Cost of Living in Wellington

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Wellington

"The cost of living in Wellington can vary. Generally, costs for basic necessities such as groceries and rent are close to the national average, although some areas may be more expensive than others. The city also has a strong economy that means wages tend to be higher in Wellington than in other parts of the country. Generally, the cost of living in Wellington is considered to be moderate," said one expat living in Wellington.

"The cost of living in Wellington is generally considered to be quite high. Rent prices are particularly expensive, with the average one-bedroom apartment costing around $1,500 NZD per month. Groceries and other everyday items are also more expensive than in other parts of the country. However, the city offers a wide range of activities and attractions, making it an attractive place to live," wrote a member in Wellington.

Can I live in Wellington on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Wellington for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Oriental Bay, Thorndon, and Kelburn might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a flat in areas like Newtown, Berhampore, or even Lower Hutt. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a room in a shared flat for around $600-$800 per month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Wellington has a decent public transport system, but it can be a bit pricey. A monthly bus pass will cost you around $150, so you might want to consider walking or biking to work if it's feasible. If you need a car, be prepared for high petrol prices and potentially parking fees.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be budget-conscious. Shopping at cheaper supermarkets like Pak'nSave or Countdown can help you save on groceries. You can also find affordable produce at local farmers' markets. Eating out can be expensive in Wellington, so try to limit it to special occasions or look for deals and specials at local restaurants.Entertainment and socializing will also need to be done on a budget. Going out for drinks can add up quickly, so consider having friends over for a potluck or movie night instead. There are also plenty of free or low-cost events and activities in Wellington, like outdoor movies, festivals, and art exhibits, so keep an eye out for those.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Wellington is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being conscious of transportation costs, and finding ways to save on groceries, entertainment, and socializing, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Wellington.

Can I live in Wellington on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Wellington for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll need to make some adjustments and be smart about your spending. First, let's talk about housing. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Oriental Bay, Thorndon, and Kelburn might be out of your budget, so I'd recommend looking into more affordable areas like Newtown, Johnsonville, or Hataitai. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $1,500 to $2,000 per month.Next, you'll need to consider transportation. Wellington has a pretty good public transport system, so you can save money by using buses and trains instead of owning a car. A monthly bus pass will cost you around $150, which is much cheaper than paying for petrol, insurance, and maintenance on a car. Plus, the city is quite walkable, so you can save even more by walking or biking to work.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Eating out can be quite expensive in Wellington, so try to cook at home as much as possible. You can find affordable groceries at supermarkets like Countdown or Pak'nSave. If you do want to treat yourself to a meal out, there are plenty of cheap eats around the city, like food trucks and small cafes.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Wellington. You can visit the many parks and beaches, go for hikes in the surrounding hills, or check out the numerous free events and festivals that take place throughout the year. If you're into arts and culture, there are also plenty of affordable options, like discounted movie tickets on Tuesdays or visiting the many free museums and galleries around the city.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Wellington is possible, but you'll need to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transport, cooking at home, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Wellington.

Can I live in Wellington on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Wellington for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment expenses.Firstly, you'll want to look for housing in more affordable neighborhoods. Some of the more expensive areas in Wellington, like Oriental Bay, Thorndon, and Kelburn, might be out of your budget if you're trying to stick to $5,000 a month. Instead, consider looking for a place in suburbs like Newtown, Johnsonville, or Hataitai. These areas are still close to the city center and have good public transport connections, but the rent is generally more affordable.In terms of housing, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared house, rather than a large, modern apartment in the city center. This will help you save on rent, which can be quite high in Wellington. You can expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,000 per month for a decent two-bedroom apartment in a more affordable neighborhood.When it comes to entertainment and dining out, you might have to be a bit more selective. Wellington has a great food scene, but eating out at fancy restaurants can quickly add up. Instead, try exploring some of the more affordable eateries and cafes around the city. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Wellington, like visiting the Te Papa museum, going for walks along the waterfront, or exploring the many parks and nature reserves in the area.Transportation costs can also be kept low by using public transport or walking instead of relying on a car. Wellington has a good public transport system, and many parts of the city are easily walkable.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Wellington is definitely achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being selective with your spending, you can still enjoy a great quality of life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Wellington.