[Ecky]

Some fun country-comparison statistics, all in US dollars:

Big Mac Index - the USA is #7 at $5.58. New Zealand is #14 at $5.04. (indicates cost of living)

GDP per capita - The USA is #7 at ~$70,000. NZ is #22 at ~$48,000.

Average individual income - USA $65,400 , NZ $61,000usd

Median individual income - USA $31,000, NZ $38,500

Average individual wealth - USA $551,000, NZ $389,000

Median individual wealth - USA $107,000, NZ $193,000

Average Paid Vacation days - USA 11, NZ legal minimum 20 (can't find average but it's higher)

Average Sick Days - USA 8, NZ legal minimum 10

Public Holidays - USA 6, NZ 11 (legally required)

Ease of doing business index - USA #6, NZ #1 - New Zealand has 3x as many (per capita) business owners.

Corruption Index (perceived) - USA #24, NZ #2 (down from #1)

Life Expectancy - USA 77.28 years, NZ 82.06 years

Crime Rate Index - USA 47.71, NZ 42.88 (lower is better)

Average individual healthcare expenditure - USA $12,900, NZ ~$1,250

Average commute distance - USA 41 miles, NZ 14 miles

Average car insurance cost - USA $2150 PA, NZ $480 (optional)

Average fuel cost per gallon - USA $3.50 gas $4.25 diesel, NZ $5.40 gas $4.50 diesel

Average electricity cost - USA 23c/kwh, NZ 18.5c/kwh

Average food cost per month - USA $415.50, NZ $181.25

Average used car cost - USA $28,100, NZ $7,875

Current unemployment rate - USA 3.9%, NZ 3.6%

Percent immigrants - USA 13.6, NZ >23%

Overall workforce participation rate - USA 62.7%, NZ 71.8%

Child Poverty Rate - USA 16%, NZ 12% (but calculated differently)
-Note, all parents get a stipend, and all dental care up to age 18 is covered under the national system

Maternity Leave - USA 0 required, NZ 26 weeks paid either parent (or split)

~

Income tax rate:

USA federal tax brackets including SS and medicare:
17.65% up to 11k
19.65% up to 44k
29.65% up to 95k
31.65% up to 180k
39.65% up to 231k
42.65% up to 578k
44.65% 578k+

Including Oregon (as an example) state income tax, in a simplified form (the brackets don't line up with federal):

24.4% up to 11k (effective rate is less)
28.4% up to 44k
38.4% up to 95k
41.55% up to 180k
49.55% up to 231k
52.55% up to 578k
54.55% 578k+


NZ tax brackets:
10.5% up to ~$10k USD
17.5% up to ~33.5k USD
30% up to ~49k USD
33% up to ~115k USD
39% over ~115k USD

EDIT: Now, I'm aware that very few Americans actually pay taxes in the amounts prescribed by their brackets, but the effective tax burden is still higher.