How New Zealand's cost of living compares really depends on what country you are coming from and in what part of New Zealand you are staying. But in general, while some things may seem more expensive and others cheaper, overall the cost of living in New Zealand is comparable to what you’ll find in any OECD country.

One independent international survey ranked Auckland 61st in the world in terms of its cost of living, and Wellington 83rd, far better than other major cities. More expensive cities included Hong Kong (2), Singapore (4), Shanghai (6), London (12), New York (16), Guangzhou (15), Sydney (31) and Melbourne (47) - showing that comparatively, New Zealand’s major metropolitan areas are more affordable than those in other countries.

 

Typical prices in New Zealand

Bread - white sliced loaf (600g)
NZ$1.55

Milk - standard, 2 litres
NZ$3.60

Fish and chips
NZ$5.91

Apples (kg)
NZ$2.52

Pair of Nikes
NZ$150

Main meal at restaurant
from NZ$15

GP/doctor’s visit - adult
NZ$37.14

Can of coke
NZ$1.50

Sandwich
from NZ$4.00

Ticket to an international concert
from NZ$80

Cup of coffee
NZ$4.00

Big Mac
NZ$5.20

Movie ticket
NZ$12-17

Pair of jeans
NZ$80–150

Ticket to a major sporting event
from NZ$35

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