Cost of Living in Wellington, New Zealand
New Zealand · Oceania
Cost of Living in Wellington: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Wellington, New Zealand is approximately $2,700 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 74, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$2,700
Monthly Cost
avg/person
74
Cost Index
NYC = 100
72
Rent Index
NYC = 100
84
Quality of Life
Excellent
80
Safety Index
Excellent
0.4M
Population
NZD
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $14 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $58 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $9.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $6.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $7.5 |
| Cappuccino | $3.8 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2.8 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1.9 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.4 |
| Bread (500g) | $2.4 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.9 |
| Eggs (12) | $4.7 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $8.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $13.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3.3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.9 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $3.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.4 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.9 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $3 |
| Monthly Pass | $145 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.95 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $32500 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25500 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $165 |
| Mobile Plan | $36 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $53 |
| Fitness Club/month | $55 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,600/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,150/mo |
| 3BR Center | $3,300/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,200/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $8,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $5,800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $3400 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 7% |
Cost of Living in Wellington: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Wellington, New Zealand, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $2,700. The city's cost of living index is 74, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Wellington
A typical monthly budget in Wellington includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Wellington
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $1,150 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,600. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $3,300 per month.
Average Salary in Wellington
The average net salary in Wellington is approximately $3,400 per month. Purchasing power is rated 76out of 100.
Is Wellington Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 74,Wellington is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Wellington
Safety
Wellington has a safety score of 80/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Wellington is rated 84/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Wellington is 64/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Wellington has a purchasing power score of 76/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Wellington
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Wellington should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Wellington fits their monthly budget.
Is Wellington Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 74provides a useful benchmark when comparing Wellington with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Wellington
- Average Monthly Cost
- $2,700
- Cost Index
- 74
- Rent Index
- 72
- Average Net Salary
- $3,400
- Quality of Life
- 84/100
- Safety
- 80/100
- Healthcare
- 84/100
- Currency
- NZD
Frequently Asked Questions About Wellington
What is the cost of living in Wellington?
The estimated cost of living in Wellington, New Zealand, is approximately $2,700 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Wellington?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $1,150 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $1,600.
Is Wellington expensive to live in?
Wellington has a cost index of 74 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Wellington?
The average net salary in Wellington is approximately $3,400 per month.
Is Wellington good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Wellington is suitable for relocation.