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Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and is renowned for its crystal-clear seas, pure air, magnificent landscapes, incredible Lord of the Rings filming settings, and high standard of living. However, the cost of living in Wellington will differ from what you are used to in your home nation.
The monthly average cost of living in Wellington is NZD 1,863 without rent. Furthermore, it depends on where you choose to live, and your pay affects how much it costs to live in Wellington. If you wish to know more about living in Wellington then read this blog.
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Average Cost of Living in Wellington
In general, it may be said that Wellington has a high cost of living. Factoring in rent, the average monthly cost of living in Wellington for a single individual is between NZD 4179 and NZD 4397. It ranges from NZD 10,379 to NZD 10,959 a month for a household of four.
Since their expenses are higher, particularly moving expenses, expats should aim for a larger pay range. Your aircraft ticket will be pricey when you go to Wellington because it is remote from everywhere else in the world. Let’s discuss various aspects of the cost of living in Wellington, from housing costs to daily essentials. Here are some categories that contribute to the living expenses in Wellington, across various categories:
Also Read: Cost of Living in Sydney: A Comprehensive Guide on Sydney’s Expense
Cost of Food in Wellington
In Wellington, eating out is not that expensive, and the cost of food will not affect the cost of living there. In a mid-range restaurant, a two-person supper may run you around NZD 25. The cost of one imported beer at a restaurant ranges from NZD 11. In contrast, the cost of a whole set meal at McDonald’s in Wellington is around NZD 15, which is equivalent to the cost of a McDonald’s meal in the US. In the table below, we have demonstrated the average restaurant costs you can pay in the country:
| Restaurant | Approx Costs |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | NZD 25 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant | NZD 140 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | NZD 15 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | NZD 5.59 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5-litre draught) | NZD 12.00 |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | NZD 3.73 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | NZD 4.11 |
| Imported Beer (0.33-litre bottle) | NZD 11.00 |
Cost of Utilities in Wellington
In Wellington, utilities are not particularly expensive. Some services, including water and trash collection, are covered by “rates,” the local levies that apply to property owners. The cost of basic utilities in Wellington is NZD 301, which is relatively lower than the cost of living in Wellington, depending on the size of your apartment and the providers you select for each commodity. In the table below, Utility costs in Wellington are provided for your convenience:
| Type of Utility | Approx cost |
| Basic ( Water, Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | NZD 301.77 |
| Monthly Mobile Phone Plan with Calls and 10GB+ internet Data | NZD 57.06 |
| Internet (60+ Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | NZD 96.31 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Seoul: A Comprehensive Guide on Seoul’s Expense
Cost of Grocery in Wellington
On average, the total cost of grocery a person’s cost in Wellington might be around NZD 190 considering each grocery item at a single unit measurement. The average cost of groceries in Wellington includes the cost of bread, milk, water, vegetables, fruit, and other eatable items. These costs are often lower than the overall cost of living in Wellington. The table below lists the average cost of groceries in Wellington:
| Grocery Item | Approx Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | NZD 3.25 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | NZD 3.49 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | NZD 3.55 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | NZD 11.59 |
| Apples (1kg) | NZD 5.29 |
| Banana (1kg) | NZD 4.18 |
| Oranges (1kg) | NZD 5.38 |
| Tomato (1kg) | NZD 9.49 |
| Potato (1kg) | NZD 3.96 |
| Onion (1kg) | NZD 3.4 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | NZD 4.23 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | NZD 1.95 |
| Meat, Drinks, Cheese and Other items | NZD 130 |
Cost of Transportation in Wellington
The cost of a one-way ticket for local transport in Wellington is around NZD 2.50. The overall cost of living in Wellington includes transportation costs, which are outlined in the table below:
| Transportation | Aprox cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | NZD 4.50 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | NZD 3.75 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | NZD 200 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | NZD 2.88 |
Cost of Sports and Leisure
Sports is an important part of everyone’s life and physical well-being and hence it’s important to know the cost of sports activities in Wellington. Given below are the expenses for Sports and Leisure equipment and facilities in Wellington:
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | NZD 20.00 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | NZD 30.81 |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | NZD 66.87 |
Cost of Housing Rent in Wellington
Finding housing is necessary for international students studying in Wellington. The accommodations for students include, private tenancy or university management, equipped or not and Self-catered or catered. The average cost of rent in Wellington is around NZD 2,534.
The average cost of rent in Wellington depends on several factors, such as location, size of the apartment, lifestyle a person selects, etc., and it can affect the cost of living in Wellington, too. If you are an international student and your university does not offer housing, you can also find details about private rents on the university websites.
| Apartment Size and Location | Approx Cost |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | NZD 2,316 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | NZD 3,713 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | NZD 2,534 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | NZD 4,293 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Durham: A Comprehensive Guide
Average Tuition Fees in Wellington
Figuring out the average tuition fees in the universities of Wellington can be overwhelming, considering the cost of living there. However, we have gathered the necessary information for you. The average tuition fees at the University of Wellington can be around NZD 22,000 and NZD 50,000 a year. The table below gives an idea about the costs of various programs at the Universities of Wellington.
| Study Program | Approx Tuition fees per year |
| Undergraduate | NZD 20,500 – NZD 25,000 |
| Master | NZD 19,000 – NZD 29,000 |
| MBA | NZD 31,000 – NZD 50,000 |
| Doctoral | NZD 6,500 – NZD 9,000 |
Things to Know Before Moving to Wellington
While Wellington is a very compelling destination for international students and job seekers, one needs to be aware of the city well in advance before moving there. So, here are some of the significant things you need to know before you move to Napier:
Amazing Restaurants and cafes
Wellington is abundant with fine wineries, outstanding restaurants, pubs, and cafes. Visit these fantastic places and have an amazing experience in Wellington.
World-Class Education
Graduates from the universities of Wellington are said to hold credentials that are of the top calibre and are recognised all over the world. The government conducts frequent audits of New Zealand universities to guarantee high-quality instruction.
Art Deco Festival
The Art Deco Festival in New Zealand is the largest event of its kind and takes place every February. It is a time machine that can transport you back in time. If you purchase a ticket to the Great Gatsby Party, you can enjoy vintage automobiles, aircraft, trains, and clothing and party like it’s the Roaring Twenties. The Winter Deco Festival also offers glittering soirées, drinks, and jazz in July. Visitors from all around can dress up and join the fun.
Warm During Summers
Wellington is a beautiful place to visit, even during summer when the temperature seldom goes above 25 degrees Celsius. Although New Zealand’s North Island is generally warmer than the South due to its higher latitude, it still does not get extremely hot.
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Wellington
Ans: The average cost of living in Wellington for a single person is around NZD 1,863, and the rent in Wellington is around NZD 2500 in the city centre.
Ans: One-bedroom apartments in Wellington typically cost NZD 2,550 per month to rent, while three-bedroom apartments can range around NZD 4300 per month. Rent here is a significant part of the cost of living in Wellington.
Ans: The average salary in Wellington, New Zealand, is around NZD 79,140 per year, and NZD 38 is the hourly wage rate in Wellington, which is enough for living a leisurely life in Wellington because the cost of living in Wellington for a person is NZD 4,363 per month including rent.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Wellington. Many students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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