of fresh fruit and Veges is way better. Our standard of eating increased markedly moving back.

Clothes are also more expensive.

Because it's fresh.

> I would consider it cheaper than the US

The US is cheaper. I'm guessing like many people who don't live in the US you are thinking about the popular coastal areas and ignoring 80% of the land area.

I'm talking houses for $125k and a total cost of living around $20k outside of the mortgage.

Your view may be dependent on what you earn and what your housing arrangements are. Wages aren't usually high, and if you're in Auckland housing costs are pretty spectacular. 250% or greater in 5 years is pretty bad.

For what it's worth, the used car market there is very cheap - no tax on buying/selling used cars, and an abundance of good vehicles.

That's because their inspections will pull your car off the road for the tiniest of issues. And inspections are every 6 months. It makes buying a used car risky, IMO.