Cost of living in Palmerston North
Palmerston North, located in New Zealand, offers a unique blend of urban and rural living. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for both potential residents and those planning to relocate.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $16.13 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 $70.37, with prices ranging from $58.64 to $117.28.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.8, with a range between $8.8 and $17.59.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.52 to $8.8, imported beer $4.98 to $8.8, cappuccino $2.64 to $4.1, and Coke/Pepsi $2.05 to $4.69.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.13 and $2.32 per liter, averaging $1.68.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.17 and $3.81, with an average price of $2.03.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4.93 to $7.04, averaging $5.22.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.17 to $3.51 per kg, while oranges range from $1.76 to $5.27 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.65 and $2.93 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.17 to $3.22 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.05 and $7.04, with a monthly pass priced between $15.83 and $127.48.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.47 and $1.64 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.35, with a cost of $1.88 to $2.35 per km and $15.83 to $17.59 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $351.85 to $1172.83, averaging $727.15.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $175.92 to $1026.22, averaging $469.13.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1407.39 to $1817.88, averaging $1505.13.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $322.53 to $1348.75, averaging $919.69.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2345.65 to $2932.06, averaging $2736.59.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1114.18 to $3518.48, averaging $2477.59.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $59.19 and $117.28, averaging $84.38.
- Internet - Internet services range from $35.18 to $76.23, with an average cost of $49.85.
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"
Palmerston North offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in New Zealand. Housing costs are moderate, especially outside the city centre.
Dining out can be economical, with a variety of options available for different budgets. Public transportation is affordable, though owning a car may incur additional costs.
Grocery prices are reasonable, with local produce and essentials available at competitive rates. Utilities and internet services are also reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Palmerston North.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Palmerston North presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a blend of urban amenities and rural charm.
With affordable housing, diverse dining options, and reasonable transportation costs, the city is well-suited for those looking to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses associated with larger metropolitan areas.