Wellington, New Zealand, New Zealand — cost of living
Wikipedia · Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

Trust 77
Country
New Zealand
70
Relocation
Wellington, New Zealand

About Wellington, New Zealand

Costs exclude rent
Single / month
$969
NZ$1,589.19
Family of 4 / mo
$2,439
NZ$3,998.19
Avg salary (after tax)
$4,636
NZ$7,600.66

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand , known for its stunning scenery and vibrant culture. Nestled between a beautiful harbor and rolling hills, it offers breathtaking views and plenty of outdoor activities. The city is famous for its lively arts scene, with many galleries, theaters, and live music venues. You can also enjoy delicious food at various cafes and restaurants that showcase local ingredients. Wellington is often called "Windy Wellington" because of its strong winds, but this only adds to its charm. Visitors can explore the iconic Te Papa museum, stroll along the waterfront, or take a cable car up to the Botanical Gardens for a peaceful escape. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Wellington has something for everyone!

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

Cost breakdown by category

Cost breakdown

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Fashion

  • Midrange Nike Running ShoesUSD $186.04
  • Summer Dress from Chain Stores (e.g., Zara, H&M)USD $87.79
  • Classic Jeans (e.g., Levi's 501)USD $162.26
  • Men's Dress ShoesUSD $273.53

Financial

  • Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed)USD $2.42
  • Average Monthly Salary After TaxUSD $7,601

Food - Beverages

  • CappuccinoUSD $7.42
  • Local Draft Beer (Pint)USD $14.59
  • Imported Beer (Small Bottle)USD $14.59
  • Soft Drinks (350 ml Bottle)USD $5.55
  • Bottled Water (350 ml)USD $5.21

Food - Dining

  • Casual Dining ExperienceUSD $29.19
  • Upscale Dinner for TwoUSD $145.92
  • Fast Food ComboUSD $20.44

Food - Grocery

  • Chicken Fillets (1 kg)USD $21.54
  • Beef Round (1 kg)USD $32.04
  • Apples (1 kg)USD $6.59
  • Bananas (1 kg)USD $4.87
  • Oranges (1 kg)USD $7.1
  • Tomatoes (1 kg)USD $11.15
  • Potatoes (1 kg)USD $4.46
  • Onions (1 kg)USD $3.8
  • Lettuce (1 Head)USD $5.74
  • Bottled Water (1.5L)USD $2.51
  • Midrange Bottle of WineUSD $23.34
  • Marlboro (20-Pack)USD $53.99
  • White Rice (1 kg)USD $4.87
  • Dozen EggsUSD $9.4
  • Local Cheese (1 kg)USD $21.49
  • Fresh White Bread (1 kg)USD $9.43
  • Milk (1 litre)USD $4.99

Housing

  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $5,280
  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $4,515
  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments in City CenterUSD $1,161
  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments Outside City CenterUSD $939.23
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $3,285
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $2,601

Leisure

  • Monthly Fee for Fitness Club Membership (1 Adult)USD $86.27
  • Monthly Fee for Private Kindergarten (1 Child)USD $1,688
  • Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend)USD $37.58
  • Cinema Ticket (International Release)USD $26.27
  • Yearly Cost for International Primary School (1 Child)USD $26,474

Transportation

  • 1 Hour Taxi WaitUSD $96.31
  • Average Price of a New Sedan CarUSD $45,760
  • One-Way Local Transport FareUSD $5.62
  • Average Rate to Start a Taxi RideUSD $5.46
  • Average Monthly Cost of Public Transport PassUSD $218.87
  • Average Taxi Fare for 1 kmUSD $6.82
  • Average Price of a New Compact Hatchback CarUSD $51,071

Utilities (Monthly)

  • Internet Service (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited)USD $121.78
  • Average Monthly Cost for Essential Utilities in a 915 sq. ft. ApartmentUSD $336.13

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.