Cost of Living in Porirua - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $983 (excluding rent), and $1,889 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,486 (excluding rent), and $4,039 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.6 NZ$29.04

$9.1 NZ$15.01

$30.35 NZ$50.1

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$83.7 NZ$138

$35.29 NZ$58.2

$108 NZ$178

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.71 NZ$16.02

$7.53 NZ$12.42

$13.96 NZ$23.02

Cappuccino

$3.53 NZ$5.82

$2.93 NZ$4.84

$4.11 NZ$6.78

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

$2.4 NZ$3.96

$0.92 NZ$1.51

$3.07 NZ$5.07

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.1 NZ$3.46

$1.77 NZ$2.91

$2.94 NZ$4.85

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.39 NZ$12.19

$4.92 NZ$8.12

$9.23 NZ$15.22

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.19 NZ$10.21

$5.02 NZ$8.27

$8.84 NZ$14.58

Milk (1 liter)

$1.68 NZ$2.77

$0.83 NZ$1.36

$2.81 NZ$4.63

White Bread (500g)

$2.01 NZ$3.31

$0.74 NZ$1.21

$2.66 NZ$4.38

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.85 NZ$3.05

$1.05 NZ$1.74

$1.95 NZ$3.21

Eggs

$6.29 NZ$10.37

$5.18 NZ$8.55

$8.88 NZ$14.64

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.01 NZ$13.2

$4.3 NZ$7.09

$13.15 NZ$21.69

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.45 NZ$15.58

$5.58 NZ$9.21

$12.4 NZ$20.45

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.2 NZ$21.78

$7.63 NZ$12.59

$15.26 NZ$25.17

Apples (1kg)

$2.72 NZ$4.49

$1.22 NZ$2.01

$3.63 NZ$5.99

Banana (1kg)

$1.89 NZ$3.12

$1.61 NZ$2.65

$3.58 NZ$5.91

Oranges (1kg)

$2.99 NZ$4.94

$1.78 NZ$2.93

$4.73 NZ$7.8

Tomato (1kg)

$3.37 NZ$5.56

$1.5 NZ$2.47

$7.18 NZ$11.84

Potato (1kg)

$2.07 NZ$3.42

$1.19 NZ$1.96

$2.37 NZ$3.9

Onion (1kg)

$1.78 NZ$2.94

$0.89 NZ$1.47

$2.98 NZ$4.92

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.2 NZ$3.63

$1.19 NZ$1.97

$2.97 NZ$4.9

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.3 NZ$2.15

$0.55 NZ$0.91

$2.47 NZ$4.08

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$22.64 NZ$37.34

$25.03 NZ$41.29

Wine (Bottle)

$8.98 NZ$14.82

$6.59 NZ$10.87

$11.98 NZ$19.77

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.49 NZ$4.11

$1.07 NZ$1.76

$7.28 NZ$12

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.69 NZ$4.44

$1.23 NZ$2.02

$4.88 NZ$8.05

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.15 NZ$3.54

$1.38 NZ$2.28

$2.45 NZ$4.04

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$64.5 NZ$106

$8.19 NZ$13.51

$64.5 NZ$106

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.83 NZ$3.02

$3.05 NZ$5.03

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.44 NZ$2.37

$2.76 NZ$4.54

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$36.84 NZ$60.8

$33.76 NZ$55.7

$73.7 NZ$122

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.72 NZ$2.84

$1.56 NZ$2.57

$1.79 NZ$2.95

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

$29.6K NZ$48.9K

$27.2K NZ$44.9K

$29.6K NZ$48.9K

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

$22.9K NZ$37.7K

$19.6K NZ$32.3K

$29.7K NZ$49K

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

$156 NZ$258

$101 NZ$167

$243 NZ$401

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

$33.37 NZ$55

$18.2 NZ$30.02

$49.76 NZ$82.1

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$51.4 NZ$84.8

$41.35 NZ$68.2

$68.9 NZ$114

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$41.89 NZ$69.1

$11.97 NZ$19.74

$71.8 NZ$118

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$10.96 NZ$18.07

$4.38 NZ$7.22

$14.25 NZ$23.5

Cinema Ticket

$10.18 NZ$16.8

$7.19 NZ$11.86

$13.18 NZ$21.75

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

$737 NZ$1,216

$422 NZ$696

$1,048 NZ$1,729

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.8K NZ$21.2K

$10.3K NZ$17K

$15.2K NZ$25.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$72.8 NZ$120

$45.68 NZ$75.3

$110 NZ$181

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$53.6 NZ$88.5

$21.4 NZ$35.3

$91.7 NZ$151

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$102 NZ$169

$65.5 NZ$108

$119 NZ$196

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$128 NZ$211

$42.24 NZ$69.7

$151 NZ$249

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$880 NZ$1,452

$656 NZ$1,081

$1,202 NZ$1,982

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$882 NZ$1,455

$474 NZ$782

$1,283 NZ$2,116

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,403 NZ$2,314

$1,075 NZ$1,773

$1,761 NZ$2,904

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,414 NZ$2,332

$1,228 NZ$2,025

$1,734 NZ$2,860

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,168 NZ$6,874

$2,126 NZ$3,507

$4,168 NZ$6,874

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,294 NZ$5,432

$2,267 NZ$3,739

$3,401 NZ$5,609

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,968 NZ$4,895

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.

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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.