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Cost of Living in New Zealand in 2024 (Local’s Guide)
If you’re thinking of moving to New Zealand, you’ll need to know how much it costs to live in New Zealand.
The cost of living in New Zealand can vary depending on your lifestyle, but overall it’s a relatively inexpensive country to live in.
I moved to New Zealand in 2018 with zero understanding of the living costs throughout the country, or even how much to budget for monthly rent.
Before you move to New Zealand, it’s good to understand how expensive it actually is for an individual to live a comfortable life in New Zealand.
Costs do vary based on location. The city center of Auckland is going to be much more expensive than living in the small town of Napier.
Let’s dive in so you can determine if the cost of living in New Zealand is right for you!
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Is New Zealand Expensive to Live in?
New Zealand is an expensive place to live in if you are looking for a luxurious lifestyle. But, if you are happy living a modest lifestyle, New Zealand can be a very affordable country to live in.
For example, rent prices vary drastically depending on the location. Renting a one bedroom apartment in Auckland will set you back around $1,500 NZD a month. Whereas in Napier, you can rent a one bedroom flat for only $900 NZD per month.
That being said, New Zealand is not as cheap as some of its neighboring countries such as Thailand or Vietnam.
Groceries, transportation, and entertainment can also be expensive when living in New Zealand.
How Much Does a Typical Expat Spend in New Zealand?
If you are moving to New Zealand from another country, your expenses will be different than someone who is already living in New Zealand.
A typical expat spends around $4,000 NZD per month. This amount includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, and other living expenses.
This would be on the high end for someone living a modest lifestyle in New Zealand.
But when you first move, there are a lot of costs. Many expats forget to budget for filing for a work visa, paying to ship items from overseas, new vehicle costs, and property prices.
My Monthly Expenses Living in New Zealand
When I lived in New Zealand my first month, I lived very frugally and rented one bedroom in a shared student apartment.
It still cost me over $800 NZD a month because I lived in downtown Auckland and it was fully furnished. However, I saved a lot on food by cooking for myself, walking rather than having a car, and taking advantage of free things to do in Auckland.
However, after two months, I got a job that paid $50,000 NZD a year in the government.
This job allowed me to increase my budget and find a better place to stay. Since I didn’t have furniture, I went with an Airbnb that was furnished where I had the loft to myself but shared the kitchen.
Located in Ponsonby, this cost me about $2,000 NZD a month with utilities included.
Auckland is a very expensive city for rent.
My food budget was $300 NZD a week which allowed for one takeaway meal, two lunches out, and seasonal produce to cook nice meals for myself.
I wasn’t concerned with saving a ton of money, as I was living in New Zealand to explore. So I didn’t bother keeping my monthly costs down and actually tried to spend everything I made on travel.
I still left New Zealand after 10 months with $3,000 NZD saved, and got a few thousand back in taxes after the fact.
I could have saved more money if I’d invested in furniture upfront and moved a bit further from the city centre.
The Average Cost of Living in New Zealand
For a Single Expat
A single expat should expect to pay about $3,000 NZD a month after they’ve settled into New Zealand.
This will allow you to eat out once a week, have some amenities like a car and a gym membership, and do some local weekend trips.
If you move in with others, you can cut this cost nearly in half. And if you live outside of Auckland, you can have a house for the same amount of money.
For a Family of Four
According to Numbeo, a family of four should expect to spend about $5,600 a month on living expenses and an additional $3,000 a month on rent.
With schooling in New Zealand being free until university, you don’t have to worry about additional costs there.
However, you will need to look into childcare to bridge between after-school and when you get home from work.
New Zealand has a great work-life balance and they’ll help you work from home sometimes or work fewer days to assist you in your childcare needs.
Average Wage in New Zealand
Click here to check average salaries for your industry.
Hourly Wage
The average hourly wage in New Zealand is $27/hour, which equates to about $56,000 per year for full-time employment.
Tradie
Tradies or labourers in New Zealand make on average $37,000 per year.
Tradies include mechanics, electricians, and builders.
Teacher
A teacher makes roughly $55,000 in New Zealand.
Retail Assistant
A retail assistant makes an average wage of $33,000 in New Zealand.
Dentist
Dentists earn $78,000 per year in New Zealand.
IT worker
IT workers in New Zealand make an average of $80,000 NZD per year.
Lawyer
Lawyers can earn $92,000 a year in New Zealand.
