New Zealand is consistently ranked as one of the more expensive countries in the world to live in, primarily due to its geographic isolation and its relatively small market. The most significant expense is housing, particularly in major hubs like Auckland and Wellington, where rent and property prices have skyrocketed over the last decade. Because almost all manufactured goods, electronics, and even some specialty foods must be imported across vast oceanic distances, "shipping costs" are baked into the price of nearly everything you buy. Grocery prices are also notably high; ironically, even though New Zealand is a major producer of dairy and meat, these items can be more expensive locally than they are when exported to the UK or Australia. Electricity and internet also carry a premium. However, the high cost of living is often offset by the "lifestyle factor": New Zealand offers a very high standard of public safety, world-class natural beauty that is free to access, and a generally better work-life balance than many other Western nations. While salaries are competitive, they often do not stretch as far as they would in parts of the U.S. or Europe, requiring a "budget-conscious" mindset for many middle-income earners.