Wellington, New Zealand
Cost of living · 2022 · Oceania
Rent trend in Wellington (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Wellington (2022)
Estimated monthly budget in Wellington
Based on 2022 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in New Zealand (2022)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Wellington |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington | NZD 1,936 | NZD 519 | NZD 189 | NZD 172 | — |
| Auckland | NZD 2,288 | NZD 546 | NZD 198 | NZD 185 | +18.2% |
| Christchurch | NZD 1,628 | NZD 497 | NZD 154 | NZD 163 | -15.9% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Wellington in 2022?
In 2022, a single person living in Wellington needs approximately NZD 2,950/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around NZD 5,620/month. Wellington is considered a mid-range city by global standards.
How much is rent in Wellington in 2022?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Wellington costs approximately NZD 1,936/month in 2022. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around NZD 3,520/month.
How much do groceries cost in Wellington?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Wellington are approximately NZD 519 in 2022. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.
What does public transport cost in Wellington?
A monthly public transport pass in Wellington costs NZD 189 in 2022, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Wellington?
Monthly utility costs in Wellington average NZD 172 in 2022, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.
Is Wellington expensive to live in?
Wellington is located in New Zealand (Oceania). With a 1-bed rent of NZD 1,936/month and total single-person expenses around NZD 2,950/month, it is mid-range by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Wellington?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Wellington costs approximately NZD 17 in 2022. Budget around NZD 134/month if dining out a few times a week.
How have living costs in Wellington changed over time?
LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Wellington from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 21% over this period (from NZD 1,936 in 2022 to NZD 2,343 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.
What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Wellington?
To live comfortably in Wellington in 2022, a single person needs approximately NZD 2,950/month. This covers rent (NZD 1,936), groceries (NZD 519), transport (NZD 189), utilities (NZD 172) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around NZD 5,620/month.