Some of the most frequently asked questions about the cost of living in New Zealand are, “Is it expensive to live in New Zealand?” and “What salary do you need to live in New Zealand?”

These are the questions we’re going to answer today by comparing New Zealand’s cost of living to that of four other nations – the UK, South Africa, the USA, and India.

Residents from these four countries often immigrate to New Zealand.

How does the comparison work?

To give you a realistic idea of how much New Zealand’s cost of living compares to the countries on our list, our comparison will look at the cost of seven everyday expenses:

1. Rent
2. Utilities
3. Groceries
4. Schooling
5. Clothing
6. Transport
7. Restaurants

We’ve pulled all the costs from Numbeo, which is the “world’s largest cost of living database”. The costs are crowdsourced, so keep in mind that costs are averages.

To keep things simple, we’ve converted all costs into New Zealand dollars. You can, however, look at the costs in each country’s local currency on its Numbeo page:

• UK
• South Africa
• USA
• India

Let’s dive into the comparison

As explained above, we’re comparing rent, utilities, groceries, clothing, transport, schooling, and restaurants today.

On average, consumer prices in New Zealand are higher than in the UK, South Africa, the USA, and India.

The biggest difference is between New Zealand and India, with New Zealand’s consumer prices being 201.50% higher than India’s.

What about purchasing power?

You can’t do a living cost comparison without also looking at purchasing power.

Purchasing power is important because, all else being equal, inflation decreases the number of goods or services you would be able to purchase. So says Investopedia, that defines purchasing power as “the value of a currency expressed in terms of the number of goods or serves that one unit of money can buy.”

In other words, purchasing power is “the financial ability to buy products and services”.

On average, the local purchasing power in New Zealand is:

• 6.15% lower than in the UK
• 6.79% higher than in South Africa
• 21.34% lower than in the USA
• 67.47% higher than in India.

Let’s see how this looks in practice. We’ll start with rent which is the biggest monthly expense for most people.

1. Rent

Rent in New Zealand is lower than in the United States while it’s higher than in the UK, South Africa, and India. In fact, on average, rent in New Zealand is 257.65% higher than in India!

Let’s break it down by looking at the rental prices of 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments both in the city and in the suburbs:

Are you keen to further explore New Zealand’s rental prices? Use realestate.co.nz and myRent search for apartments and houses in specific cities or suburbs.

2. Utilities

Whether you rent or own, you’ll have utilities to budget for. We’re specifically going to look at the costs of basic household utilities such as water and electricity and internet.

As you can see from the information above, the cost of New Zealand’s internet is on par with that of the UK, South Africa, and India. You’re thus going to spend roughly the same on your internet connection if you’re moving to New Zealand from one of these countries.

There are bigger cost variances when looking at basic household utilities. You’re going to spend much less, on average, if you’re moving to New Zealand from the UK.

However, you can expect to allocate more of your monthly budget to household utilities if you’re moving from South Africa or India.

3. Groceries

Let’s start by looking at the average cost of a basket of groceries in New Zealand in comparison to the other countries:

As you can see, the cost of a basket of groceries won’t differ much if you’re moving from the USA. But you’ll spend more at the tills if you’re moving from the UK, South Africa, or India.

Now let’s look at the prices of the individual items we put in our basket:

4. Schooling

Most children in New Zealand get some form of early childhood education, and early learning facilities may charge fees.

The New Zealand Government subsidises all children who attend early learning services for up to six hours a day, up until children go to school or turn six. Children aged 3, 4 and 5 years old, who are enrolled in an early learning service, can receive a higher funding subsidy called 20 Hours ECE.

As you can see from our graph, New Zealand’s pre-school costs are more affordable than that of the UK and the USA.

South African parents will have to fork out more than they’re used to on pre-school once in New Zealand. The same goes for parents moving to New Zealand from India.

When it comes to primary schools, the picture looks the same as for preschools. Keep in mind, however, that we’re looking at international schools. Your child’s education is free between the ages of five and 19 at state schools if you’re a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

5. Clothing

Filling up your closet costs relatively the same in New Zealand, the UK, South Africa, and the USA.

When compared to India, the price of a summer dress is relatively similar. The average cost of the rest of the items on our list is going to be less affordable in New Zealand.

6. Transport

You can see from the table below that getting around in New Zealand, whether by public transport or car, is going to cost you more or less the same as in the UK and South Africa.

You will, however, spend more on public transport if you’re moving from the USA or India.

7. Restaurants

New Zealand has a vibrant food and wine scene, and is home to roughly 700 wineries that produce high-quality wines.

