Cost of living in New Zealand compared to United States
Currency:
| Food | - 17% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in New Zealand is 17% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| New Zealand | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | NZ$21 ($13) | $19 | - 31% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | NZ$14 ($9) | $10 | - 13% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | NZ$8 ($5.12) | $5.78 | - 11% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | NZ$2.56 ($1.55) | $1.08 | + 44% | |
| 12 eggs, large | NZ$10 ($5.88) | $4.96 | + 19% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | NZ$9 ($5.33) | $4.69 | + 14% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | NZ$9 ($5.57) | $7 | - 19% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | NZ$4.99 ($3.03) | $4.68 | - 35% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | NZ$3.66 ($2.22) | $2.52 | - 12% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | NZ$5.03 ($3.05) | $3.05 | - 0% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | NZ$20 ($12) | $16 | - 22% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | NZ$3.96 ($2.40) | $2.76 | - 13% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | NZ$2.55 ($1.55) | $3.00 | - 48% | |
| Housing | - 21% | |||
| Housing in New Zealand is 21% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| New Zealand | United States | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | NZ$3,730 ($2,262) | $2,845 | - 21% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | NZ$2,979 ($1,807) | $2,149 | - 16% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | NZ$228 ($138) | $222 | - 38% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | NZ$2,541 ($1,541) | $1,889 | - 18% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | NZ$2,021 ($1,225) | $1,445 | - 15% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | NZ$142 ($86) | $150 | - 43% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | NZ$82 ($50) | $64 | - 22% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | NZ$737 ($447) | $299 | + 50% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | NZ$273 ($165) | $137 | + 21% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | NZ$14 ($9) | $14 | - 37% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | NZ$30 ($18) | $31 | - 41% | |
| Clothes | + 17% | |||
| Clothes in New Zealand is 17% more expensive than in United States | ||||
| New Zealand | United States | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | NZ$118 ($71) | $54 | + 33% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | NZ$86 ($52) | $45 | + 16% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | NZ$172 ($104) | $93 | + 12% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | NZ$213 ($129) | $119 | + 9% | |
| Transportation | - 4% | |||
| Transportation in New Zealand is about the same as in United States | ||||
| New Zealand | United States | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | NZ$37,057 ($22,470) | $27,977 | - 20% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | NZ$2.74 ($1.66) | $1.05 | + 58% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | NZ$121 ($73) | $79 | - 7% | |
| Personal Care | - 48% | |||
| Personal Care in New Zealand is 48% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| New Zealand | United States | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | NZ$15 ($9) | $8 | + 11% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | NZ$5.87 ($3.56) | $21 | - 83% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | NZ$68 ($41) | $139 | - 70% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | NZ$8 ($4.95) | $8 | - 41% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | NZ$6 ($3.90) | $4.83 | - 19% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | NZ$8 ($4.69) | $6 | - 25% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | NZ$3.41 ($2.07) | $4.78 | - 57% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | NZ$4.45 ($2.70) | $2.24 | + 21% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | NZ$39 ($24) | $27 | - 13% | |
| Entertainment | - 0% | |||
| Entertainment in New Zealand is about the same as in United States | ||||
| New Zealand | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | NZ$69 ($42) | $55 | - 23% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | NZ$38 ($23) | $28 | - 16% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | NZ$149 ($90) | $200 | - 55% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | NZ$126 ($76) | $89 | - 14% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | NZ$19 ($12) | $14 | - 13% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | NZ$5.74 ($3.48) | $5.19 | - 33% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | NZ$11 ($6) | $6 | + 3% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | NZ$1,174 ($712) | $563 | + 27% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | NZ$0.44 ($0.27) | $0.20 | + 33% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | NZ$69 ($42) | $55 | - 24% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | NZ$38 ($23) | $10 | + 133% | |
| TOTAL | - 14% | |||
These prices were last updated on June 03, 2023.
Exchange rate:
0.606
USD
/
NZD
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 22,827 prices entered by 2,904 different people.
Cost of living in New Zealand is 14% cheaper than in United States
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