| Category | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city centre | NZ$1,200 – NZ$1,500 per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre | NZ$1,000 – NZ$1,300 per month | |
| Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city centre | NZ$4,500 – NZ$6,000 per square meter |
| Price per square meter outside city centre | NZ$3,000 – NZ$4,500 per square meter | |
| Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | NZ$3.30 |
| Monthly local transport pass | NZ$110 – NZ$130 | |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | NZ$2.10 – NZ$2.30 | |
| Taxi (1 km) | NZ$2.50 – NZ$3.00 | |
| Groceries | Milk (1 litre) | NZ$1.80 – NZ$2.50 |
| Bread (500g) | NZ$1.50 – NZ$3.00 | |
| Rice (1 kg) | NZ$2.50 – NZ$4.00 | |
| Chicken breasts (1 kg) | NZ$10.00 – NZ$15.00 | |
| Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | NZ$15.00 – NZ$25.00 |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | NZ$70.00 – NZ$100.00 | |
| Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald’s) | NZ$10.00 – NZ$12.00 | |
| Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment | NZ$150.00 – NZ$250.00 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | NZ$70.00 – NZ$100.00 per month | |
| Mobile phone (prepaid, no contract) | NZ$0.20 – NZ$0.50 per minute | |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool (or kindergarten) | NZ$8,000 – NZ$12,000 per year |
| Elementary school | NZ$10,000 – NZ$18,000 per year | |
| Middle school | NZ$12,000 – NZ$20,000 per year | |
| High school | NZ$15,000 – NZ$25,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Hamilton
“The cost of living in Hamilton is considered moderate compared to other major cities in the country. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while a similar apartment outside the city center is even less expensive. When it comes to utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, the monthly cost is also reasonable. Internet connection is generally affordable as well. Groceries in Hamilton are priced moderately, with the cost of food items such as bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables being quite reasonable. Eating out at restaurants can vary, with inexpensive restaurants being quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can be more expensive. Public transportation in Hamilton is also reasonably priced, with monthly passes available for regular commuters. Owning a car can be more costly, with gasoline prices being quite high. Healthcare in Hamilton is generally good value, especially for residents as the government funds a large portion of the cost. However, private health insurance can be quite expensive. Overall, while the cost of living in Hamilton, New Zealand is not the cheapest, it is quite reasonable and affordable compared to other major cities in the country,” said one expat living in Hamilton.
Can I live in Hamilton on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Hamilton for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a place to live that’s affordable. I’d recommend looking for a flat or a shared house in neighborhoods like Nawton, Melville, or Bader. These areas are more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Flagstaff, Rototuna, or Huntington.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. If you can, try to find a place close to your work or use public transportation, which is relatively cheap in Hamilton. Owning a car can be expensive, especially when you factor in petrol, insurance, and maintenance costs.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you’ll need to be budget-conscious. Shopping at cheaper supermarkets like Pak’nSave or Countdown can help you save on groceries. Eating out can be expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible. If you do eat out, look for cheaper options like food courts or takeaway places.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up quickly. Instead of going to the movies or out for drinks, consider free or low-cost activities like going for walks, visiting parks, or attending community events. The Hamilton Gardens, for example, are free to visit and offer beautiful scenery.Lastly, be prepared to cut back on non-essential expenses like shopping for clothes, gadgets, or other luxury items. You’ll need to prioritize your spending and focus on the essentials to make your budget work.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Hamilton is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of transportation costs, cooking at home, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Hamilton.
Can I live in Hamilton on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Hamilton, for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might need to live in a smaller apartment or share a house with roommates to save on rent. When it comes to choosing a neighborhood, I’d recommend looking at areas like Hillcrest, Hamilton East, or Dinsdale. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You’ll find supermarkets, parks, and other amenities nearby, and they’re not too far from the city center. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Flagstaff or Rototuna, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.Another thing to consider is transportation. If you’re used to having a car, you might need to rely more on public transport or cycling to save on expenses. Hamilton has a decent bus system, and the city is quite bike-friendly, so it’s not too difficult to get around without a car. However, if you do need a car, you might want to look into buying a used one to save on costs.Eating out and entertainment can also add up quickly, so you might need to cut back on those expenses. Cooking at home more often and looking for free or low-cost events and activities around the city can help you stay within your budget.Overall, it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in Hamilton on $3,000 a month, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to make it work,” said one expat living in Hamilton.
Can I live in Hamilton on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Hamilton for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to afford a large, luxurious house in the most expensive neighborhoods, but you can still find a nice, comfortable place to live in more affordable areas.In terms of neighborhoods, I’d recommend looking into areas like Hillcrest, Silverdale, or Dinsdale. These neighborhoods are more affordable, but still offer a good quality of life and access to modern amenities. You can find a decent-sized house or apartment for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month, which should leave you with plenty of money for other expenses.On the other hand, I’d avoid neighborhoods like Flagstaff, Rototuna, or Harrowfield, as these tend to be more expensive and might not fit within your budget. These areas have larger, more luxurious homes, but the cost of living is significantly higher.In terms of other expenses, groceries and utilities are relatively affordable in Hamilton, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble staying within your budget. However, you might have to cut back on dining out or entertainment expenses if you want to make sure you’re not overspending.Overall, I think it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in Hamilton on $5,000 a month, as long as you’re willing to make a few sacrifices and choose a more affordable neighborhood. It’s a great city with a lot to offer, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy living here,” commented an expat living in Hamilton.
