A pay gap continues to exist between Tauranga and Auckland - but employment experts say it's only evident in high-flying senior roles.
The Western Bay's beach lifestyle and lack of traffic means workers continue to flock here despite poorer pay, making the pay gap unlikely to close.
1st Call Recruitment managing director Phill van Syp, who has offices in Tauranga and Auckland, said the pay gap existed only in senior positions.
"For more general roles, it's a fallacy. Most of our people in Tauranga are getting more than people in Auckland."
Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Max Mason agreed.
"If you work in a low wage bracket, it doesn't matter whether you live in Tauranga or Auckland, [pay will still be low]," Mr Mason said.