Cost of Living in Cromwell - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $903 (excluding rent), and $1,805 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,430 (excluding rent), and $3,808 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$12.3 NZ$21.48

$9.22 NZ$16.1

$15.37 NZ$26.84

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$72 NZ$126

$60 NZ$105

$180 NZ$314

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.89 NZ$19.02

$9.07 NZ$15.85

$12.11 NZ$21.14

Cappuccino

$3.4 NZ$5.93

$2.39 NZ$4.18

$7.19 NZ$12.56

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.21 NZ$3.87

$1.49 NZ$2.61

$2.97 NZ$5.19

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.01 NZ$3.5

$1.47 NZ$2.57

$2.35 NZ$4.1

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.3 NZ$12.75

$6.38 NZ$11.15

$7.91 NZ$13.81

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.99 NZ$10.46

$5.4 NZ$9.42

$8.98 NZ$15.69

Milk (1 liter)

$2.12 NZ$3.7

$1.5 NZ$2.62

$2.99 NZ$5.22

White Bread (500g)

$1.95 NZ$3.41

$1.22 NZ$2.13

$2.91 NZ$5.08

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.84 NZ$3.21

$1.17 NZ$2.04

$2.15 NZ$3.75

Eggs

$5.56 NZ$9.71

$2.36 NZ$4.12

$7.14 NZ$12.47

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.15 NZ$14.22

$6.54 NZ$11.42

$10.7 NZ$18.68

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.89 NZ$19.01

$6.73 NZ$11.76

$13.48 NZ$23.53

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.95 NZ$22.62

$11.31 NZ$19.75

$16.68 NZ$29.12

Apples (1kg)

$2.99 NZ$5.22

$1.6 NZ$2.8

$3.72 NZ$6.49

Banana (1kg)

$2.35 NZ$4.11

$2.04 NZ$3.55

$2.48 NZ$4.33

Oranges (1kg)

$3.32 NZ$5.8

$2.38 NZ$4.16

$3.87 NZ$6.76

Tomato (1kg)

$4.55 NZ$7.95

$2.79 NZ$4.87

$8.5 NZ$14.85

Potato (1kg)

$1.91 NZ$3.33

$1.18 NZ$2.07

$4.13 NZ$7.2

Onion (1kg)

$2.05 NZ$3.58

$1.15 NZ$2.01

$2.44 NZ$4.26

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.48 NZ$4.34

$1.49 NZ$2.61

$3.28 NZ$5.73

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.1 NZ$1.92

$0.61 NZ$1.06

$2.43 NZ$4.25

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$23.82 NZ$41.59

$23.52 NZ$41.07

$26.73 NZ$46.67

Wine (Bottle)

$8.8 NZ$15.36

$7.38 NZ$12.89

$9.65 NZ$16.84

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.51 NZ$4.38

$1.58 NZ$2.76

$3.58 NZ$6.25

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.62 NZ$6.32

$1.3 NZ$2.27

$7.18 NZ$12.53

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.08 NZ$3.64

$1.34 NZ$2.34

$2.38 NZ$4.15

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$64.3 NZ$112

$8.16 NZ$14.26

$64.3 NZ$112

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.7 NZ$4.71

$1.8 NZ$3.15

$3 NZ$5.23

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.13 NZ$1.98

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.58 NZ$51.7

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.64 NZ$2.87

$1.58 NZ$2.76

$1.66 NZ$2.9

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$20K NZ$34.9K

$15.7K NZ$27.5K

$24.2K NZ$42.3K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.1K NZ$45.5K

$18.4K NZ$32.2K

$33.8K NZ$58.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$103 NZ$179

$69 NZ$121

$183 NZ$319

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$35.76 NZ$62.4

$18.07 NZ$31.55

$39.14 NZ$68.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$55.5 NZ$96.8

$48.31 NZ$84.4

$60.4 NZ$105

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.45 NZ$63.6

$16.72 NZ$29.2

$49.29 NZ$86.1

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$12.24 NZ$21.38

$4.89 NZ$8.54

$15.92 NZ$27.79

Cinema Ticket

$8.88 NZ$15.5

$8.29 NZ$14.48

$11.85 NZ$20.68

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

$585 NZ$1,021

$543 NZ$948

$857 NZ$1,496

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$13.4K NZ$23.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$66.4 NZ$116

$48.25 NZ$84.3

$90.5 NZ$158

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.91 NZ$61

$23.94 NZ$41.81

$47.89 NZ$83.6

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$94.8 NZ$166

$72.2 NZ$126

$120 NZ$210

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$123 NZ$215

$73.1 NZ$128

$152 NZ$266

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$962 NZ$1,679

$716 NZ$1,250

$1,313 NZ$2,292

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$795 NZ$1,389

$427 NZ$746

$1,156 NZ$2,019

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,600 NZ$2,794

$1,226 NZ$2,142

$2,008 NZ$3,507

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,405 NZ$2,453

$1,344 NZ$2,347

$1,466 NZ$2,560

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,532 NZ$7,914

$2,266 NZ$3,957

$4,532 NZ$7,914

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,286 NZ$5,738

$2,066 NZ$3,607

$4,341 NZ$7,580

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,976 NZ$5,197

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.6

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 23, 2025

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Cost of Living in Cromwell - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with New Zealand’s major centers, Cromwell offers a more approachable cost of living and a slower pace that suits longer stays. Housing tends to be more attainable, with rental options near the town center or in nearby orchards and vineyards. Food and dining lean on local producers, with seasonal groceries and casual eateries that keep daily costs predictable. Transportation is practical rather than flashy, and many residents rely on a car or bike for short trips. Overall, Cost of Living in Cromwell, New Zealand feels approachable for a short retreat or an extended stay if you value outdoorsy life and a small-town vibe. Tip: Test a few neighborhoods during different seasons to see where you feel most at home.

Housing searches favor a mix of compact townhouses, cottages, and rural rentals within a short drive to central Cromwell. Grocery options range from farmers markets to supermarkets, with seasonal produce and local specialties shaping weekly meals. For getting around, a car is common, while bike lanes and walkable streets support short errands and cafe hops. Co-working spaces exist near the town center, and many cafes offer dependable wifi for remote work. Understanding Cromwell, New Zealand living cost helps you budget across rent, utilities, and food as you plan errands and weekend outdoor excursions. Tip: Build a flexible weekly plan that blends work time with outdoor activities to make the most of the region.

Cromwell offers a compact, outdoor-friendly life with nearby trails, lake views, and easy access to vineyards. A practical budgeting frame covers rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, and occasional dining out, with room for seasonal activities like farmers markets and local events. Seasonality influences heating and cooling needs, so plan for layering and efficient comfort. Neighborhoods range from quiet riverside streets to the town center’s café clusters, so sample different corners before committing. For longer stays, create a simple monthly framework: fixed costs, flexible spending, and a small buffer for trips to nearby Wanaka or Dunedin. Tip: Focus on neighborhoods with quick access to greenspaces and reliable wifi to balance work and play.