What does your salary buy in Wellington?
Enter your gross monthly salary to see your take-home pay, affordable neighborhoods, and savings potential
Free calculator with 2026 tax rates. No data stored.
or browse city data below
Cost of Living in Wellington, New Zealand
Capital city. Government, tech, film industry (Weta). Compact, creative, great coffee scene.
Currency
NZD ($)
English Level
Excellent
Healthcare
Public (free for residents)
Rental Prices in Wellington
1-Bedroom Apartment
$1,900 - $2,800
per month
2-Bedroom Apartment
$2,300 - $3,600
per month
* Prices shown are second-hand rental market rates, typical for expats.7 neighborhoods tracked. Source: Official government housing statistics.
Monthly Living Costs
Groceries
$550
Transport
$225
Utilities
$325
Dining Out
$300
Utility costs based on Eurostat Energy Statistics.
Popular Neighborhoods
Wellington CBD
Compact capital city center. Lambton Quay, Parliament, and Cuba Street character within walking distance.
5 min walk•$2,300+/mo
Te Aro
Wellington's creative heart. Cuba Street bars and eateries, art galleries, and the city's best cafe culture.
5 min walk•$2,100+/mo
Thorndon
Historic and prestigious suburb. Heritage cottages, Botanic Gardens access, and close to Parliament.
10 min walk•$2,200+/mo
Newtown
Diverse and affordable inner suburb. Multicultural dining, hospital precinct, and strong community character.
12 min bus•$2,000+/mo
Kelburn
Upscale hillside suburb near Victoria University. Cable car access to CBD, Botanic Gardens, and stunning harbour views.
8 min walk•$2,400+/mo
Mount Victoria
Central suburb with character homes and panoramic views. Close to Oriental Bay, cafes, and walking trails on the town belt.
10 min walk•$2,200+/mo
Work Visa
Skilled Migrant Category (points-based). Essential Skills Work Visa. Employer sponsorship common.
Processing: 2-6 months depending on visa type
Relocation Costs
Usually 4 weeks bond + 2 weeks rent upfront. No agent fees for tenants. Auckland most expensive.
Typical deposit: 4 months rent
Enter your salary above to see a personalized breakdown of your finances in Wellington
Our calculator shows net income after taxes, affordable neighborhoods, and savings potential
Compare Cities
This city
Wellington
Add city
Add another city to compare costs
