Cost of living in Wellington
Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Wellington, 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 $14.66 on average, with a range between $11.73 and $29.32.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $82.10, with prices ranging from $58.64 to $93.83.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.80, with a range between $7.62 and $9.97.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.10 to $8.80, imported beer $5.28 to $7.92, cappuccino $2.93 to $4.10, and Coke/Pepsi $2.05 to $2.93.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.17 and $2.81 per liter, averaging $1.79.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.41 and $2.52, with an average price of $1.94.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4.93 to $7.74, averaging $6.72.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.75 to $3.52 per kg, while oranges range from $2.05 to $4.69 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.17 and $3.23 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.75 to $3.52 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.47 and $4.10, with a monthly pass priced between $87.96 and $175.92.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.47 and $1.79 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.33, with a cost of $1.52 to $2.93 per km and $29.32 to $70.37 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1172.83 to $1800.29, averaging $1460.44.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $996.90 to $1641.96, averaging $1311.02.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1876.52 to $2961.39, averaging $2496.44.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1759.24 to $2462.93, averaging $2104.53.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $6450.54 to $8209.78, averaging $7395.09.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $5277.72 to $7476.76, averaging $6431.39.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $117.28 and $234.57, averaging $170.31.
- Internet - Internet services range from $41.05 to $65.09, with an average cost of $53.39.
Cost of Living Rankings
Wellington ranks 1st 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"
Wellington offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.
Grocery prices in Wellington are relatively moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being affordable.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with public transport and fuel prices being accessible for most residents.
Housing in Wellington can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but options outside the centre offer more affordable alternatives.
Utilities and internet costs are in line with national averages, making them manageable for most households.
Conclusion
Overall, Wellington presents a balanced cost of living, with certain areas like housing being more costly.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget accordingly, especially when it comes to housing and dining choices.