| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | Rental prices in Taupo can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the property. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost around NZD 1,200 per month, while the same outside the city center may cost around NZD 900. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost around NZD 2,000 per month, while the same outside the city center may cost around NZD 1,500. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price of apartments in Taupo can also vary greatly. On average, the price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is around NZD 5,000, while the same outside the city center is around NZD 3,500. |
| Transportation | Public transportation in Taupo is relatively affordable. A one-way ticket on local transport may cost around NZD 3.50. Monthly passes can range from NZD 100 to NZD 150. If you prefer to drive, the average gasoline price is around NZD 2.20 per liter. Taxi start (normal tariff) is around NZD 3.50, with NZD 2.50 for each additional km. |
| Groceries | The cost of groceries in Taupo is reasonable. For example, a liter of milk may cost around NZD 2.20, a loaf of fresh white bread around NZD 2.50, a dozen eggs around NZD 4.50, and a kilogram of local cheese around NZD 10. Fruits and vegetables are also reasonably priced, with a kilogram of apples or bananas costing around NZD 3, and a kilogram of tomatoes or potatoes costing around NZD 4. |
| Restaurants | Eating out in Taupo can vary in price depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant may cost around NZD 20, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant may cost around NZD 80. A regular cappuccino may cost around NZD 4.50. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, may cost around NZD 200 per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) may cost around NZD 80 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school. On average, annual tuition for preschool may cost around NZD 10,000, for elementary school around NZD 15,000, for middle school around NZD 20,000, and for high school around NZD 25,000. Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary greatly depending on the specific school and the specific needs of the student. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Taupo
“The cost of living in Taupo is considered moderate. Housing is relatively affordable compared to larger cities like Auckland or Wellington. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may be less expensive than in other parts of the country. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also considered reasonable.Groceries in Taupo can be slightly more expensive than in other parts of New Zealand, with prices for items such as bread, milk, and eggs being slightly higher. Eating out in restaurants can vary, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant being quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can be more costly.Transportation costs in Taupo are relatively low, with affordable public transportation and lower-than-average fuel costs. Health care is generally affordable, with a good standard of public healthcare available.Overall, while some aspects of living in Taupo can be more expensive, such as groceries, many other costs such as housing and transportation are lower, making it a moderately affordable place to live,” said one expat living in Taupo.
Can I live in Taupo on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Taupo for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it would require some sacrifices. The cost of living here is relatively high compared to other parts of the country. For instance, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $800 to $1,000 per month. If you’re willing to live a bit further out, in areas like Acacia Bay or Wharewaka, you could find something cheaper, maybe around $600 to $700. But remember, living further out means you’ll need to factor in transportation costs. Groceries can also be quite expensive. On average, you might spend around $300 to $400 a month. You can save some money by shopping at local markets or discount stores like Pak’nSave. Eating out is also pricey, so you might have to limit that to special occasions. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around $150 per month. Internet is around $60 to $80 per month. So, if you add all these up, you’re already looking at around $1,200 to $1,300, leaving very little for other expenses like entertainment, personal care, and unexpected costs. If you’re used to modern amenities, you might have to cut back on some of them. For example, you might have to opt for a smaller, less modern apartment, limit your use of heating or air conditioning, or cut back on cable TV or high-speed internet. As for neighborhoods, I would recommend looking at areas like Hilltop or Richmond Heights. They’re a bit more affordable but still nice areas. I would avoid areas like Nukuhau or Waipahihi, as they tend to be more expensive. In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive with petrol, insurance, and maintenance costs. Public transportation is available, but it’s not as extensive or reliable as in larger cities. You might want to consider biking or walking if possible. In conclusion, living in Taupo on $1,500 a month is doable, but it would require careful budgeting and some sacrifices. You would need to live a bit more modestly and be mindful of your spending. But despite the high cost of living, Taupo is a beautiful place with a lot to offer, so it might be worth it for you,” commented an expat living in Taupo.
Can I live in Taupo on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Taupo for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is relatively high compared to some other places, but it’s not impossible to manage. Firstly, housing is going to be your biggest expense. The more affordable neighborhoods are Acacia Bay and Richmond Heights. You can find a decent two-bedroom house or apartment in these areas for around $1,200 to $1,500 a month. On the other hand, areas like Nukuhau and Hilltop are more expensive, with rents often exceeding $2,000 a month for similar properties, so you might want to avoid those if you’re on a tight budget.Groceries are another significant expense. Expect to spend around $400 to $500 a month if you’re eating at home most of the time. Eating out can be quite pricey, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $20 to $30 per person. So, you might have to limit dining out to once or twice a week.Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, will cost you around $200 a month. Internet and mobile phone plans are relatively affordable, at around $70 to $100 a month.Transportation costs can vary depending on your lifestyle. If you own a car, you’ll need to budget for petrol, which is quite expensive here, as well as maintenance and insurance. Alternatively, you can use public transportation, which is cheaper but less convenient. Healthcare is another factor to consider. New Zealand has a public healthcare system, but there can be long wait times for non-emergency procedures. Many expats choose to get private health insurance, which can cost around $100 a month.Lastly, you’ll want to set aside some money for entertainment and leisure activities. Taupo is a beautiful place with lots to see and do, from hiking and fishing to visiting local wineries and art galleries. In conclusion, while $3,000 a month is not a lavish budget, it’s certainly enough to live comfortably in Taupo if you’re mindful of your spending. You might have to make some sacrifices, like eating out less often and choosing a more affordable neighborhood, but in return, you get to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world,” said one expat living in Taupo.
Can I live in Taupo on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Taupo for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but it does require some careful budgeting. The cost of living here is relatively high compared to other parts of New Zealand, but it’s still lower than in major cities like Auckland or Wellington. The biggest expense you’ll have is housing. If you’re looking for a place to live, I’d recommend looking in the suburbs like Hilltop or Nukuhau. These areas are a bit more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent two-bedroom house for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month. On the other hand, I’d avoid neighborhoods like Acacia Bay or Wharewaka, as these are some of the most expensive areas in Taupo.Next, you’ll need to consider your utility bills. Electricity, water, and internet can add up to around $300 a month. Then there’s food. If you cook at home most of the time, you can expect to spend around $600 a month on groceries. Eating out can be quite expensive here, so I’d recommend limiting that if you’re trying to stick to your budget.Transportation is another cost to consider. If you have a car, petrol is quite expensive here. However, Taupo is a small town and it’s quite walkable, so you could save money by walking or biking most of the time. If you do need a car, budget around $150 a month for petrol.Lastly, there’s entertainment. There’s plenty to do in Taupo that’s free or low-cost, like hiking, swimming in the lake, or visiting the local parks. However, if you want to do things like go to the movies, eat out, or visit the hot springs, you’ll need to budget for that. I’d say you could expect to spend around $200 a month on entertainment.All in all, if you’re careful with your spending, you can live comfortably in Taupo on $5,000 a month. You might not be able to splurge on luxury items or expensive outings, but you’ll still be able to enjoy a good quality of life,” commented an expat living in Taupo.
