Oceania Updated
Average Cost of Living in Wellington
The average cost of living in Wellington, New Zealand is $1,840 per month for a single person, and $3,557 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,291 per month. The local average net salary is $3,202 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 41.8 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,840 / month
- Family of 4
- $3,557 / mo
- Student
- $1,092 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Wellington
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$3,202.05 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Wellington | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Wellington | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Wellington | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Wellington | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Wellington | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Wellington | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Wellington | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Wellington | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Wellington | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Wellington | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Wellington FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Wellington. |
Rent & Property Prices in Wellington
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,291 | $1,164 – $1,551 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,239 | $955 – $1,468 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,270 | $1,909 – $2,625 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,841 | $1,748 – $2,088 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $6,949 | $5,370 – $8,533 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $3,987 | $3,416 – $7,757 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,291$1,164 – $1,551
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,239$955 – $1,468
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,270$1,909 – $2,625
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,841$1,748 – $2,088
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $6,949$5,370 – $8,533
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $3,987$3,416 – $7,757
Grocery Prices in Wellington
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $2.09 | $1.70 – $2.98 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $2.36 | $1.49 – $2.98 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.90 | $1.01 – $2.39 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $7.62 | $5.01 – $10 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $9.05 | $6.56 – $12 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $10 | $7.16 – $15 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $16 | $11 – $21 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $3.37 | $2.26 – $3.88 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $2.37 | $2.09 – $2.98 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $3.21 | $2.09 – $4.48 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $6.04 | $2.38 – $8.95 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.19 | $1.49 – $2.98 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.23 | $0.89 – $2.39 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.19 | $1.49 – $2.98 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $1.29 | $0.60 – $2.69 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $11 | $9.54 – $15 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $3.49 | $2.03 – $6.33 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.11 | $1.79 – $3.88 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $27 | $24 – $31 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $2.09$1.70 – $2.98
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $2.36$1.49 – $2.98
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.90$1.01 – $2.39
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $7.62$5.01 – $10
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $9.05$6.56 – $12
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $10$7.16 – $15
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $16$11 – $21
- Apples (1 kg) $3.37$2.26 – $3.88
- Bananas (1 kg) $2.37$2.09 – $2.98
- Oranges (1 kg) $3.21$2.09 – $4.48
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $6.04$2.38 – $8.95
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.19$1.49 – $2.98
- Onions (1 kg) $1.23$0.89 – $2.39
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.19$1.49 – $2.98
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $1.29$0.60 – $2.69
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $11$9.54 – $15
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $3.49$2.03 – $6.33
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.11$1.79 – $3.88
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $27$24 – $31
Public Transport & Car Costs in Wellington
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.98 | $2.39 – $3.58 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $108 | $76 – $143 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $2.27 | $1.97 – $2.98 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.91 | $1.61 – $2.09 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $36 | $36 – $60 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.80 | $1.52 – $2.14 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $26,846 | $26,846 – $32,222 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $26,719 | $26,719 – $26,846 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $2.98$2.39 – $3.58
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $108$76 – $143
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $2.27$1.97 – $2.98
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.91$1.61 – $2.09
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $36$36 – $60
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.80$1.52 – $2.14
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $26,846$26,846 – $32,222
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $26,719$26,719 – $26,846
Utility & Internet Costs in Wellington
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $200 | $119 – $338 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $32 | $18 – $48 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $55 | $48 – $66 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $200$119 – $338
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $32$18 – $48
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $55$48 – $66
Childcare & Preschool in Wellington
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $1,106 | $983 – $1,270 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $14,040 | $12,668 – $16,708 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $1,106$983 – $1,270
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $14,040$12,668 – $16,708
Clothing Prices in Wellington
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $79 | $47 – $107 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $30 | $18 – $54 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $106 | $65 – $149 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $156 | $88 – $209 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $79$47 – $107
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $30$18 – $54
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $106$65 – $149
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $156$88 – $209
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Wellington
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $45 | $19 – $72 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $17 | $12 – $23 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $13 | $9.55 – $15 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $45$19 – $72
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $17$12 – $23
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $13$9.55 – $15
Restaurant Prices in Wellington
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $15 | $12 – $18 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $72 | $57 – $90 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $10 | $9.55 – $15 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $7.46 | $4.18 – $8.95 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $7.16 | $4.77 – $7.76 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $3.63 | $2.98 – $4.48 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.56 | $2.39 – $3.16 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.95 | $1.19 – $2.98 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $15$12 – $18
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $72$57 – $90
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $10$9.55 – $15
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $7.46$4.18 – $8.95
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $7.16$4.77 – $7.76
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $3.63$2.98 – $4.48
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.56$2.39 – $3.16
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $1.95$1.19 – $2.98
Salaries & Mortgages in Wellington
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $3,202 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 5.57% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $3,202
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 5.57%
Compare Wellington with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
New Zealand
Auckland
Monthly / 1 person
$1,853
vs NYC
42.1/100
New Zealand
Christchurch
Monthly / 1 person
$1,673
vs NYC
38/100
Australia
Brisbane
Monthly / 1 person
$1,956
vs NYC
44.5/100
Australia
Melbourne
Monthly / 1 person
$2,040
vs NYC
46.4/100
Australia
Adelaide
Monthly / 1 person
$2,048
vs NYC
46.5/100
Australia
Gold-Coast
Monthly / 1 person
$2,060
vs NYC
46.8/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Wellington?
- An estimated $1,840 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Wellington. A family of four needs around $3,557 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,092.
- How much money do I need to live in Wellington?
- Plan for at least $1,840 per month as a single person, $3,557 per month for a family of four, or $1,092 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Wellington.
- What is the average rent in Wellington?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Wellington rents for around $1,291 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,270 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Wellington?
- The average monthly net salary in Wellington is around $3,202. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 40% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Wellington?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Wellington costs around $15. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $87 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($2.09/L) and bread ($2.36/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Wellington?
- A monthly public transport pass in Wellington costs around $108. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Wellington?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Wellington costs around $55 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.