Cost of Living in Whanganui - Updated Prices & Insights

60.76

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $891 (excluding rent), and $1,697 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,210 (excluding rent), and $3,729 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$15.14 NZ$24.97

$9.08 NZ$14.98

$30.29 NZ$49.96

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$71.4 NZ$118

$41.64 NZ$68.7

$178 NZ$294

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.1 NZ$15.01

$9 NZ$14.84

$15 NZ$24.75

Cappuccino

$3.26 NZ$5.37

$2.37 NZ$3.9

$4.14 NZ$6.83

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

$2.37 NZ$3.91

$1.83 NZ$3.01

$3.04 NZ$5.01

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.73 NZ$2.86

$1.23 NZ$2.02

$3.05 NZ$5.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.74 NZ$7.81

$3.58 NZ$5.9

$8.94 NZ$14.74

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.31 NZ$8.75

$4.74 NZ$7.81

$8.89 NZ$14.65

Milk (1 liter)

$1.73 NZ$2.86

$0.85 NZ$1.4

$2.9 NZ$4.78

White Bread (500g)

$1.59 NZ$2.62

$0.72 NZ$1.18

$2.69 NZ$4.44

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.97 NZ$3.25

$0.97 NZ$1.6

$3.05 NZ$5.02

Eggs

$5.65 NZ$9.31

$5.33 NZ$8.78

$7.02 NZ$11.58

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.17 NZ$11.83

$5.92 NZ$9.77

$13.05 NZ$21.53

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.92 NZ$14.71

$5.27 NZ$8.69

$11.7 NZ$19.3

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.43 NZ$20.51

$7.59 NZ$12.51

$37 NZ$61

Apples (1kg)

$2.42 NZ$4

$0.6 NZ$1

$4.23 NZ$6.98

Banana (1kg)

$1.82 NZ$3

$1.55 NZ$2.55

$2.37 NZ$3.91

Oranges (1kg)

$2.52 NZ$4.15

$1.7 NZ$2.8

$5.48 NZ$9.04

Tomato (1kg)

$3.5 NZ$5.78

$1.56 NZ$2.56

$5.59 NZ$9.22

Potato (1kg)

$2.05 NZ$3.38

$1.18 NZ$1.94

$7.04 NZ$11.61

Onion (1kg)

$2.16 NZ$3.55

$0.88 NZ$1.45

$4.72 NZ$7.79

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.13 NZ$3.51

$1.23 NZ$2.03

$3.38 NZ$5.57

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 NZ$0.86

$0.35 NZ$0.57

$2.32 NZ$3.83

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$20.75 NZ$34.22

$18.44 NZ$30.42

$43.03 NZ$71

Wine (Bottle)

$8.85 NZ$14.6

$6.49 NZ$10.71

$11.81 NZ$19.48

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.41 NZ$3.97

$1.17 NZ$1.94

$7.1 NZ$11.71

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.71 NZ$4.47

$1.54 NZ$2.54

$7.37 NZ$12.16

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.08 NZ$3.43

$1.34 NZ$2.21

$2.37 NZ$3.91

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$55.7 NZ$91.9

$7.08 NZ$11.67

$55.7 NZ$91.9

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.31 NZ$3.8

$1.54 NZ$2.54

$2.56 NZ$4.22

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.87 NZ$3.08

$1.5 NZ$2.47

$2.87 NZ$4.74

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$38.28 NZ$63.1

$32.72 NZ$54

$39.26 NZ$64.8

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.66 NZ$2.74

$1.55 NZ$2.56

$1.79 NZ$2.96

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

$26.7K NZ$44K

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

$22.8K NZ$37.6K

$21.9K NZ$36.1K

$23.7K NZ$39K

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

$118 NZ$195

$86.7 NZ$143

$332 NZ$547

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

$37.4 NZ$61.7

$21.11 NZ$34.81

$48.26 NZ$79.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$47.38 NZ$78.1

$41.59 NZ$68.6

$59.4 NZ$98

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.78 NZ$60.7

$16.87 NZ$27.83

$49.73 NZ$82

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$13.37 NZ$22.04

$5.34 NZ$8.81

$17.38 NZ$28.66

Cinema Ticket

$7.21 NZ$11.9

$6.01 NZ$9.91

$12.02 NZ$19.82

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

$358 NZ$590

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$10.8K NZ$17.8K

$9,171 NZ$15.1K

$13.5K NZ$22.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$68.9 NZ$114

$44.95 NZ$74.1

$180 NZ$297

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$36.7 NZ$60.5

$21.41 NZ$35.32

$122 NZ$202

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$95.2 NZ$157

$71.4 NZ$118

$119 NZ$196

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$127 NZ$209

$41.71 NZ$68.8

$149 NZ$246

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,214 NZ$2,002

$843 NZ$1,390

$1,686 NZ$2,781

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$723 NZ$1,193

$241 NZ$398

$1,206 NZ$1,988

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,553 NZ$2,561

$1,195 NZ$1,970

$2,150 NZ$3,546

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,374 NZ$2,266

$1,178 NZ$1,942

$1,717 NZ$2,832

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,009 NZ$8,262

$2,556 NZ$4,215

$5,009 NZ$8,262

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$4,020 NZ$6,630

$2,767 NZ$4,564

$4,151 NZ$6,846

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,420 NZ$2,341

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.

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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.