Cost of Living in Porirua - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $983 (excluding rent), and $1,911 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,378 (excluding rent), and $4,123 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.42 NZ$30.31

$9.00 NZ$15.67

$30.03 NZ$52.3

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$85.3 NZ$148

$35.94 NZ$62.5

$110 NZ$191

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.40 NZ$16.36

$7.29 NZ$12.68

$13.51 NZ$23.51

Cappuccino

$3.67 NZ$6.38

$3.05 NZ$5.31

$4.27 NZ$7.44

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

$2.40 NZ$4.18

$0.92 NZ$1.60

$3.07 NZ$5.35

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.20 NZ$3.83

$1.85 NZ$3.23

$3.08 NZ$5.37

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.35 NZ$12.78

$4.89 NZ$8.51

$9.17 NZ$15.96

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.21 NZ$10.81

$5.03 NZ$8.76

$8.87 NZ$15.43

Milk (1 liter)

$1.73 NZ$3.01

$0.85 NZ$1.48

$2.89 NZ$5.03

White Bread (500g)

$2.04 NZ$3.54

$0.74 NZ$1.30

$2.69 NZ$4.68

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.88 NZ$3.27

$1.07 NZ$1.86

$1.98 NZ$3.45

Eggs

$5.99 NZ$10.42

$4.94 NZ$8.59

$8.45 NZ$14.70

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.20 NZ$14.27

$4.40 NZ$7.66

$13.46 NZ$23.43

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.30 NZ$16.18

$5.49 NZ$9.56

$12.20 NZ$21.24

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.82 NZ$22.31

$7.42 NZ$12.90

$14.82 NZ$25.79

Apples (1kg)

$2.63 NZ$4.58

$1.18 NZ$2.05

$3.51 NZ$6.10

Banana (1kg)

$1.87 NZ$3.26

$1.59 NZ$2.76

$3.54 NZ$6.16

Oranges (1kg)

$2.97 NZ$5.17

$1.76 NZ$3.07

$4.69 NZ$8.17

Tomato (1kg)

$3.42 NZ$5.96

$1.52 NZ$2.65

$7.29 NZ$12.69

Potato (1kg)

$2.17 NZ$3.77

$1.24 NZ$2.16

$2.47 NZ$4.31

Onion (1kg)

$1.75 NZ$3.04

$0.87 NZ$1.52

$2.93 NZ$5.09

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.20 NZ$3.82

$1.19 NZ$2.07

$2.97 NZ$5.16

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.29 NZ$2.25

$0.55 NZ$0.96

$2.45 NZ$4.27

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$23.08 NZ$40.16

$25.52 NZ$44.40

Wine (Bottle)

$8.79 NZ$15.30

$8.20 NZ$14.27

$14.65 NZ$25.49

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.50 NZ$4.35

$1.07 NZ$1.86

$7.30 NZ$12.70

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.70 NZ$4.70

$1.23 NZ$2.14

$4.89 NZ$8.52

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.13 NZ$3.70

$1.37 NZ$2.38

$2.43 NZ$4.22

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$63.9 NZ$111

$8.12 NZ$14.13

$63.9 NZ$111

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.83 NZ$3.18

$3.04 NZ$5.29

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.43 NZ$2.49

$2.74 NZ$4.77

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$36.34 NZ$63.2

$33.31 NZ$58.0

$72.7 NZ$126

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.68 NZ$2.92

$1.52 NZ$2.64

$1.75 NZ$3.04

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

$29.5K NZ$51.3K

$27.1K NZ$47.1K

$29.5K NZ$51.3K

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

$23.6K NZ$41.0K

$20.2K NZ$35.1K

$30.6K NZ$53.2K

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

$160 NZ$278

$104 NZ$180

$249 NZ$432

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

$33.52 NZ$58.3

$18.29 NZ$31.82

$49.99 NZ$87.0

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$51.2 NZ$89.0

$41.15 NZ$71.6

$68.6 NZ$119

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.28 NZ$73.6

$12.08 NZ$21.02

$72.5 NZ$126

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$11.92 NZ$20.74

$4.76 NZ$8.29

$15.50 NZ$26.96

Cinema Ticket

$10.45 NZ$18.18

$7.38 NZ$12.84

$13.53 NZ$23.53

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

$731 NZ$1,272

$419 NZ$728

$1,040 NZ$1,809

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.8K NZ$22.2K

$10.3K NZ$17.9K

$15.1K NZ$26.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$73.5 NZ$128

$46.08 NZ$80.2

$111 NZ$192

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$53.6 NZ$93.3

$21.38 NZ$37.21

$91.7 NZ$160

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$106 NZ$184

$67.5 NZ$117

$123 NZ$213

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$127 NZ$221

$41.89 NZ$72.9

$150 NZ$260

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$976 NZ$1,698

$727 NZ$1,264

$1,332 NZ$2,318

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$776 NZ$1,351

$417 NZ$726

$1,129 NZ$1,964

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,572 NZ$2,735

$1,205 NZ$2,096

$1,973 NZ$3,433

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,415 NZ$2,462

$1,228 NZ$2,138

$1,735 NZ$3,019

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,676 NZ$8,137

$1,275 NZ$2,219

$4,676 NZ$8,137

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,546 NZ$6,169

$1,816 NZ$3,161

$4,541 NZ$7,902

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,889 NZ$5,027

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.69

5.79

7.65

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

Last update: January 13, 2026

Porirua Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

267

Mbps

113

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

Cost of Living in Porirua - Frequently Asked Questions

Porirua offers a balance between waterfront access and more affordable living than central Wellington. The Cost of Living in Porirua tends to be more predictable for long stays, with a mix of housing styles, from modest rentals to family homes, that feel reasonable for the region. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, it suits those who want a quieter base with easy buffers to the city's core. Expect good neighborhood parks, shopping, and reliable public transport links into Wellington. Tip: plan a scouting visit to compare neighborhoods and transit times.

Daily life in Porirua is practical and straightforward. For housing, you will see a mix of rental blocks, townhouses, and family homes advertised online or through local agents, with different pockets offering different feels and access. Food options range from supermarkets and farmers markets to casual eateries and takeaway spots, making everyday meals convenient and affordable. Transport is friendly to commuters: reliable bus routes and a Wellington-bound rail line from Porirua Station, plus cycling and car options. Errands at malls, libraries, and community centers are convenient, with parks nearby for weekends. Porirua living cost varies by neighborhood, so a quick scouting of areas helps you budget. Tip: Plan a short neighborhood walk to compare amenities and transit times.

Porirua offers a mix of neighborhood vibes to match different rhythms. If you want quick access to services and the city commute, the Porirua City Centre area centers around shops, bus routes, and a lively street atmosphere. For family-friendly living, Whitby and Waitangirua provide parks and school options, often with more space. If you prefer quieter coastal views, pockets near Plimmerton or the northern beaches offer a different pace, though some commutes are longer. Budgeting tips: lock in a reasonable lease term, compare utility usage, and shop seasonally. The climate is mild, which keeps heating needs moderate, but a well-insulated place saves money. Tip: test a short neighborhood walk at different times of day.