Cost of Living in Christchurch, New Zealand

Are you considering a move to Christchurch, New Zealand, and wondering about the cost of living? Christchurch is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Christchurch and help you understand whether $2955 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $3454.24.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Christchurch, New Zealand
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

12.35 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

72.87 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

9.26 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

6.18 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

6.18 $

Cappuccino (regular)

3.33 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.21 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

1.52 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.9 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

2.02 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.75 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

5.86 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

9.19 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

8.98 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

13.6 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.8 $

Banana (1 lb)

2.24 $

Oranges (1 lb)

3.1 $

Tomato (1 lb)

4.82 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.93 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.84 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.91 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.21 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

9.26 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

3.31 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.97 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

23.47 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.64 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

48.17 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.85 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.85 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

48.17 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.67 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

24703.25 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

21151.39 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

122.13 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

47.62 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

37.29 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

11.85 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

11.12 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

656.18 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

8806.71 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

76.77 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

38.6 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

89.86 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

142.47 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1179.85 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

859.21 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1914.5 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1466.76 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

3674.61 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

2664.42 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

3454.24 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.42 %

Cost of Living in Christchurch, New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Christchurch?

The monthly expenses for living in Christchurch come to a total of approximately $2955. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1179 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $145 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $805 per month.

How affordable is living in Christchurch?

Living in Christchurch appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $3454.24. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Christchurch, you would likely need an income exceeding $3454.24.

What is the average salary in Christchurch?

In Christchurch, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $3454.24, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Christchurch?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Christchurch is approximately $1179. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $859.21 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Christchurch?

The expense for groceries in Christchurch can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $602 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in New Zealand?

The cost of living in New Zealand can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout New Zealand.

Christchurch, New Zealand

How Safe Is Christchurch, New Zealand for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Christchurch, New Zealand

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Taxi and public transport are safe, but be cautioned of your pockets in any case in crowded transport.

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The city is safe enough for travel, common sense should be observed. Avoid suburbs and walks at late night Also, you should be especially careful on the road.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The risk of pickpocketing is not high but found in tourist places. Watch your pockets and do not carry valuables with you.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Smog in the winter and earthquakes, from time to time may cause problems here. Check information in proven sources before your visit.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

There are practically no cases of armed robberies. But anyway, you should be on the alert, contact the police if an appropriate incident has occurred to you.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

In the recent history of the city, there have been cases of terrorist attacks on religious grounds. You should be especially careful in churches and mosques, stay away from street demonstrations.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Online fraud is sometimes possible, especially on charitable fundraising sites. Also, cyber attacks directed mainly against the inhabitants of the region are not uncommon.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Christchurch is generally a very safe place for female travelers. Just avoid walking alone at night and never hitchhike alone.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Some countries do need a visa to enter New Zealand. Check your status at www.doyouneedvisa.com. A valid passport is a must.

currency_exchange

Currency

The New Zealand dollar is the official currency and legal tender of New Zealand. It is signed: $ and code: NZD, also abbreviated NZ$. In the context of currency trading, it is often informally called the "Kiwi" or "Kiwi dollar".

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The best times to visit Christchurch for ideal weather are December to March. Temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a low chance of precipitation most of the year.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Christchurch has an International Airport, it's the main airport that serves Christchurch and located 12 km to the northwest of the city center. It is the second busiest airport in New Zealand after Auckland.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Christchurch, New Zealand

What about weather in Christchurch, New Zealand ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 70°F 69°F 67°F 62°F 57°F 53°F 52°F 54°F 58°F 62°F 65°F 68°F
Temp 62°F 61°F 58°F 54°F 49°F 45°F 44°F 46°F 49°F 53°F 56°F 59°F
Low 55°F 55°F 51°F 47°F 42°F 38°F 37°F 39°F 42°F 45°F 49°F 53°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 21°C 20°C 19°C 16°C 13°C 11°C 11°C 12°C 14°C 16°C 18°C 20°C
Temp 16°C 16°C 14°C 12°C 9°C 7°C 6°C 7°C 9°C 11°C 13°C 15°C
Low 12°C 12°C 10°C 8°C 5°C 3°C 2°C 3°C 5°C 7°C 9°C 11°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in New Zealand with Christchurch

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries