Cost of living in New Zealand compared to United States
Currency:
| Food | - 22% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in New Zealand is 22% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| New Zealand | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | NZ$25 ($15) | $21 | - 29% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | NZ$16 ($9) | $12 | - 22% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | NZ$8 ($4.70) | $5.93 | - 21% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | NZ$2.18 ($1.31) | $1.09 | + 20% | |
| 12 eggs, large | NZ$10 ($6) | $5.62 | + 12% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | NZ$7 ($4.04) | $4.83 | - 16% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | NZ$8 ($4.90) | $8 | - 36% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | NZ$4.97 ($3.00) | $4.22 | - 29% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | NZ$3.66 ($2.21) | $2.30 | - 4% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | NZ$7 ($3.98) | $3.72 | + 7% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | NZ$20 ($12) | $18 | - 35% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | NZ$4.41 ($2.66) | $2.94 | - 10% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | NZ$2.25 ($1.36) | $3.01 | - 55% | |
| Housing | - 32% | |||
| Housing in New Zealand is 32% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| New Zealand | United States | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | NZ$3,315 ($1,999) | $3,061 | - 35% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | NZ$2,559 ($1,543) | $2,348 | - 34% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | NZ$203 ($122) | $237 | - 48% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | NZ$2,476 ($1,493) | $2,222 | - 33% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | NZ$1,943 ($1,171) | $1,628 | - 28% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | NZ$169 ($102) | $168 | - 39% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | NZ$78 ($47) | $61 | - 23% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | NZ$679 ($410) | $251 | + 63% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | NZ$194 ($117) | $150 | - 22% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | NZ$20 ($12) | $15 | - 20% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | NZ$39 ($24) | $34 | - 30% | |
| Clothes | + 12% | |||
| Clothes in New Zealand is 12% more expensive than in United States | ||||
| New Zealand | United States | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | NZ$138 ($83) | $58 | + 43% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | NZ$83 ($50) | $49 | + 2% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | NZ$205 ($124) | $106 | + 17% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | NZ$194 ($117) | $142 | - 18% | |
| Transportation | + 14% | |||
| Transportation in New Zealand is 14% more expensive than in United States | ||||
| New Zealand | United States | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | NZ$47,061 ($28,376) | $30,916 | - 8% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | NZ$2.78 ($1.67) | $0.93 | + 80% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | NZ$161 ($97) | $85 | + 14% | |
| Personal Care | - 58% | |||
| Personal Care in New Zealand is 58% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| New Zealand | United States | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | NZ$13 ($8) | $10 | - 16% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | NZ$5.00 ($3.01) | $24 | - 88% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | NZ$67 ($41) | $167 | - 76% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | NZ$7 ($4.20) | $10 | - 57% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | NZ$5.66 ($3.41) | $5.29 | - 35% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | NZ$8 ($5.04) | $7 | - 30% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | NZ$3.04 ($1.83) | $5.05 | - 64% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | NZ$3.30 ($1.99) | $2.37 | - 16% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | NZ$36 ($21) | $31 | - 31% | |
| Entertainment | - 23% | |||
| Entertainment in New Zealand is 23% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| New Zealand | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | NZ$65 ($39) | $61 | - 36% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | NZ$39 ($24) | $31 | - 23% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | NZ$251 ($151) | $234 | - 36% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | NZ$112 ($68) | $104 | - 35% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | NZ$19 ($11) | $15 | - 24% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | NZ$5.79 ($3.49) | $6 | - 42% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | NZ$13 ($8) | $8 | + 4% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | NZ$1,174 ($708) | $464 | + 53% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | NZ$0.51 ($0.31) | $0.52 | - 41% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | NZ$71 ($43) | $70 | - 40% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | NZ$39 ($23) | $11 | + 107% | |
| TOTAL | - 20% | |||
These prices were last updated on June 14, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.603
USD
/
NZD
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 16,224 prices entered by 1,832 different people.
Cost of living in New Zealand is 20% cheaper than in United States
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