Cost of Living in Whanganui - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $805 (excluding rent), and $1,707 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,066 (excluding rent), and $3,763 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.98 NZ$26.11

$8.99 NZ$15.66

$29.97 NZ$52.2

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$73.6 NZ$128

$42.94 NZ$74.8

$184 NZ$321

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.93 NZ$15.56

$8.83 NZ$15.39

$14.72 NZ$25.66

Cappuccino

$3.34 NZ$5.82

$2.42 NZ$4.22

$4.24 NZ$7.4

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

$2.28 NZ$3.98

$1.76 NZ$3.06

$2.92 NZ$5.09

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.73 NZ$3.01

$1.22 NZ$2.13

$3.04 NZ$5.3

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.91 NZ$8.55

$3.71 NZ$6.46

$9.26 NZ$16.13

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.26 NZ$9.16

$4.69 NZ$8.18

$8.8 NZ$15.34

Milk (1 liter)

$1.68 NZ$2.93

$0.83 NZ$1.44

$2.82 NZ$4.91

White Bread (500g)

$1.65 NZ$2.87

$0.74 NZ$1.29

$2.79 NZ$4.86

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.93 NZ$3.36

$0.95 NZ$1.65

$2.97 NZ$5.18

Eggs

$5.65 NZ$9.84

$5.33 NZ$9.29

$7.03 NZ$12.25

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.36 NZ$12.82

$6.08 NZ$10.59

$13.39 NZ$23.34

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.1 NZ$15.85

$5.37 NZ$9.37

$11.94 NZ$20.8

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.44 NZ$21.68

$7.59 NZ$13.22

$37.01 NZ$64.5

Apples (1kg)

$2.36 NZ$4.12

$0.59 NZ$1.02

$4.13 NZ$7.19

Banana (1kg)

$1.87 NZ$3.26

$1.59 NZ$2.77

$2.44 NZ$4.25

Oranges (1kg)

$2.56 NZ$4.46

$1.73 NZ$3.01

$5.57 NZ$9.7

Tomato (1kg)

$3.44 NZ$6

$1.53 NZ$2.66

$5.5 NZ$9.58

Potato (1kg)

$2.05 NZ$3.57

$1.18 NZ$2.05

$7.03 NZ$12.26

Onion (1kg)

$2.22 NZ$3.87

$0.91 NZ$1.58

$4.86 NZ$8.47

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.13 NZ$3.72

$1.24 NZ$2.15

$3.39 NZ$5.91

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.56 NZ$0.98

$0.37 NZ$0.65

$2.51 NZ$4.37

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$20.22 NZ$35.25

$17.98 NZ$31.33

$41.95 NZ$73.1

Wine (Bottle)

$10.73 NZ$18.71

$8.26 NZ$14.4

$13.77 NZ$23.99

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.41 NZ$4.2

$1.18 NZ$2.05

$7.1 NZ$12.38

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.7 NZ$4.71

$1.53 NZ$2.67

$7.35 NZ$12.81

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.08 NZ$3.63

$1.34 NZ$2.34

$2.38 NZ$4.15

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$63.4 NZ$110

$8.05 NZ$14.04

$63.4 NZ$110

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.77 NZ$4.83

$1.85 NZ$3.22

$3.08 NZ$5.36

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.77 NZ$3.09

$1.42 NZ$2.48

$2.72 NZ$4.75

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$35.01 NZ$61

$29.92 NZ$52.2

$35.91 NZ$62.6

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.7 NZ$2.97

$1.59 NZ$2.77

$1.83 NZ$3.19

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

$27K NZ$47.1K

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

$23.6K NZ$41.1K

$22.7K NZ$39.5K

$24.5K NZ$42.7K

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

$121 NZ$211

$88.6 NZ$154

$339 NZ$590

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

$37.21 NZ$64.9

$21 NZ$36.6

$48.01 NZ$83.7

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$47.76 NZ$83.2

$41.92 NZ$73.1

$59.9 NZ$104

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.53 NZ$63.7

$16.76 NZ$29.21

$49.4 NZ$86.1

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$11.91 NZ$20.75

$4.76 NZ$8.29

$15.48 NZ$26.98

Cinema Ticket

$7.19 NZ$12.53

$5.99 NZ$10.43

$11.97 NZ$20.87

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

$363 NZ$634

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.2K NZ$21.2K

$10.3K NZ$18K

$15.2K NZ$26.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$70.4 NZ$123

$45.89 NZ$80

$184 NZ$320

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$36.4 NZ$63.5

$21.24 NZ$37.02

$121 NZ$212

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$97.6 NZ$170

$73.2 NZ$128

$122 NZ$213

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$129 NZ$225

$42.43 NZ$74

$152 NZ$264

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,197 NZ$2,086

$831 NZ$1,449

$1,662 NZ$2,898

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$715 NZ$1,246

$238 NZ$415

$1,192 NZ$2,077

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,566 NZ$2,729

$1,204 NZ$2,099

$2,168 NZ$3,778

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,340 NZ$2,335

$1,148 NZ$2,002

$1,675 NZ$2,919

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,324 NZ$2,308

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.69

5.79

7.5

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 Whanganui - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with larger NZ cities, Whanganui generally offers a more approachable balance of cost and lifestyle. The Cost of Living in Whanganui tends to favor steady housing options, accessible groceries, and slower transport cycles, which helps you stretch a budget without sacrificing amenities. You will find a mix of character-filled rentals and homes with more space than you will find in bigger cities. Dining and leisure options are varied, from waterfront spots to casual cafes. Seasonal activity and community events add value beyond price. Tip: Start with a long walkable neighborhood map to identify where you will feel most at home while keeping daily costs predictable.

Daily life in Whanganui centers on practicality and pace. Housing options range from sunlit riverside cottages to efficient apartments, with prices guided by location and size. The Whanganui living cost shifts with neighborhood and season, particularly around heating and groceries. Local food markets and affordable eateries let you cook at home or dine out without breaking the budget. Getting around is easy by foot or bike in town, with decent bus links for longer trips; many digital nomads favor flexible coworking spaces close to the river. Tip: Start with a short-term rental near your work or study spot to test daily routines before committing.

Quality of life in Whanganui blends a friendly small-city vibe with access to outdoor recreation, arts, and river life. A practical budgeting framework starts with a simple monthly envelope plan: housing, groceries, transport, and leisure, then adjust seasonally for utilities and events. Neighborhood fit depends on your rhythm: the riverfront and CBD offer walkability and cafes, while Whanganui East or Castlecliff bring quieter streets and more space. Save by cooking home meals, using local markets, and choosing second-hand or community spaces for co-working or workouts. Seasonal events and daylight hours shape weekend plans, so build a flexible routine that balances work with nature. Tip: Prioritize neighborhoods that match your pace and be ready to adjust as you settle in.