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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Gisborne 2024
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Cost of Living in Gisborne

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Gisborne helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Gisborne is around NZ$400-NZ$500 per week for a one-bedroom apartment. Two-bedroom apartments can cost up to NZ$600-NZ$700 per week.
Apartment Purchases The median price for an apartment in Gisborne is around NZ$250,000. Prices can range from NZ$150,000 to NZ$400,000 depending on the size and location of the property.
Transportation Public transport in Gisborne is limited, so most people rely on their own vehicles. The cost of petrol is around NZ$2.00 per litre. A monthly bus pass costs around NZ$50.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Gisborne is similar to the rest of New Zealand. A loaf of bread costs around NZ$3.50, a litre of milk costs around NZ$2.50, and a kilogram of potatoes costs around NZ$3.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Gisborne varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around NZ$10-NZ$15, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around NZ$30-NZ$50.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Gisborne is similar to the rest of New Zealand. The average cost of electricity is around NZ$0.30 per kWh, and the average cost of water is around NZ$1.50 per m3.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Gisborne varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition can cost around NZ$2,000-NZ$3,000 per year, while elementary school tuition can cost around NZ$4,000-NZ$5,000 per year. Middle school tuition can cost around NZ$6,000-NZ$7,000 per year, and high school tuition can cost around NZ$8,000-NZ$10,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Gisborne

"The cost of living in Gisborne is considered to be relatively moderate compared to other cities in the country. Housing is more affordable than in larger cities like Auckland or Wellington, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being significantly lower. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also reasonably priced.When it comes to groceries, prices are comparable to other parts of New Zealand. Fresh produce, dairy products, and meat are readily available and reasonably priced, while imported goods may be slightly more expensive. Eating out in restaurants can vary, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant being quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can be more costly.Transportation costs in Gisborne are also moderate. Public transportation is available and affordable, and while owning a car can be more expensive due to the cost of petrol and maintenance, it's a common choice due to the convenience it offers.Overall, while the cost of living in Gisborne is not the cheapest in New Zealand, it is certainly more affordable than in the larger cities, making it an attractive option for those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle," said one expat living in Gisborne.

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

"I've been living in Gisborne for a while 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. I'd recommend looking for a flat or a shared house in the more affordable neighborhoods like Elgin, Kaiti, or Awapuni. These areas are not as fancy as the more expensive neighborhoods like Wainui or Whataupoko, but they're still safe and have decent amenities.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Shopping at cheaper supermarkets like Pak'nSave or Countdown and cooking at home most of the time will help you save money. Eating out can be quite expensive in Gisborne, so try to limit that to special occasions or look for deals and discounts at local restaurants.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Gisborne is a small city, so it's possible to walk or bike to most places. If you need a car, consider buying a used one or sharing one with a flatmate to cut down on costs. Public transportation is limited, but it's an option if you live near a bus route.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Gisborne. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, parks, and walking trails without spending a dime. The local library offers free events and resources, and there are community centers with affordable classes and activities.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on travel. New Zealand is an amazing country with so much to see, but traveling can be expensive. You might need to limit your trips to nearby destinations or look for deals on flights and accommodations.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Gisborne is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. It's a beautiful place to live, and if you're willing to adjust your lifestyle, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Gisborne.

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

"I've been living in Gisborne for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might need to cut back on eating out at fancy restaurants or going on expensive trips.In terms of housing, you should be able to find a decent place to live within your budget. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Gisborne include Elgin, Kaiti, and Awapuni. These areas have a mix of older and newer homes, and you should be able to find something within your price range. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Wainui Beach, Whataupoko, and Riverdale, as these areas tend to have higher housing costs.When it comes to transportation, you might want to consider using public transport or biking to save on fuel costs. Gisborne has a decent bus system, and the city is quite bike-friendly, with many dedicated bike lanes and paths. If you do need a car, you can find some reasonably priced used vehicles in the area.Groceries and other living expenses can be a bit pricey in New Zealand, but if you shop smart and take advantage of sales and discounts, you should be able to make it work within your budget. Some of the more affordable grocery stores in Gisborne include Pak'nSave and Countdown, which often have good deals on everyday items.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Gisborne. The city has beautiful beaches, parks, and walking trails that you can enjoy without spending a dime. There are also several community events and festivals throughout the year that are either free or have a small entry fee.Overall, living in Gisborne on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on non-essential expenses, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you should be able to live comfortably and enjoy your time in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Gisborne.

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

"I've been living in Gisborne 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. Of course, you might have to make a few sacrifices, but overall, it's a great place to live.First, let's talk about housing. There are some more expensive neighborhoods like Wainui Beach and Kaiti Hill, but I'd recommend looking for a place in more affordable areas like Elgin, Riverdale, or Awapuni. You can find a nice 2-3 bedroom house in these neighborhoods for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month, which should leave you with plenty of money for other expenses.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $200 to $300 a month for electricity, water, and gas. Internet and phone services can vary, but you should be able to find a decent plan for around $100 a month.Groceries can be a bit pricey in Gisborne, but if you shop smart and take advantage of sales, you can keep your monthly food budget around $600 to $800. There are also some great farmers' markets in the area where you can find fresh produce at reasonable prices.Transportation costs will depend on your needs, but if you have a car, you can expect to spend around $150 to $200 a month on petrol. Public transportation is limited in Gisborne, so having a car is definitely helpful. If you don't already have one, you can find a decent used car for around $5,000 to $10,000.As for entertainment and dining out, there are plenty of options in Gisborne that won't break the bank. You can find a nice meal at a restaurant for around $20 to $30 per person, and there are plenty of cafes and bars where you can grab a drink for around $5 to $10. There are also some great outdoor activities in the area, like hiking, surfing, and fishing, which are either free or relatively inexpensive.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Gisborne on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you won't have to make too many sacrifices to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Just be mindful of your spending, and you should be able to enjoy all the modern amenities you're used to," commented an expat living in Gisborne.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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