Palmerston North, New Zealand, New Zealand — cost of living
Wikipedia · Palmerston North

Palmerston North, New Zealand

Trust 77
Country
New Zealand
71
Relocation
Palmerston North, New Zealand

About Palmerston North, New Zealand

Costs exclude rent
Single / month
$779
NZ$1,277.13
Family of 4 / mo
$1,960
NZ$3,213.08
Avg salary (after tax)
$3,839
NZ$6,292.67

Palmerston North is a vibrant city located in the heart of New Zealand 's North Island. Known for its friendly atmosphere, this city is a great place for students, families, and outdoor lovers. Palmerston North is home to several parks and gardens, making it easy to enjoy nature right in the city. One of its most famous spots is the Victoria Esplanade, where you can stroll along beautiful pathways and see stunning flower displays. The city also has a rich cultural scene, with museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase local talent. Additionally, Palmerston North is a hub for education, hosting the renowned Massey University. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or learning opportunities, Palmerston North offers something for everyone!

Data aggregated from public cost-of-living sources. See About for methodology.· Wikipedia · Palmerston North· Updated May 22, 2026

Cost breakdown by category

Cost breakdown

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Fashion

  • Midrange Nike Running ShoesUSD $235.56
  • Summer Dress from Chain Stores (e.g., Zara, H&M)USD $94.84
  • Classic Jeans (e.g., Levi's 501)USD $144.86
  • Men's Dress ShoesUSD $235.9

Financial

  • Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed)USD $1.82
  • Average Monthly Salary After TaxUSD $6,293

Food - Beverages

  • CappuccinoUSD $7.03
  • Local Draft Beer (Pint)USD $8.76
  • Imported Beer (Small Bottle)USD $11.68
  • Soft Drinks (350 ml Bottle)USD $5.46
  • Bottled Water (350 ml)USD $3.41

Food - Dining

  • Casual Dining ExperienceUSD $26.27
  • Upscale Dinner for TwoUSD $116.73
  • Fast Food ComboUSD $21.89

Food - Grocery

  • Chicken Fillets (1 kg)USD $18.45
  • Beef Round (1 kg)USD $31.58
  • Apples (1 kg)USD $5.22
  • Bananas (1 kg)USD $4.61
  • Oranges (1 kg)USD $5.12
  • Tomatoes (1 kg)USD $6.03
  • Potatoes (1 kg)USD $5.22
  • Onions (1 kg)USD $4.46
  • Lettuce (1 Head)USD $5.9
  • Bottled Water (1.5L)USD $2.07
  • Midrange Bottle of WineUSD $26.27
  • Marlboro (20-Pack)USD $48.16
  • White Rice (1 kg)USD $5.93
  • Dozen EggsUSD $10.51
  • Local Cheese (1 kg)USD $19.42
  • Fresh White Bread (1 kg)USD $10.85
  • Milk (1 litre)USD $4.36

Housing

  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $2,276
  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $1,839
  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments in City CenterUSD $488.03
  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments Outside City CenterUSD $537.73
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $1,404
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $1,338

Leisure

  • Monthly Fee for Fitness Club Membership (1 Adult)USD $86.82
  • Monthly Fee for Private Kindergarten (1 Child)USD $1,824
  • Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend)USD $38.92
  • Cinema Ticket (International Release)USD $26.27
  • Yearly Cost for International Primary School (1 Child)USD $12,979

Transportation

  • 1 Hour Taxi WaitUSD $43.78
  • Average Price of a New Sedan CarUSD $52,044
  • One-Way Local Transport FareUSD $4.38
  • Average Rate to Start a Taxi RideUSD $5.83
  • Average Monthly Cost of Public Transport PassUSD $51.06
  • Average Taxi Fare for 1 kmUSD $7.51
  • Average Price of a New Compact Hatchback CarUSD $41,586

Utilities (Monthly)

  • Internet Service (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited)USD $127.17
  • Average Monthly Cost for Essential Utilities in a 915 sq. ft. ApartmentUSD $256.66

Costs reflect a typical lifestyle in each place, excluding rent unless stated. Numbers are a starting point — always cross-check before big decisions.

  • Single / Family of 4 toggle. Family ≈ 2.7× single when no verified figure exists.
  • Estimated values use a ~ prefix and an "Estimated" label.
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How we calculate these numbers

When local data is missing (e.g. salary for a smaller city), we estimate from peer cities in the same country using a median ratio.

Full methodology, assumptions, and formulas live on our About page.