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
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. Don’t forget about additional costs such as textbooks, supplies, and other study materials, which can add another NZD 500 to NZD 1,000 per year.
Here is a breakdown of the top universities and the cost of studying in Wellington.
| QS World Ranking | Top Universities | Tuition Fees |
| 244 | Victoria University of Wellington | NZD 29,154 |
| 239 | Massey University, Wellington Campus | NZD 25,000 |
| 214 | 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. The real estate market of Wellington is a bit of a rollercoaster. Rents in the city are higher than in other New Zealand cities, largely due to its popularity and the limited supply of rental properties.
| Housing in Wellington | Cost of Living 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.
| Utilities and Internet | Cost |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | NZD 290.05 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | NZD 53.41 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | NZD 92.18 |
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Cost of Groceries and Essentials in Wellington
Eating out and grocery shopping are two significant parts of your expenses and cost of living in Wellington. When it comes to food, Wellington offers a great variety, but it can be a bit pricier than other places in New Zealand. 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.
| 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.
| 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 |
Healthcare and Other Essentials
There are various other expenses and some other essentials you should consider while calculating the cost of living in Wellington. Healthcare in New Zealand is funded by the government. There are costs associated with visiting a doctor or getting prescriptions if you don’t have a specific insurance plan.
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. Insurance and parking fees are additional costs that can add up, especially in the city centre.
| Transportation | Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | NZD 4.25 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | NZD 206.80 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | NZD 4.50 |
| 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 cost of living in Wellington is NZD 1,833.2 without rent. However, with monthly rent, the cost of living in Wellington may increase from NZD 2,000 to 5,000.
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.
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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