Cost of living in Christchurch
Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, is known for its English heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Understanding the cost of living in Christchurch is crucial for both potential residents and those planning to relocate.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Christchurch, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $17.01 on average, with a range between $8.8 and $29.32.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $85.03, with prices ranging from $58.64 to $105.55.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.56, with a range between $8.8 and $11.73.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5.28 to $7.04, imported beer $4.69 to $8.8, cappuccino $2.64 to $4.1, and Coke/Pepsi $1.75 to $2.93.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.08 and $3.17 per liter, averaging $1.86.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.03 and $3.31, with an average price of $1.93.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4.22 to $8.44, averaging $6.34.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.76 to $3.52 per kg, while oranges range from $2.05 to $4.1 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.17 and $4.1 per kg, and lettuce costs $2 to $4.1 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.17 and $2.35, with a monthly pass priced between $33.15 and $63.33.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.44 and $1.71 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.64, with a cost of $1.76 to $2.35 per km and $17.59 to $32.25 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $938.26 to $2052.45, averaging $1305.36.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $820.98 to $1759.24, averaging $1192.37.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1583.31 to $5277.72, averaging $1952.76.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1073.14 to $2345.65, averaging $1364.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1400.58 to $5864.13, averaging $3349.17.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1466.03 to $3518.48, averaging $2785.46.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $93.83 and $161.26, averaging $123.17.
- Internet - Internet services range from $35.18 to $58.05, with an average cost of $47.83.
Cost of Living Rankings
Christchurch ranks 3rd on the Cost of Living rankings in New Zealand. The cost of living indices for New Zealand are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in New Zealand, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Christchurch offers a moderate cost of living compared to other major cities in New Zealand. Dining out can be affordable, especially at casual restaurants, while housing costs vary significantly depending on location.
Transportation is relatively inexpensive, with affordable public transport options and competitive fuel prices. Grocery prices are reasonable, though some items like eggs and cheese can be on the higher side.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to a balanced monthly expense for residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Christchurch presents a balanced cost of living with affordable options in dining and transportation. Housing costs can vary, offering choices for different budgets.
Potential residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget constraints when planning a move to Christchurch. Overall, the city provides a vibrant living environment with a reasonable cost structure.