You’ll find when eating out that you’re spending relatively the same as in your home country if you’re from Australia, the UK or the USA.

South Africans and Indians won’t though, and they’ll spend more of their monthly budget on dining than they’re used to.

Also keep your salary in mind when considering the cost of living in New Zealand

Knowing how much you’ll earn is a big part of deciding whether or not you can afford New Zealand’s cost of living.

Someone who earns NZD10,000 a month can obviously live more comfortably than someone earning NZD4,000 a month.

To get an idea of how much you can earn, got to PayScale. You’ll get averages for a wide range of industries. News media website Stuff recently reported that wage rises are setting new records as employers compete for workers in 2022.

Our final recommendation is to speak to a recruiter working in your industry. Recruiters can give you accurate salary expectations based on your skills and experience.

New Zealand is regularly voted one of the best countries in the world to live.

Parents choose New Zealand because of the high quality of education and the lifestyle the country offers their family. Not to mention the fact that New Zealand is one of the world’s safest and most peaceful countries.

But how do you choose where in New Zealand to settle your family? It’s almost impossible to single out a specific place! It really comes down to what your family is looking for.

Big city lights

New Zealand’s three largest cities also happens to be three of the most popular cities with migrant families settling in the country.

Auckland

Auckland, on the North Island, is New Zealand’s most populous city. Auckland is also New Zealand’s economic hub, and it’s known as a diverse and cosmopolitan city.

When it comes to things to see and do, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Auckland is home to many museums and historic sites and regularly hosts festivals and sporting events. Auckland is also within travelling distance of magnificent natural attractions such as Rotorua Island, Muriwai beach, and Waitakere Rages Regional Park.

Auckland isn’t short on exceptional schools either. Six of the eight top schools in the latest Crimson-QS New Zealand school rankings are in Auckland!

These schools are a mix of girls’, boys’ and co-ed schools:

• St Cuthbert’s College: A private day and boarding schools for girls.
• Macleans College: Co-education state secondary school.
• ACG Parnell College: Independent co-educational school.
• Auckland International College: Independent co-educational secondary school.
• Auckland Grammar School: State secondary school for boys.
• Diocesan School for Girls: Private girls’ school.

It should come as no surprise that Auckland is also home to New Zealand’s top university. The University of Auckland is ranked as the number one university in the country year after year.

Wellington

You can’t go wrong with Wellington. In the past it has been voted the ‘Coolest Little Capital in the World’. The city is also regularly voted as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

When exploring Wellington, you can visit several of New Zealand’s largest and oldest cultural institutions, quench your thirst at one of its many bars, cafes and restaurants, and indulge in the arts and cultural events.

With six of New Zealand’s eight best schools in Auckland, there are only two spots left – and both schools are in Wellington:

• Scots College: Independent Presbyterian day and boarding school for boys and girls.
• Queen Margaret College: Independent girls’ school.

Just like Auckland, Wellington can also boast one of the best universities in New Zealand. The Victoria University of Wellington continuously performs well in world university rankings as well.

Christchurch

There is much to see and do in New Zealand’s oldest city. You can admire street art, marvel at state-of-the-art architecture, dine at world-class restaurants, and take in the creative scene.

Some of the highlights of Christchurch are:

• The Avon River that flows through the city.
• The Botanic Gardens.
• Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

When it comes to education, Christchurch is home to two of New Zealand’s top universities. The first one is the University of Canterbury, which is one of New Zealand’s oldest universities. The second institution is Lincoln University. This University prides itself on giving students ‘personalised attention’, which is made possible by keeping classes small.

Living life at a slower pace

Living in big cities isn’t for everyone. Some of us prefer smaller cities and cities with a more relaxed pace of life.

Queenstown

Known as the ‘adventure capital of New Zealand’, Queenstown sits on the edges of Lake Wakatipu on the South Island.

Queenstown’s lakeside location offers residents the chance to indulge in numerous activities ranging from jet boating to fly fishing. The surrounding mountains are perfect for walkers and hikers as well as photographers eager to capture the area’s beautiful landscapes.

Despite all of the adventure activities on offer, Queenstown is described as quaint and relaxed. The city also hosts many cultural events throughout the year, and it has numerous fine-dining restaurants and cafes.

Whanganui

Whanganui is home to approximately 43,000 people, and sits at the mouth of the at the mouth of the Whanganui River.

The city offers plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. You can visit history museums and art galleries, treat your kids to a day at Kōwhai Park, or take a leisurely cycle or walk in one of the area’s nature reserves.

