It’s no secret that housing in New Zealand isn’t cheap.
Towns such as Auckland have a reputation for being expensive.
While it’s a great town to visit, it’s certainly not one you may want to live in if you’re looking for an affordable location.
The good news is that you don’t have to worry about stretching your budget or struggling to pay rent while living in some of the most affordable cities listed below.
So, if you’re considering moving to New Zealand, use this guide to help you determine the best town for you.
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11 Cheapest Places to Live in New Zealand
1. Dunedin
The first city in New Zealand that offers affordable living is Dunedin.
Dunedin is located in the southeastern region of the country and has a diverse mix of both Maori and Scottish heritage.
Dunedin is also one of the safest places to live in New Zealand.
The cost of living in Dunedin is around $1,680 per month.
Dunedin is also considered to be 39.6% cheaper than New York.
Check out the Otago Museum, Olveston Historic Home, and Dunedin Botanic Garden for entertainment.
2. Napier
Napier also ranks as one of the cheapest places to live in New Zealand.
Napier is located in the Hawkes Bay region, which is well-known for producing wine.
So, if you love wine and are looking for an affordable place to call home, Napier is perfect.
It’s also a great location for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearly 60,000 people are living in Napier.
The cost of living is around $1,370 per month.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment in Napier is around $636 per month.
Napier also offers a ton of things to do, including the National Aquarium of New Zealand, Bluff Hill Lookout, Mission Estate Winery, and Brookfields Vineyards.
3. Christchurch
Christchurch is next on the list for offering affordable living in New Zealand.
While it may not be one that many think of in terms of “cheap,” it is certainly more affordable compared to Wellington and Auckland.
So, if you’re looking for a place that offers both urban living and affordability, Christchurch is your place.
About 400,000 people are living in Christchurch, and it is known for being the second-largest city in the country.
The cost of living in Christchurch is around $1,740 per month.
Rent can range anywhere between $150 and $300 per month.
Several attractions to check out in Christchurch include Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Canterbury Museum, and Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
4. Rotorua
Rotorua is next on the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in New Zealand.
One thing about living in Rotorua is that you’ll quickly discover a strong Maori culture and identity.
Rotorua is infamous for having many mud pools and geysers.
It’s also a tourist hot spot.
The cost of living in Rotorua is $1,550 per month.
Rent can range anywhere from $524 to $1,301 per month.
Rotorua is a town that is relatively quiet during the night, but in terms of cost, it’s 40% cheaper than Wellington and Auckland.
Several attractions worth checking out in Rotorua include the Polynesian Spa, Agrodome, and Skyline Rotorua.
5. Whanganui
If you love a town where you can enjoy the great outdoors and one that offers affordable housing, Whanganui is the perfect location.
Residents who live here enjoy fishing, kayaking, and cycling.
It’s also a town that has a vibrant art scene.
The cost of living in Whanganui is $1,680 per month.
On average, residents living here pay about $260 per week in rent.
Popular destinations in Whanganui worth mentioning include Mount Taranaki, the Whanganui River, and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
6. New Plymouth
New Plymouth also made the list for offering affordable living in New Zealand.
While this city may be expensive compared to other towns in the country, it’s much cheaper in comparison to other North American and European cities.
If you consider yourself to be an artsy person and enjoy surfing, New Plymouth may be the best place for you.
The average rent paid for a furnished, 900-square-foot apartment in New Plymouth is around $1,411 per month.
There are several things to do in New Plymouth, including Pukekura Park, Puke Ariki, Brooklands Zoo, and New Plymouth Coastal Walkway.
7. Palmerston North
Palmerston North has a lot to offer, from rivers to mountains.
However, it’s also considered to be one of the cheapest places to live in New Zealand.
In addition, Palmerston North has affordable flats, hostels, and everything else you can imagine.
One person living in Palmerston North can comfortably live on $848 per month, not including rent.
Overall, it’s 42.4% cheaper than New York. Not including rent, a family of four can live comfortably on $3,066 per month.
Several attractions to check out include The Victoria Esplanade, Te Manawa Museum, and New Zealand Rugby Museum.
8. Lower Hutt
Next on the list for affordable living in New Zealand is Lower Hutt.
Lower Hutt is a part of the Wellington region.
It’s also known for being the major business center for the Hutt River valley.
Many residents who live here are employed in various industrial facilities, including glass factories, auto assembly plants, and oil installations.
The cost of living in Lower Hutt is around $1,593 per month.
The average weekly rent is about $534 per week.
There are also several things to do in Lower Hutt, including Queensgate Shopping Center, Avalon Park, Pencarrow Upper Lighthouse, and Remutaka Forest Park.
9. Nelson
Nelson is located in the eastern region of Tasman Bay.
It is known for having beautiful beaches, national parks, and plenty of sunshine.
It’s also one of the most affordable places to live in the country.
The overall cost of living in Nelson is around $1,622 per month.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom in Nelson is $835 per month, and $1,229 for a three-bedroom.
There are many things to do in Nelson that are either free of charge or extremely cheap, including Queen’s Gardens, the Center of New Zealand Monument, Tahunanui Beach, and the Suter Art Gallery.
10. Hamilton
Hamilton, located almost two hours away from Auckland, is also considered to be one of the most affordable towns in Australia.
The cost of living in Hamilton is nearly 40% lower than in Auckland.
A single person’s estimated monthly cost of living in Hamilton is around $945 per month, not including rent.
Overall, the city is 33.6% cheaper than New York’s cost of living.
Hamilton offers plenty of jobs in retail, dairy, and farming.
It’s an ideal location for those looking for some fun as well.
Some attractions to check out include Hamilton Zoo, Hamilton Gardens, and Hamilton Lake Domain.
11. Tauranga
Tauranga is often referred to as the best city to live in New Zealand.
It’s also one of the cheapest.
You can also count on making a decent living and finding great employment in the city.
You’ll find jobs in a variety of industries, including retail, factory work, and even fishing.
The best part is that these jobs are available throughout the year.
The cost of living in Tauranga is relatively cheap.
The monthly rent paid on average in the city is $1,752.
However, rent can vary depending on the area and whether you purchase the furnished rental.
Check out Mauao, Waimarino Water & Adventure Park, and Kaiate Falls for entertainment purposes.
New Zealand Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: New Zealand Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to live in New Zealand than in the United States?
Yes, it’s cheaper to live in New Zealand compared to the U.S.
The United States is 6% more expensive compared to New Zealand.
How much do I need to live comfortably in New Zealand?
Depending on where you live in New Zealand, the amount you need for expenses can vary.
Generally, you’ll need anywhere between $3,000 and $4,000 per month to live comfortably in New Zealand.
What cities in New Zealand are the most expensive to live in?
There are several cities you should avoid in New Zealand when looking for the most affordable ones.
These cities are Wellington and Auckland.