Accountant
An accountant is a high-paying career in New Zealand. On average, they make $75,000 a year.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in NZ?
This is a difficult question to answer as it would depend on your lifestyle and spending habits.
Generally, you would need to earn at least $40,000 NZD per year in order to live comfortably in New Zealand in a big city.
However, if you are willing to live frugally and not spend all of your income, you could get by on much less.
If you’re living in one of the smaller cities, you can get by on less or live extravagantly for $50,000 a year. Many New Zealanders choose to live outside of the city centres for this reason.
New Zealand Tax Rates
Income tax rates in New Zealand are progressive, meaning that the more you earn, the higher percentage of tax you will pay.
The current highest income tax rate is 39%, which applies to income over $180,000 NZD per year. If you earn less than $14,000, you will only pay 10.5% income tax.
Additionally, you will be responsible for paying GST. This is a sales tax that is applied to most goods and services in New Zealand and is currently at 15%.
So, what does this all mean?
If you are earning an annual salary of $56,000 NZD, your net income (after tax and GST) would be approximately $47,000 NZD. This leaves you with approximately $3,900 NZD per month to live off of.
If you are earning an annual salary of $80,000 NZD, your net income (after tax and GST) would be approximately $68,000 NZD. This leaves you with approximately $5,600 NZD per month to live off of.
| Income Tax Brackets | Income Tax Rates |
|---|---|
| First $14,000 | 10.5% |
| $14,001 to $48,000 | 17.5% |
| $48,001 to $70,000 | 30% |
| $70,001 to $180,000 | 33% |
| $180,001+ | 39% |
New Zealand Taxes
Source: https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/live-in-new-zealand/money-tax/taxes
Housing Costs in New Zealand
Rentals
It is very common for people to rent when they first move to New Zealand. It’s a great way to get used to the area and take your time finding a place you love before you commit to living there permanently.
Rental properties vary in price across the country.
In Auckland, a one bedroom apartment rental in the city centre will cost upwards of $2,000 a month. However, in Dunedin, it’ll cost about $1,000 a month.
These prices vary based on where you live. Look to cheaper cities if you’re looking to stay budget-friendly.
Buying a Property
If you’re looking to buy a property in New Zealand, it’s important to note that the majority of the country is made up of rural areas.
The average house price in Auckland is currently over $1,000,000 NZD. However, if you’re willing to look outside of the city centre, there are plenty of great options for under $500,000 NZD.
Keep in mind that the cost of living (e.g. groceries, transportation) is typically higher outside of the city centres.
The housing market in New Zealand is constantly changing, so it’s important to do your research before making any big decisions.
Many people buy a house with a small attached bach that can be used as a rental property to help pay off their mortgage.
Cost of Utilities
Electricity, Gas and Water
In general, the cost of utilities in New Zealand is relatively low. You can expect to pay between $100 and $200 a month for all three of these services combined.
In the winter, expect to pay more as the homes are not well built for retaining heat. You can save a lot of electricity by bundling up in the winter rather than turning up your thermostat.
Cell Phone Plans
Cell phone plans in New Zealand are very reasonable when compared to other countries.
You can expect to pay around $20 NZD for a basic plan that includes unlimited talk and text, as well as a few gigabytes of data.
If you need more data, you can usually purchase it for a small additional fee.
I used Vodafone when I lived in New Zealand and payed very little for unlimited texts, 100 minutes of calls, and 5 GB of data that I could use to call home regularly while exploring (and use maps when I inevitably got lost while exploring).
There isn’t always amazing service in smaller towns, but that’s true for every New Zealand phone network, as there aren’t a lot of towers across the country.
Internet
Most people pay $50-80 for internet monthly in their homes.
Healthcare Costs
If you are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand, you will be eligible for free public healthcare.
All you need is your passport or a valid work visa.
There are also many clinics and hospitals located throughout the country that offer services for a low cost or even free, depending on your income level.
There are some costs that you will have to pay, like enrolling with a doctor or getting any dentistry done. All psychiatric, chiropractor, and pharmaceutical costs will also fall on you.
This was a surprise to me, as in my home country of Canada, work has health plans to cover these healthcare costs. New Zealand doesn’t have that, so your average income needs to take into account your medical expenses.
Education Costs
If you are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand, your education from kindergarten to secondary education will be free.
Private schools and international primary schools can be expensive if you choose to pay for specialized education.
Post-secondary school, aka. university, is not free, but the government offers a loan system that is very reasonable.
