Taupo, a picturesque town in New Zealand, is known for its stunning lake and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Taupo, 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 $16.13 on average, with a range between $11.73 and $17.59.
  • 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 $11.87, 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 $8.21, imported beer $5.28 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 $1.91.
  • 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 $5.45, averaging $5.22.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.05 to $2.93 per kg, while oranges range from $1.76 to $3.52 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.65 and $2.35 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.17 to $3.22 per head.

Transportation

  • 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.
  • Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $15,833.15 and $18,765.21, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $21,697.28 to $23,456.52.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1055.54.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $586.41.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1466.03.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1231.47.

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.
Worldwide
New Zealand

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 1 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$16.13
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$70.37
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$11.87
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.28
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$8.21
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.46
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.91
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.27
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.91
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.03
Eggs (regular) (12)
$5.22
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.92
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.87
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$8.80
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.87
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.18
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$19.35
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.55
Apples (1kg)
$2.61
Oranges (1kg)
$2.74
Potato (1kg)
$2.05
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.25
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.74
Tomato (1kg)
$5.76
Banana (1kg)
$2.33
Onion (1kg)
$3.03
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$11.75
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.61
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$17,592.39
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.35
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.11
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$17.59
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$23,261.05
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,055.54
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$586.41
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,466.03
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,231.47
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$84.38
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$49.85
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$38.12
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$12.31
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$56.69
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$36.65
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$85.52
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$95.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
6.73%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$977.35
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$6,018.36
Taupo Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Taupo offers a moderate cost of living with affordable dining and grocery options. Housing costs vary significantly between the city centre and outskirts.

Transportation costs are reasonable, with competitive fuel prices and taxi fares. Utilities and internet services are also moderately priced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Taupo presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and affordability.

Potential residents should consider the variance in housing costs and explore different areas to find the best fit for their budget and lifestyle.