Cost of Living in Wanaka - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $780 (excluding rent), and $1,886 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,188 (excluding rent), and $3,989 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.93 NZ$20.76

$8.94 NZ$15.56

$16.70 NZ$29.06

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$59.1 NZ$103

$177 NZ$309

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.22 NZ$16.05

$8.61 NZ$14.98

$12.30 NZ$21.41

Cappuccino

$3.25 NZ$5.65

$1.97 NZ$3.42

$7.30 NZ$12.71

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

$1.78 NZ$3.09

$1.22 NZ$2.12

$3.04 NZ$5.28

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.94 NZ$3.38

$1.49 NZ$2.59

$2.38 NZ$4.14

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.43 NZ$12.94

$6.19 NZ$10.77

$8.67 NZ$15.08

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.90 NZ$10.26

$5.31 NZ$9.24

$8.84 NZ$15.38

Milk (1 liter)

$2.09 NZ$3.64

$1.48 NZ$2.58

$2.95 NZ$5.14

White Bread (500g)

$1.99 NZ$3.47

$1.24 NZ$2.16

$2.97 NZ$5.17

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.88 NZ$3.28

$1.19 NZ$2.08

$2.20 NZ$3.82

Eggs

$5.53 NZ$9.62

$2.34 NZ$4.07

$7.09 NZ$12.34

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.40 NZ$14.62

$6.74 NZ$11.73

$11.03 NZ$19.20

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.77 NZ$18.74

$6.66 NZ$11.59

$13.33 NZ$23.20

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.13 NZ$22.85

$11.47 NZ$19.96

$16.91 NZ$29.42

Apples (1kg)

$2.90 NZ$5.04

$1.55 NZ$2.70

$3.60 NZ$6.27

Banana (1kg)

$2.19 NZ$3.82

$1.95 NZ$3.39

$2.37 NZ$4.13

Oranges (1kg)

$3.44 NZ$5.99

$2.47 NZ$4.30

$4.02 NZ$6.99

Tomato (1kg)

$4.43 NZ$7.71

$2.72 NZ$4.72

$8.27 NZ$14.39

Potato (1kg)

$1.97 NZ$3.43

$1.22 NZ$2.13

$4.26 NZ$7.42

Onion (1kg)

$2.01 NZ$3.50

$1.13 NZ$1.96

$2.38 NZ$4.15

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.49 NZ$4.33

$1.50 NZ$2.60

$3.29 NZ$5.72

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.10 NZ$1.92

$0.61 NZ$1.06

$2.44 NZ$4.24

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$23.91 NZ$41.60

$23.61 NZ$41.09

$26.83 NZ$46.69

Wine (Bottle)

$9.31 NZ$16.20

$7.56 NZ$13.15

$12.21 NZ$21.25

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.48 NZ$4.32

$1.56 NZ$2.72

$3.54 NZ$6.16

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.69 NZ$6.43

$1.33 NZ$2.31

$7.33 NZ$12.75

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.17 NZ$3.77

$1.40 NZ$2.43

$2.47 NZ$4.30

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$63.0 NZ$110

$8.00 NZ$13.92

$63.0 NZ$110

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.69 NZ$4.69

$1.80 NZ$3.13

$2.99 NZ$5.20

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.10 NZ$1.91

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.92 NZ$52.1

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.70 NZ$2.97

$1.64 NZ$2.86

$1.83 NZ$3.18

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

$19.9K NZ$34.6K

$15.7K NZ$27.3K

$29.0K NZ$50.4K

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

$26.0K NZ$45.2K

$18.3K NZ$31.9K

$33.6K NZ$58.5K

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

$101 NZ$175

$67.7 NZ$118

$179 NZ$312

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

$36.48 NZ$63.5

$18.43 NZ$32.07

$39.93 NZ$69.5

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$54.4 NZ$94.7

$47.42 NZ$82.5

$59.3 NZ$103

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.32 NZ$73.6

$16.92 NZ$29.45

$49.88 NZ$86.8

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$12.25 NZ$21.31

$4.90 NZ$8.52

$15.92 NZ$27.71

Cinema Ticket

$9.90 NZ$17.23

$8.66 NZ$15.07

$15.46 NZ$26.90

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

$577 NZ$1,004

$535 NZ$931

$619 NZ$1,076

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.2K NZ$21.2K

$10.3K NZ$18.0K

$15.2K NZ$26.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$66.6 NZ$116

$48.45 NZ$84.3

$90.9 NZ$158

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$35.21 NZ$61.3

$24.15 NZ$42.01

$48.29 NZ$84.0

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$71.4 NZ$124

$119 NZ$207

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$79.8 NZ$139

$73.7 NZ$128

$154 NZ$267

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,027 NZ$1,787

$355 NZ$618

$1,540 NZ$2,680

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$838 NZ$1,458

$266 NZ$463

$1,183 NZ$2,058

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,007 NZ$3,492

$1,946 NZ$3,386

$2,068 NZ$3,598

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,758 NZ$3,060

$1,698 NZ$2,954

$1,819 NZ$3,165

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,907 NZ$8,538

$1,338 NZ$2,328

$4,907 NZ$8,538

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,296 NZ$5,735

$1,689 NZ$2,938

$4,222 NZ$7,346

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,668 NZ$8,122

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: January 13, 2026

Wanaka Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

169

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

159

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 Wanaka - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Wanaka, New Zealand reflects a market shaped by tourism and seasonal demand, with housing and services often priced to match peak periods. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, the value comes from the outdoors, a compact town center, and walkable routes to lakefront scenery. Yet rents and day-to-day costs can be higher than in many regional towns, especially during winter and summer peaks. You can stretch a budget by choosing longer leases, sharing housing, cooking at home, and using free outdoor activities when possible. Tip: plan ahead for seasonal shifts and negotiate longer-term arrangements to maximize value.

Housing search typically rewards patience; central Wanaka offers walkable access to shops and lake views, but rents can be higher near town. Look at long-term rentals or share houses to balance costs; Albert Town and rural outskirts offer quieter, often more affordable options if you’re willing to commute. For food, you’ll find well-stocked supermarkets, local producers, and seasonal markets, with dining out being a premium during peak seasons. Transport is practical with a car or bike; expect limited public transit. Co-working spaces can be convenient for remote work. Wanaka, New Zealand living cost rises in peak season, so plan accordingly. Tip: set a monthly meal and transport plan to avoid surprises.

Quality of life here centers on outdoor access, safety, and community, with budgeting framed around seasons rather than static averages. Use a simple framework: cover essentials (rent, utilities, food) first, then discretionary spends (activities, dining, transport). During winter and summer peaks, costs rise, so build a flexible plan with buffer months. Save by choosing energy-efficient housing, cooking at home, and taking advantage of free outdoor activities around the lake and trails. For neighborhood fit, prioritize proximity to town for errands or lake views for leisure; consider quieter outskirts if you value space. Tip: sign up for local newsletters to catch off-peak deals.