What do you think? The Star-Times asked what people thought about the calculation that even a frugal lifestyl

Shannon Croot, 27, New Plymouth

‘‘As a nurse I earn much less than that, but the figure does not surprise me. It’s hard to live on that figure let alone what I earn. I can never think of owning my own home at the moment.’’

Christian Hipp, 25, New Plymouth

‘‘It does not surprise me at all. I think you actually need a lot more in the current climate.’’

Stuart Day, 48, Wellington

‘‘I think the figure is a little low, to be honest. We live in Wellington and there is no way you could survive on that figure. There might be some people living in small towns where you probably could.’’