My roommate was able to get a free loan from the government for $500 a month that she didn’t have to pay back. Any loan on top of this would be a debt that she would need to pay over time.
But this allowed her to contribute to the rent and only need to work part-time.
Grocery Costs
Food is expensive in New Zealand. Factor monthly food costs to be one of the highest expenses in your budget.
Your grocery shop will feel surprisingly expensive for basics like local cheese and honey.
Fruits and Vege
Fruits and vegetables in New Zealand are expensive when compared to other countries. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5-10 for items. For example, 2lb of apples costs on average $4. In Canada, I can get 4lbs of apples for $5.
However, the quality of the produce is usually very good.
Meat and Seafood
Although meat and seafood aren’t outrageously expensive in New Zealand, they aren’t amazing quality at the standard price. This is because New Zealand sends most of its meat abroad and only retains the lower quality, or imports lower quality meat from elsewhere.
So if you want really good New Zealand lamb, expect a high price for it.
Cost of Milk
Milk from a dairy costs about $2.30 for 1L.
Price of Bread
It depends on the bread you’re getting.
You can get a Wonderbread equivalent for $1.50, but most people go with nicer qualities that cost about $3 per loaf.
Alcohol Costs
Alcohol is expensive in New Zealand. Expect to pay $10 for a basic spirit or wine, and more than that for craft beer or cocktails.
Domestic beer is very popular in New Zealand, but don’t expect it to be very cheap! It’ll likely cost you $5 a bottle at the grocery store for a local ale.
Wine was often $15 a bottle when I’d get a lower quality bottle for our office parties (sorry, not sorry I don’t drink wine!).
Admittedly, it’s usually really good quality as New Zealand produces excellent wines and beers.
Dining Out Costs
Prices will vary based on the type of restaurant.
An inexpensive restaurant will cost you about $20-25 for lunch or $25-30 for dinner.
A mid range restaurant will likely cost $35+ for an appetizer and a main.
The average price at a high end restaurant will be $50+ for a nice meal.
Entertainment Costs
The cost of entertainment in New Zealand is relatively expensive when compared to other countries. For example, a movie ticket costs about $14.
A trip to the zoo or aquarium will set you back about $30 per person.
However, there are many free and low-cost activities that you can do as well!
Going hiking, surfing, or swimming doesn’t have to cost anything if you own the right equipment already!
Even buying a surfboard in New Zealand is less than the cost of a monthly gym membership (usually $50/month).
If you live in Auckland or Queenstown, you’ll be able to see a number of internationally acclaimed performers at comedy shows and in the theatre without breaking the bank.
Transportation Costs
Driving
Driving in New Zealand is relatively expensive. Petrol prices are usually around $2.5/L.
Getting a car like a Volkswagen golf (according to Expatisan) new is under $40,000 NZD.
Taxis
Taxis are not as expensive as in some countries, but will still set you back about $10 for a short ride. If I took a taxi the 10 minutes home from work, I’d be paying at least $12 for the ride.
Taxis and rideshares both operate in New Zealand at similar prices.
Public Transport
There isn’t public transport in every city in New Zealand. Larger cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown have bus systems. Auckland has a small underground subway, but is in the works to expand it.
A one-way ticket in Auckland will cost you $4+, depending on the zone you’re in.
You can find a breakdown of fares and ferry prices here.
I recommend getting a HOP card to easily tap to pay your fare.
Travel Costs
Domestic Flights
If you want to do a bit of travelling around the country, be prepared to pay. A short domestic flight (between 2-3 hours) can be anywhere from $100-400.
JetStar is the cheaper option, while Air New Zealand is likely to go into the multiple hundreds of dollars.
Both fly across the country regularly and offer amazing service. I’ve flown both multiple times and while AirNZ is slightly more comfortable, it’s not always enough to justify the cost.
For example, flying between the North Island and the South Island from Wellington to Christchurch takes 50 minutes. With Jetstar, it costs $70. With AirNZ, it costs $150.
For double the cost, I’d rather take the cheaper option if the only difference is a slightly slower check-in process.
International Flights
If you’re wanting to head overseas, be prepared to pay a bit more. A short flight to Australia can be around $500, while a longer flight (like to the UK) can be upwards of $1,000.
Air New Zealand is the best option for a New Zealand airline to go abroad. Otherwise, opt for an international airline.
Be prepared for a long-haul flight. My trip from Toronto to New Zealand took 28 hours with a quick stopover in San Fransisco.
