Planning to study abroad and wondering about the cost of living in Wellington? Well, no need to worry anymore. In this blog, we will take you through all the expenses you may need to bear while studying in Wellington.
The capital city of New Zealand – Wellington is a preferable choice for international students. It is often celebrated for its stunning harbour, vibrant culture, and relatively relaxed vibe. And, if you are considering moving to this picturesque city, you might be wondering about the cost of living in Wellington. Here’s a down-to-earth guide to what you can expect when it comes to spending bucks from your wallet in Wellington.
Table of contents
Average Cost of Living in Wellington
Wellington offers a vibrant lifestyle with a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. The cost of living in Wellington can vary depending on your lifestyle, but overall, it is more affordable compared to larger cities. Here we have given an overview of the average cost of living in Wellington.
| Amenities | Average Cost |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | NZD 2,512.53 |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | NZD 255.59 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | NZD 86.59 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | NZD 140.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | NZD 161.40 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment Outside of Centre | NZD 11,200.67 |
Cost of Studying in Wellington
Education is a major investment and an important component of the cost of living in Wellington for sure. The cost of studying may vary depending on the choice of your course, university, and duration. The tuition fees for short-term courses are on the lower side while the tuition fees for degree courses are quite high. Here is a breakdown of the top universities and the cost of studying in Wellington.
| Top Universities | Tuition Fees |
| Victoria University of Wellington | NZD 29,154 |
| Massey University, Wellington Campus | NZD 25,000 |
| University of Otago, Wellington | NZD 27,700 |
Cost of Housing in Wellington
In this guide to the cost of living in Wellington, let’s start with housing because, honestly, it is one of the biggest expenses. Rents in the city are higher than in other New Zealand cities, largely due to its popularity and the limited supply of rental properties. Below we have mentioned the cost of housing in Wellington for students.
| Housing in Wellington | Cost in Wellington |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | NZD 2,512.53 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | NZD 2,229.06 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | NZD 4,266.38 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | NZD 3,618.88 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment in City Centre | NZD 12,789.29 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment Outside of Centre | NZD 11,200.67 |
Cost of Utilities and Internet in Wellington
Utilities and internet are other important expenses you should consider while calculating the cost of living in Wellington. The utilities include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection. This amount can vary based on the size of your home, the climate where you live, and your personal usage. Look at the cost of utilities and Internet in Wellington along with its average cost.
| Utilities and Internet | Cost |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | NZD 255.59 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | NZD 54.60 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | NZD 86.59 |
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Cost of Food in Wellington
Eating out and grocery shopping are two significant parts of your expenses and cost of living in Wellington. The cost of groceries may vary depending on your eating habits and where you shop. Supermarkets like Countdown and New World are the big players, but there are also plenty of local markets where you might score some good deals. Find the cost of groceries in the table below for your help.
| Grocery | Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | NZD 3.05 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | NZD 3.34 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | NZD 3.47 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | NZD 11.49 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | NZD 13.71 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | NZD 18.55 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | NZD 22.99 |
| Apples (1kg) | NZD 5.16 |
| Banana (1kg) | NZD 4.04 |
| Oranges (1kg) | NZD 5.29 |
| Tomato (1kg) | NZD 9.45 |
| Potato (1kg) | NZD 3.70 |
| Onion (1kg) | NZD 3.22 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | NZD 4.20 |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | NZD 2.02 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | NZD 16.50 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | NZD 6.61 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | NZD 6.67 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | NZD 40.00 |
Wellington is a haven for foodies, with a wide array of cafes, restaurants, and food trucks. However, while dining out you may end up paying quite extra rather than cooking at home. The cost of Dining out in Wellington has been discussed in te table bwlow.
| Restaurants and Dining Out | Cost |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | NZD 25.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | NZD 140.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | NZD 15.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | NZD 12.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | NZD 12.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | NZD 5.69 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | NZD 4.20 |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | NZD 3.50 |
Cost of Transportation in Wellington
Transport is another major expense that should be considered while calculating the cost of living in Wellington. If you’re using public transportation, monthly passes are one of the best ways for affordable transportation. Wellington’s public transport system is quite efficient, with buses, trains, and ferries connecting different parts of the city. We have mentioned the cost of transportation in Wellington to give you an idea for the same.
| Transportation | Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | NZD 4.25 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | NZD 161.40 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | NZD 3.98 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | NZD 3.25 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | NZD 100.00 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | NZD 2.85 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | NZD 55,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | NZD 44,567.14 |
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Wellington
The average monthly cost of living in Wellington is around NZD 2,500–3,500 for a single person, including rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Lifestyle choices, like dining out or living centrally, can affect this estimate.
The cost of living in Wellington means groceries for a single person typically run between NZD 80 and NZD 120 per week, depending on shopping habits and store choice.
Hidden costs affect the cost of living in Wellington, including initial setup fees, utility connections, and furnishing costs. Budgeting for leisure activities is also wise.
To manage the cost of living in Wellington effectively, consider flat-sharing, using public transport, shopping at local markets, and enjoying free or low-cost local events.
Wellington tends to be more expensive than smaller cities like Dunedin or Hamilton, particularly in terms of housing and dining out. However, it can be comparable to or slightly more expensive than Auckland in terms of general living costs.
Utilities, including electricity, heating, water, and waste services, cost between NZD 150 and 250 per month for an average-sized apartment. Costs depend on usage, so energy-saving habits can help lower your expenses.
Public transport in Wellington is affordable and reliable. A monthly public transport pass costs around NZD 120–160. Students may receive discounts, and the city’s compact size makes walking or cycling viable options for getting around.
Wellington’s cost of living is comparable to other major cities like Auckland but higher than smaller towns. However, its public transport, walkability, and local produce markets can help offset some living expenses.
Yes, students can afford to live in Wellington with proper budgeting. Shared accommodation, student discounts on transport, and affordable dining options help students manage expenses. Applying for scholarships or part-time jobs also helps.
Rent is a major expense in Wellington. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around NZD 1,400–1,800 per month. Outside the city center, prices drop to NZD 1,000–1,300. Sharing accommodation can further reduce costs, making it a good option for students or professionals on a budget.
Hope you liked reading about the cost of living in Wellington. Embark on your study abroad journey with comfort and convenience. Reach out to Fly Homes now at 1800572118 to secure the finest student accommodation abroad.
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