Cost of living in Timaru
Timaru, a charming city in New Zealand, offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and urban convenience. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Timaru, covering everything 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 $14.66 on average, with a range between $8.8 and $26.39.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $58.64, with prices ranging from $58.64 to $105.55.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.09, with a range between $7.62 and $11.73.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.69 to $10.56, imported beer $5.57 to $14.66, cappuccino $2.93 to $4.69, and Coke/Pepsi $1.76 to $2.93.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.17 and $2.58 per liter, averaging $1.55.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.39 and $2.35, with an average price of $1.87.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $5.63 to $7.04, averaging $5.98.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.76 to $4.69 per kg, while oranges range from $2.05 to $4.69 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.11 and $5.28 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.05 to $5.57 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.47.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.43 and $1.75 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.76, with a cost of $1.48 to $2.4 per km and $26.39 to $35.18 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1290.11.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1055.54.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1290.11.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1172.83.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $2462.93.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $2052.45.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $99.69 and $439.81, averaging $185.7.
- Internet - Internet services range from $43.98 to $117.28, with an average cost of $57.66.
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
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"
Timaru offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in New Zealand. Dining out is reasonably priced, especially at casual restaurants.
Grocery prices are moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being quite affordable. Housing costs are competitive, particularly for those looking to rent outside the city centre.
Transportation is economical, with low costs for public transport and fuel. Utilities and internet services are also reasonably priced, making Timaru a cost-effective place to live.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Timaru presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.
With its reasonable housing, dining, and transportation costs, Timaru is well-suited for those looking to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in a picturesque setting.