Cost of living in New Zealand
What it costs to live in New Zealand may be quite different from your country. How it compares depends on where you are coming from and what part of New Zealand you settle in.
How to calculate the cost of living
The cost of living is the amount of money you need for basic expenses like housing, food and health care in a specific place.
It varies between countries due to differences in pay, taxes and the availability of goods and services. It changes over time because of inflation, economic conditions and shifts in supply and demand.
Consider your expenses in New Zealand
New Zealand is a remote country with a small population. Imported goods from your home country may cost more due to long distances and low demand. Goods that are produced in New Zealand, or can be imported from nearby countries like Australia, may cost less.
To calculate your cost of living, consider these expenses:
- housing — rent or mortgage payments
- food — groceries and dining out
- transportation — public transport, vehicle expenses
- health care — insurance, medical costs
- utilities — electricity, water, internet.
Cost of housing
Buying a house or apartment
House and apartment prices may vary based on their size, location within a city or suburb, and type. In larger cities like Auckland and Wellington, houses are much more expensive than in smaller places like Invercargill.
Buying property in New Zealand
Note
Generally, only residents and citizens can buy homes in New Zealand.
Renting a house or apartment
Rent varies based on the size, location within a city or suburb, region and type of housing you are renting.
In New Zealand, rent is typically charged each week, and you may be charged up to 4 weeks of rent as bond (rental deposit).
When you first arrive, you may share a house or apartment (sometimes called a flat) with other people. Keep this in mind if you are planning to bring your partner or family with you. You may be limited to a single room in a house with other people.
Use the Tenancy Services website to see what the rent is for different areas in New Zealand.
Market rent — Tenancy Services
Renting a place to live in New Zealand
Hotels, motels and other places to live temporarily
Cost of food
Buying food from restaurants
New Zealand has many places to eat out, from takeaways (takeout) to restaurants and bars. Food delivery is common in larger cities, but usually costs more than buying directly from the restaurant.
Many restaurants have their menu and prices online so you can check how much a meal will cost before you go.
Note
Tipping is not common in New Zealand, and menu prices include GST (tax).
Cost of groceries
Most areas in New Zealand will have a supermarket nearby.
The cost of groceries can depend on where the products come from, and how popular they are.
You can also buy basic groceries from most dairies (New Zealand convenience stores), or get specialty organic, discounted or international food from other, smaller supermarkets. The prices at these stores may vary depending on the food and availability in New Zealand.
Cost of transport
Using public transport
Public transport is popular in New Zealand.
Most regions have a dedicated transport card, which is usually cheaper than paying cash. These transport cards also offer discounts for students, seniors, children, and people with disabilities or other special circumstances. Some cities also offer monthly passes, which allow unlimited travel for a set amount.
The price of public transport may vary depending on where you live in New Zealand.
Using personal transport
How much you pay for personal transport, for example a car, in New Zealand depends on the vehicle type and model.
You will also need to pay for:
- petrol (gasoline) or electricity for electric vehicles
- warrant of fitness (a regular safety check required for all cars)
- vehicle registration (licensing/registration)
- driver licence fees.
The New Zealand Transport Agency website has information on the average price and process for many of these.
Warrant of fitness — New Zealand Transport Agency
Vehicle licensing — New Zealand Transport Agency
Licence fees — New Zealand Transport Agency
Vehicle insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand. 'Third party' insurance covers the cost of damage to someone else’s vehicle and is recommended as a minimum. If you have borrowed money to buy the car, the lender will require the vehicle to be fully insured when you take ownership.
Cost of health care
For most people with resident visas who live in New Zealand, health care and disability services are funded.
Even if you have a temporary visa, you may still be able to get a range of services in some situations. Check your eligibility on the Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora website.
Eligibility for publicly funded health services — Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora
If you cannot access funded health care, you can still use our health care services but you will need to pay. You should get medical insurance from your home country before you travel here.
Private health care is also available.
Getting health care and finding a doctor
Who can get public health care
Cost of utilities
Paying for water
Water is generally provided by the local council of your city or region in New Zealand. The cost may vary depending on the region. If you are renting, your landlord is responsible for any fixed charge for wastewater, but you will be responsible for any metered water charges.
Water and wastewater charges — Tenancy Services
Paying for electricity and power
Your power bill will depend on how much you use, the property you live in, and the type of power you use (electricity, gas or LPG).
Some power providers offer one fee for power and internet.
It is a good idea to compare providers to see who has the best offer.
Getting electricity, water and other utilities for your home
Paying for the internet
Your internet bill will depend on the type of connection (broadband, fibre, wireless) and your use.
Most internet providers will offer unlimited use and price depending on speed. Many mobile carriers also offer internet with their plans.
You can compare providers to see who has the best offer.