Cost of living in Whangarei
Whangarei, located in the northern part of New Zealand, offers a unique blend of urban and coastal living. Understanding the cost of living in Whangarei is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this vibrant city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses across various categories, 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 $13.49 on average, with a range between $8.8 and $32.25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $64.51, with prices ranging from $46.91 to $234.57.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.21, with a range between $7.04 and $8.8.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.52 to $8.8, imported beer $5.28 to $8.8, cappuccino $2.64 to $8.17, and Coke/Pepsi $1.76 to $2.72.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.17 and $2.35 per liter, averaging $1.68.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.88 and $3.52, with an average price of $1.5.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.81 to $8.44, averaging $5.71.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.17 to $3.52 per kg, while oranges range from $1.76 to $7.04 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.17 and $4.69 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.17 to $4.1 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.47 and $2.05.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.5 and $1.64 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.76, with a cost of $1 to $2.93 per km and $14.07 to $46.91 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $269.75 to $1172.83, averaging $537.15.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $269.75 to $1055.54, averaging $450.37.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $469.13 to $1511.97, averaging $1092.52.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $351.85 to $1407.39, averaging $908.94.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2814.78 to $4398.1, averaging $3470.49.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2697.5 to $4104.89, averaging $3407.7.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $87.23 and $381.17, averaging $127.34.
- Internet - Internet services range from $42.81 to $146.6, with an average cost of $50.35.
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"
Whangarei offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in New Zealand, particularly in terms of housing and dining.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with affordable public transport and fuel prices.
Grocery prices are moderate, though some items like eggs and cheese can be on the higher side.
Utilities and internet services are competitively priced, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Whangarei presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and dining options, making it an attractive place for both locals and newcomers.
While some grocery items may be pricier, the overall expenses are manageable, especially with the reasonable transportation and utility costs.
Potential residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Whangarei without the financial strain often associated with larger urban areas.