Cost of living

Be the first to know about our exciting new oppotunities in New Zealand

Average Cost of Living in New Zealand

The monthly cost of living in New Zealand, for one person in a Major City, is between NZ$4000 – NZ$5000 per month.

A family of four can expect to need NZ$6000 – NZ$7000 per month to live.

Cheapest place to rent in New Zealand

If you’re looking for cheap rent in New Zealand there are a few regions you should consider. Southland should be on your list — it’s the cheapest place to rent in NZ with a median rent of just $440 (which is $230 less than Auckland per week). Other affordable locations include Whanganui ($530), the West Coast and several towns in the less populated regions of New Zealand.

Average Rent in Aukland

Auckland is home to New Zealand’s most expensive urban property market, with a median weekly rent of $670.

Average Rent in Wellington

Wellington has experienced a rental shortage in the last several years, which has caused its median weekly rent to reach $640 in September 2023. Units and apartments are much cheaper, with median rents of just $495 and $570, respectively.

Average Rent in Christchurch

Of New Zealand’s major cities, Christchurch has the lowest median rents — just $505 for urban properties and $550 for the wider Canterbury region.

Living in New Zealand

We understand that relocating to New Zealand is a big step but once you experience the unbeatable lifestyle and healthcare career opportunities waiting for you, you’ll wish you had made the move sooner! We’ll do all we can to make the process easy and stress free, including helping with your relocation and immigration

Te Whatu Ora

Driving in New Zealand

You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver’s licence from your home country or an International Driver’s permit. You will be required to convert to a New Zealand Driver’s License within the first 12 months. You will be required to carry your drivers licences at
all times, when driving. If your Overseas Driver’s license is not in English, you would be required to have an English translation.

Tips for Driving:

  • Children require child restraint’s while in the Motor vehicle
  • Motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road
  • It is compulsory for every occupant of the vehicle to wear a seat belt
  • Vehicles must not stop on motorways unless in the case of emergency
  • If you are involved in a crash you must stop and help. If someone is injured this must be reported to the police within 24 hours
  • New Zealand speed limits are in kilometres per hour
  • The maximum speed on any open road is 100km/h
  • The maximum speed in urban areas is 50km/h