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Cost of Living in Wellington, New Zealand | Expat Exchange
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Cost of Living in Wellington, New Zealand

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By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 17, 2025

Summary: The cost of living in Wellington, New Zealand is generally considered to be quite high. A nice one bedroom apartment in Wellington can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 USD per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 USD per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Wellington can range from $20 to $30 USD per person.

Is the cost of living in Wellington high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Wellington, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Wellington can vary. Generally, costs for basic necessities such as groceries and rent are close to the national average, although some areas may be more expensive than others. The city also has a strong economy that means wages tend to be higher in Wellington than in other parts of the country. Generally, the cost of living in Wellington is considered to be moderate," explained one expat.

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Will I save money living in Wellington?

"Living in Wellington can be more affordable than living in the United States. The cost of living in Wellington is generally lower than in the US, with lower prices for groceries, housing, and transportation. Additionally, the New Zealand dollar is weaker than the US dollar, meaning that your money will go further in Wellington than it would in the US," said one expat in Wellington.

What is the average cost of housing in Wellington?

If you are thinking about moving to Wellington, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The average cost of housing in Wellington is relatively high compared to other cities in the country. The median house price in Wellington is around NZ$650,000, with the average rent for a three-bedroom house being around NZ$600 per week," explained one expat.

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What are typical rental prices for expats in Wellington?

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Wellington is typically around $1,500 USD per month. A nice 2 bedroom apartment in Wellington, New Zealand is typically around $2,000 USD per month," commented one expat who moved to Wellington.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Wellington what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in Wellington typically include a refrigerator, oven, stove, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. Other appliances such as microwaves, toasters, and kettles may also be included," said one expat living in Wellington.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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