Is it expensive to live in New Zealand?


Is it expensive to live in New Zealand? The average cost of living in New Zealand for a single person per month, not including rent, is USD$815-$1,000. For a family of four, it's USD$2,950-$3,600 per month. The rental costs will depend on which city you decide to move to, and whether you live in the city center or a bit further out.


Are there any downsides to living in New Zealand?

One of the main disadvantages of living in New Zealand is that it's expensive to get there and away. International flights in and out of New Zealand are long and costly, meaning most people only take an international trip once every couple of years.


Is New Zealand food expensive?

New Zealand shoppers face some of the most expensive groceries in the OECD. In July 2021, a commerce commission investigation into New Zealand's supermarket duopoly found the grocers were making huge profits and charging some of the highest prices in the OECD.