When I went to Singapore, it took 13 hours direct.
Kiwis get used to staying in Dubai airport hotels to break up a long flight. That’s why they take large chunks of vacation days to help justify the crazy flight prices.
Moving abroad? Save more in booking your flights and accommodations by using this platform!
Most Expensive Cities to Live in New Zealand
Cost of Living in Auckland
Auckland is one of the biggest cities in New Zealand, and it has the most expensive living costs. The average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is about $2,000 NZD/month.
Food in Auckland is also more expensive than in other parts of the country. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will set you back at least $30 NZD for a single dish.
But Auckland has more job opportunities than any other location on the island country. So it’s worth the cost to most people to have a higher average income.
You’ll want to budget at least $4,000 a month to live here.
Cost of Living in Wellington
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand.
The estimated monthly costs of living in Wellington are as follows:
-Rent for a one bedroom apartment: $1,800 NZD
-Meal at a mid-priced restaurant: $25 NZD
Wellington is slightly more affordable than Auckland, with the exception of rent. Here you’ll find more government roles and fewer international business opportunities.
You’ll want to budget at least $3,500 a month to live here.
Cost of Living in Christchurch
Christchurch is much cheaper than its northern neighbours. This big city costs an average of $1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment’s rent.
You’ll want to budget at least $3,000 a month to live here.
Cost of Living in Wanaka
Wanaka is a smaller city on the south island.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $700 NZD
Meal at a mid-priced restaurant: $25 NZD
You’ll want to budget at least $2,000 a month to live here.
Wanaka is a really fun place to live. Household items and groceries cost a similar price to Queenstown, and you’re close to Queenstown’s airport to travel internationally.
Plus the beautiful scenery and lavender fields will make it feel like you live in paradise!
Cost of Living in Queenstown
Single expats will love living in Queenstown, even if they don’t love the prices.
Queenstown is really small so there are fewer places to rent. That’s why it’s got some of the highest rental prices in New Zealand, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre going for over $2,000 a month!
Prices of food are also high due to the touristy restaurants in the city centre.
But it does have the best nightlife in New Zealand and is known for its stunning beaches.
You’ll want to budget at least $5,000 a month to live here.
Cities With the Cheapest Cost of Living in New Zealand
Cost of Living in Dunedin
Looking for some lowest estimated monthly costs of living? Check out Dunedin!
This southern town is home to New Zealand’s largest university and routinely gets a dusting of snow!
You’ll want to budget at least $1,500 a month to live here.
Most people here share housing as it’s a popular student city.
Cost of Living in Hamilton
Hamilton is the largest city in the Waikato region and is known for its farming community.
The average rent for a one bedroom apartment is $1,000 NZD/month.
Food here is more affordable than in Auckland or Wellington. A meal at a mid-priced restaurant will cost around $20 NZD.
Budget about $2,000 a month to live comfortably here.
Cost of Living in New Plymouth
The cost of living in New Plymouth is estimated at $1,600 a month.
Rent for a one bedroom apartment is around $900 NZD/month.
Food is slightly more expensive than Hamilton, with a meal at a mid-priced restaurant costing about $25 NZD.
Cost of Living in Rotorua
Rotorua is an interesting city because of its geothermal activity.
The average rent for a one bedroom apartment is $1,200 NZD/month.
A meal at a mid-priced restaurant will cost about $15 NZD.
You’ll want to budget about $1,800 a month to live here.
Cost of Living in Tauranga
Tauranga is a large city on the north island and is popular with people who love the outdoors.
The average rent for a one bedroom apartment is $800 NZD/month.
Food here is more expensive than in Hamilton, with a meal at a mid-priced restaurant costing about $25/meal.
Budget about $1,200 to live here. You will need a car to get around.
Cost of Living in Napier
Located at the north of the south island, Napier is a smaller city with beautiful Art Deco architecture.
The average rent for a one bedroom apartment is $800 NZD/month.
A meal at a mid-priced restaurant will cost about $15 NZD.
You’ll want to budget about $1,300 to live here comfortably.
Wrap Up: Is Living in New Zealand Worth the Cost?
Overall, the cost to live in New Zealand varies depending on what city you choose to live in.
But it’s important to remember that the cost of living here is still cheaper than most Western countries.
However, you will benefit from overseas income, as the New Zealand dollar isn’t worth as much as many foreign currencies, including the Canadian Dollar and the US Dollar.
