New Zealand🇳🇿
At a Glance
How New Zealand compares across key indices
Cost of Living
60 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
51/100
Healthcare
68/100
Quality of Life
191/200
Climate
97/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in New Zealand
Cost of Living
60
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
24
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
65
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
58
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Wellington
Cheapest$2,251/mo
Christchurch
$2,274/mo
Auckland
$2,316/mo
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in New Zealand — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
51/100
Crime Index
49/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
72/100
Crime perceived as increasing
Walking Safety
28 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 1,975 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in New Zealand
New Zealand has 4 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $2,251 in Wellington to $2,316 in Auckland. Wellington leads on safety, scoring 67/100. Christchurch ranks highest for quality of life at 193/200.
Wellington
$2,251/mo
Wellington
67/100
Christchurch
193/200
Christchurch
70/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington | $2,251 | 67/100 | 192/200 | 64/100 | 25 |
| Christchurch | $2,274 | 55/100 | 193/200 | 70/100 | 26 |
| Auckland | $2,316 | 49/100 | 184/200 | 69/100 | 31 |
| Hamilton | — | 45/100 | — | — | — |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for New Zealand
Healthcare Index
68/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 363 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
CleanAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in New Zealand
Pollution Index
26/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 550 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in New Zealand
Average One-Way Commute
32minutes
Average
Traffic Index
137
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
193
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
5.5kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 354 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in New Zealand, answered with data
What is the cost of living in New Zealand?
New Zealand has a cost of living index of 60 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $2,251 in Wellington and reach $2,316 in Auckland.
What is the cheapest city in New Zealand for expats?
Wellington is the most affordable city in New Zealand with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $2,251 for a single person including rent. Christchurch is the next most affordable at $2,274/mo.
Is New Zealand safe for expats?
New Zealand has a safety index of 51/100, making it moderately safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Wellington scores highest on safety at 67/100.
What is the best city in New Zealand for expats and digital nomads?
Christchurch ranks highest for quality of life in New Zealand, scoring 193/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $2,274/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Wellington offers the lowest monthly costs at $2,251/mo.
How good is healthcare in New Zealand?
New Zealand scores 68/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is New Zealand cheaper than the United States?
Yes. New Zealand's cost of living is roughly 40% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 76% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in New Zealand?
New Zealand has a pollution index of 26/100 (lower = cleaner). This is relatively clean by global standards, making it appealing for those prioritising air quality and outdoor lifestyle.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for New Zealand
Plan Your Move
Escape Plan Quiz
Find your best-fit country based on budget, climate, safety, and lifestyle priorities.
Salary Calculator
See what your income is actually worth after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
90-Day Move Planner
Your personalized countdown checklist — visas, banking, housing, and logistics.
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Set Up International Banking
Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.
Get Connected
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet — sorted before you land.
Book Your First Accommodation
Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.
Find Flights
Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.
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