Cost of Living in New Zealand


The cost of living in New Zealand is very reasonable, although it does depend on where you live. For example, the national average house price is $328,500, but this figure is 30 percent higher in Auckland, and 20 percent lower in the South Island. Inflation remains low at around 2 percent. 

Groceries are good value, especially if you buy local and take advantage of the special offers commonly run at supermarkets and convenience stores - follow the locals by buying in bulk.

Expats from Europe and South Africa will find that car prices are relatively inexpensive compared to their home countries. Expats from the UK will find that petrol is over half the price than that of the UK.

In order to compare costs, here are the prices of some common items (quoted in NZ$): Big Mac $4.50; litre of milk $2.30; movie ticket $15; litre of petrol $2.00; dozen beers $22; new CD $35.00. A mid-size family car such as a Ford Focus costs $26,000.
 
Calculating weekly expenditures: www.emigratenz.org/cost-of-living-in-new-zealand.html

1.00 USD = 1.40 NZD

Here follows a cost guide for living in New Zealand:
Accommodation (monthly rent in good area)
Furnished 2 bedroom house NZD 1,250
Unfurnished 2 bedroom house NZD 930
Furnished 2 bedroom apartment NZD 1,170
Unfurnished 2 bedroom apartment NZD 910
Room in shared apartment NZD 490
Food and Drink
Milk NZD 2
Butter NZD 3
Cheese NZD 7
Eggs 12 NZD 5
Bread (white loaf) NZD 3
Rice NZD 2
Coca Cola NZD 2
Mineral water (still) NZD 2
Potatoes NZD 3
Tomatoes NZD 6
Apples  NZD 2
Fresh beef filet NZD 22
Lamb chops NZD 14.50
Chicken (fresh whole) NZD 9
Fresh white fish NZD 16
Beer (local, can) NZD 4
Table wine NZD 16
Cigarettes NZD 11
Household
Laundry detergent NZD 8
Dishwashing liquid NZD 3
Soap NZD 1.50
Toothpaste NZD 4
Shampoo NZD 5
Deodorant NZD 5
Aspirin NZD 8
Utilities
Telephone line (monthly rental) NZD 42
Purchase of low cost cell phone NZD 150
3 minute telephone call NZD 0.30
3 minute cellphone call NZD 2
Monthly energy costs apartment NZD 100
Eating Out, Entertainment & Health
Three-course dinner in restaurant NZD 65
Fast-food meal NZD 10
Cup of coffee in bar/cafe NZD 7
Beer in bar NZD 7
Annual gym membership NZD 500
Doctor consultation NZD 50
Public transportation
Taxi rate per km NZD 5
City centre bus fare    NZD 2
Daily car hire   NZD 40

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