Cost of living in Invercargill
Invercargill, located in the southernmost part of New Zealand, offers a unique lifestyle with its blend of urban and rural settings. Understanding the cost of living in Invercargill is crucial for both potential residents and those planning to relocate within New Zealand.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the various expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $10.56 on average, with a range between $8.8 and $35.18.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $70.37, with prices ranging from $52.78 to $175.92.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.21, with a range between $8.21 and $11.73.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.93 to $11.73, imported beer $2.93 to $8.8, cappuccino $2.35 to $7.04, and Coke/Pepsi $1.47 to $2.93.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.09 and $2.93 per liter, averaging $1.44.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.17 and $2.64, with an average price of $1.73.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.32 to $6.33, averaging $5.2.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.52 to $3.52 per kg, while oranges range from $1.76 to $3.81 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.17 and $5.86 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.17 to $3.23 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.29 and $1.76.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.38 and $1.65 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.35, with a cost of $1.99 per km and $29.32 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $234.57 to $938.26, averaging $625.51.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $187.65 to $820.98, averaging $570.78.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $351.85 to $1290.11, averaging $860.07.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $938.26 to $1172.83, averaging $1036.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $5864.13.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1759.24 to $5277.72, averaging $3518.48.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $64.51 and $175.92, averaging $89.55.
- Internet - Internet services range from $41.05 to $67.44, with an average cost of $48.38.
Cost of Living Rankings
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
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"Key Takeaways"
Invercargill offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in New Zealand. Dining out is reasonably priced, especially at casual restaurants.
Housing costs are moderate, with a variety of options available both in the city centre and outside. Public transportation is economical, and basic utilities are affordable.
For those considering a move to Invercargill, it's advisable to budget for slightly higher costs in dining and utilities, but overall, the city provides good value for money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Invercargill presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a quieter lifestyle without the high expenses of larger urban areas.
With affordable housing, reasonable dining costs, and efficient public transportation, Invercargill is well-suited for those looking to enjoy the charm of New Zealand's southern regions.