Coming from abroad, you can easily settle into this new country with fewer savings as it will convert to a higher amount.
New Zealand is my favourite place in the world and the ultimate place for a single expat. Not only are the people incredibly friendly, but it’s not very difficult to find a job. You’ll easily settle into your life as a Kiwi and quickly wonder why anyone lives anywhere else.
So, is it worth the cost? Absolutely!
New Zealand has something for everyone and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful country. From the stunning beaches to the lush countryside, you’ll fall in love with this amazing place. There’s always something to do and the locals are always happy to show you around.
Moving abroad? Save more in booking your flights and accommodations by using this platform!
FAQs of Cost to Live in New Zealand:
Cost of Living in New Zealand vs. USA
According to Numbeo, the cost of living for a single person in New Zealand is about $3,000 NZD a month.
In the US, Numbeo estimates the average monthly cost of living to be $2,500 USD.
New Zealand’s dollar is worth significantly less than the USD, making it less expensive to live in monthly. Of course, this will vary by location, as the US has a vast price difference between small towns and large cities. In New Zealand, there is a similar discrepancy between prices in big cities like Auckland and small towns, but the country has more small towns than cities.
Cost of Living in New Zealand vs. Australia
Australia is another country in the Pacific region with a cost of living that is significantly higher than New Zealand. According to Numbeo, the average monthly cost of living for a single person in Australia is $3,000 AUD.
AUD is valued slightly higher than the NZD, so the $3,000 NZD a month estimate from Numbeo shows that it’s more expensive on average to live in Australia.
In New Zealand, rent and groceries are cheaper, but transportation, utilities, and health care are more expensive.
Overall, the cost of living in New Zealand is cheaper than in most other developed countries. The lower costs come with a few trade-offs, such as higher transportation and utility prices. But for those looking to save money, New Zealand is a great place to live.
Cost of Living in New Zealand vs. UK
Living in the UK is much more expensive than living in New Zealand. According to Numbeo, the average monthly cost of living for a single person in the UK is $2,000 GBP (worth roughly double NZD).
This means that the average UK resident pays almost 50% more than the average New Zealander for monthly costs.
Again, this varies depending on the location within each country. For example, London is much more expensive than other areas in the UK, while Auckland is more expensive than small towns in New Zealand.
But on the whole, it is much more costly to live in the UK than in New Zealand.
Cost of Living in New Zealand vs. Canada
Numbeo estimates that the average monthly cost of living for a single person in Canada is $2,000 CAD.
This means that the average Canadian pays about the same as the average New Zealander for monthly costs.
Canada has more free healthcare than New Zealand, but with the plethora of holidays in New Zealand and the worker’s compensation health claims, it works out to be about the same overall.
How much money do you need to immigrate to New Zealand?
The cost of living in New Zealand is cheaper than in most other developed countries.
In order to immigrate to New Zealand, you will need to prove that you have at least $5,000 NZD to support yourself when you arrive. For some visas, you will need more than this in your savings or proof of a job offer on your arrival.
I moved to New Zealand with $3,000 NZD on my Working Holiday Visa and was able to get by easily.
Is NZ a cheap place to live?
On the whole, New Zealand is a cheaper place to live than most other developed countries.
However, there are some areas where it is more expensive (like transportation and groceries) and some areas where it is cheaper (like rent and utilities).
If you are looking to save money, New Zealand is a great place to live.
Are houses cheaper in Australia than New Zealand?
This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on the location. Generally, houses are cheaper in Australia than in New Zealand, but there are some exceptions.
Is it expensive to live in Auckland?
Yes, Auckland is more expensive than most other areas in New Zealand. However, it is still cheaper than most other major cities in the world.
What is the average salary in NZ?
This varies depending on your occupation. The average salary for a full-time worker in New Zealand is $47,000 NZD per year.
Related Posts:
- New Zealand Travel Guide
- Tipping in New Zealand: To Tip or Not to Tip?
- 25 Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand
- 57 New Zealand Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Going to New Zealand
- The Ultimate New Zealand Bucket List: 79 Unique Things to Do
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Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy expat travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!
🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?
It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!
📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?
It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.
Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!
💼 How do I get a job as an expat?
You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.
If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!
💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?
Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.
I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. (Read more)
👯♀️ How do you make friends abroad?
Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.
🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?
Learn languages in no time with iTalki! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.
💻 Do I need a VPN?
Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.
🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?
This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here.
🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?
Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. (Read more)
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com. (Read more)
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