Living in Whanganui also means you’re only an hour’s flight from Auckland. It’ll be easy for family and friends to visit!

Gisborne

Here’s something you may not know – Gisborne is the first place in the world to see the sunrise each day.

Rise with the sun and you’ll get to make the most of the city’s beautiful coastline, forested mountain parks, and surfing and fishing opportunities. Many people do! It’s common to see Gisborne locals surf or cycle before work.

You may also want to indulge in the magnificent food and wine the city has to offer. Gisborne is especially known for its chardonnay.

You want to be close to all of the best sights and sounds New Zealand has to offer

If you want to experience as much of New Zealand as possible, Hamilton and Rotorua should be at the top of your list.

Hamilton

Hamilton is set on the banks of the Waikato River and only 90 minutes from Auckland. However, the cost of living in Hamilton is much more affordable than in Auckland.

Living in Hamilton means you’re never too far from somewhere to go or something to see. You’ll find New Zealand’s surfing capital Raglan, the Hobbiton movie set, and the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves within driving distance of Hamilton.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a tourist hotspot and an all-year-round destination thanks to its mild climate. It’s never too hold or too cold. Another reason for Rotorua’s popularity is its central location on the North Island. You’ll get to Auckland, Napier, the Coromandel Peninsula, Mt Maunganui, and Mt Ruapehu in just under three hours.

The icing on the cake? Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most affordable cities to live in.

Want to find out if you and your family are eligible to live in New Zealand?

Finding out if you can call New Zealand ‘home’ is as easy as booking a consultation call with us. Our licensed immigration agent will assess your eligibility and discuss your visa options with you.

Struggling to decide where to settle in New Zealand?

While there are many factors to consider, none is going to affect your life quite as much cost of living.

In other words – can you afford to live in a particular area? To get to the answer, you have to look at the cost of rent, groceries and most certainly schooling if you’re a parent.

We’ve done the legwork for you by comparing the cost of living in New Zealand’s three biggest cities – Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Please note: All costs are in New Zealand dollars.

1. Rent

Many of us spend a considerable chunk of our salary on rent each month, so let’s start there, shall we?

1-Bedroom apartment in the city centre

Let’s say you’re a single person or a couple, and you love the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll see that a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is most affordable Christchurch.

3-Bedroom apartment in the suburbs

You’re immigrating as a family, and you want a 3-bedroom apartment in the suburbs.

Auckland comes out tops again, with the average rental price at NZ$2,461.32 a month – nearly NZ$900 less than in Auckland, which comes in second place.

3. Groceries

When comparing the cost of a basket with 12 everyday items, you’ll spend NZ$90.48 in Auckland, NZ$89.31 in Wellington, and NZ$83.75 in Christchurch.

4. School fees

Your child’s education is free at state schools if they’re a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident.

Let’s say, however, that you choose to send your child to a private institution. Christchurch offers the most affordable primary schooling by far! The difference in daycare costs are much less, but Christchurch is still the most affordable.

5. Getting around

To go about your daily business in New Zealand, you can either take public transport or buy a car.

Taking public transport

Christchurch is the clear winner when it comes to the cost of public transport. Your one-way ticket is going to be NZ$2.80 while a monthly pass will cost you NZ$115.22.

Buying a car

You’ll notice that there aren’t massive variances between new car prices across the three cities. The same is true for the cost of a litre of petrol, but we all know those cents add up quickly when filling up a car.

6. Going out for a meal

Enjoying a meal with friends is a favourite pastime for many of us. You get to unwind, catch up on each other’s lives, and have a good laugh or two.

Lunch at your local restaurant

Christchurch is cheapest for local, laid-back restaurants and a simple meal. Your meal and two drinks are only going to set you back NZ$32.52. The same meal will only cost marginally more in Wellington at NZ$33.85.

Dinner at an upmarket restaurant

Let’s imagine it’s your birthday. You want a three-course meal with a good bottle of wine. Your birthday dinner is going to cost the least in Christchurch.

7. Your 1morning coffee run

Grabbing a coffee on the way to work is such an integral part of our lives, and Auckland is the most affordable city for a cappuccino and that bottle of water you grab to go with it.

In conclusion

When compared to Auckland and Wellington, Christchurch is the most affordable city in just about every instance.

In the end, though, it’s not only cost of living that’ll determine where you settle but also your lifestyle and priorities, so be sure to take those factors into consideration too.

Please note: Costs are from Numbeo (May 2022).