Cost Of Living in Auckland 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Auckland

Whether you're living in Auckland or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

7,500 NZD

per month
$4,500

570 NZD   $350
$45,000   75,000 NZD

Single

5,200 NZD

per month
$3,100

1,700 NZD   $1,000
$21,000   34,000 NZD

Couple

8,600 NZD

per month
$5,200

2,900 NZD   $1,700
$28,000   46,000 NZD

Family

11,000 NZD

per month
$7,000

4,000 NZD   $2,400
$38,000   63,000 NZD

Student

3,700 NZD

per month
$2,200

1,500 NZD   $890
$4,000   6,600 NZD
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Auckland is 5,200 NZD. Expenses can range from 1,700 NZD at the minimum level to 34,000 NZD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Auckland is 8,600 NZD. Expenditure can range from 2,900 NZD to 46,000 NZD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Auckland is 11,000 NZD per month. Families spend anywhere from 4,000 NZD to 63,000 NZD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Auckland is 3,700 NZD. Students spend from 1,500 NZD to 6,600 NZD per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Auckland


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.87 NZD 0.99 NZD 1.1 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.60 $0.69
Fast food combo meal
7.4 NZD 15 NZD 25 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $9 $15
Restaurant meal for one
26 NZD 39 NZD 78 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $24 $47
Fine dining meal for one
52 NZD 78 NZD 310 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $47 $190
Soda or Soft Drink
1.1 NZD 1.2 NZD 1.5 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $0.75 $0.90
Cappuccino or latte
6.2 NZD 9.9 NZD 15 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $6 $9

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
4.9 NZD 5.9 NZD 7.4 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $3.6 $4.5
Loaf of bread
0.89 NZD 1 NZD 1.2 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.54 $0.62 $0.71
12 eggs
3.7 NZD 4.9 NZD 7.4 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $3 $4.5
Fresh whole chicken
8.4 NZD 11 NZD 15 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $6.6 $9.4
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
9.9 NZD 15 NZD 30 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6 $9 $18
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
4 NZD 5.4 NZD 7.7 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $3.3 $4.7
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
1.5 NZD 2 NZD 3.7 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.90 $1.2 $2.2
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
2.6 NZD 3.5 NZD 5.7 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.5

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
6.5 NZD 7.8 NZD 16 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.9 $4.7 $9.4
Average car full tank
37 NZD 49 NZD 99 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $30 $60
Average car 1-day rental
41 NZD 54 NZD 81 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $33 $49
Average car price
18,000 NZD 37,000 NZD 49,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11,000 $22,000 $30,000
Bus ticket one way
1.4 NZD 2 NZD 4.1 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.82 $1.2 $2.5
Car Service
54 NZD 81 NZD 160 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $49 $99

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
100 NZD 310 NZD 2,100 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$63 $190 $1,300
Utility Bill - Couple
140 NZD 430 NZD 2,300 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$87 $260 $1,400
Utility Bill - Family
120 NZD 340 NZD 1,900 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$73 $210 $1,200
Internet and cable
37 NZD 74 NZD 99 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $45 $60
Mobile phone charges
30 NZD 49 NZD 150 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $30 $90

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
18 NZD 25 NZD 37 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $22
One month gym membership
65 NZD 81 NZD 160 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40 $49 $99

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
48 NZD 68 NZD 100 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $41 $62
Woman dress
45 NZD 63 NZD 200 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $38 $120
Woman shoes
43 NZD 58 NZD 140 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $35 $82
Men's shoes
37 NZD 45 NZD 90 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $27 $55
Men suit
41 NZD 51 NZD 270 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $31 $160
Regular t-shirt
20 NZD 27 NZD 81 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $49

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
680 NZD 1,000 NZD 2,700 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $620 $1,600
1-bedroom apartment
1,000 NZD 1,600 NZD 4,100 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$620 $990 $2,500
2-bedroom apartment
1,400 NZD 2,000 NZD 5,400 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820 $1,200 $3,300

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
140,000 NZD 200,000 NZD 410,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82,000 $120,000 $250,000
1-bedroom apartment
160,000 NZD 270,000 NZD 1M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$99,000 $160,000 $620,000
2-bedroom apartment
270,000 NZD 810,000 NZD 1.6M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $490,000 $990,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
740 NZD 920 NZD 1,200 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450 $560 $750
Double Bed
490 NZD 740 NZD 920 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $450 $560
Single Bed
430 NZD 570 NZD 740 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $350 $450
Living Room
820 NZD 1,100 NZD 3,700 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $640 $2,200
Dining Table
370 NZD 490 NZD 920 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $300 $560
Sofa or Couch
490 NZD 670 NZD 1,500 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $410 $900

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
490 NZD 740 NZD 1,500 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $450 $900
Fridge or Freezer
430 NZD 670 NZD 920 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $410 $560
Washing Machine
570 NZD 820 NZD 1,500 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $500 $900
Stove or Cooker
530 NZD 670 NZD 920 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $410 $560
Mobile Phone
620 NZD 740 NZD 1,100 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $450 $640
Laptop or Computer
670 NZD 820 NZD 1,500 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $500 $900

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Auckland

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

89%

79% to 99%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%16%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Auckland is 89% This means that on average, people spend around 89% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
80%
Spending-Income-Ratio
71%
89%

Couple
85%
Spending-Income-Ratio
75%
94%

Family
93%
Spending-Income-Ratio
83%
100%

How do people spend their money in Auckland?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure27%

27% of total expenses on average (16% to 35%)

LOW$100   170 NZD
AVERAGE$1,400   2,200 NZD
HIGH$14,000   22,000 NZD
Per Month

People living in Auckland typically spend from 16% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average spend on housing is 2,200 NZD with expenditure ranging from 170 NZD to 22,000 NZD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$17   29 NZD
AVERAGE$230   370 NZD
HIGH$2,300   3,700 NZD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Auckland ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 370 NZD with 29 NZD and 3,700 NZD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$35   57 NZD
AVERAGE$450   750 NZD
HIGH$4,500   7,500 NZD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 57 NZD to 7,500 NZD on commuting with 750 NZD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$87   140 NZD
AVERAGE$1,100   1,900 NZD
HIGH$11,000   19,000 NZD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Auckland is 1,900 NZD. The cost of groceries can range between 140 NZD to 19,000 NZD. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$24   40 NZD
AVERAGE$320   520 NZD
HIGH$3,200   5,200 NZD
Per Month

People in Auckland allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 40 NZD to 5,200 NZD with 520 NZD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$14   23 NZD
AVERAGE$180   300 NZD
HIGH$1,800   3,000 NZD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 23 NZD to 3,000 NZD with 300 NZD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$21   34 NZD
AVERAGE$270   450 NZD
HIGH$2,700   4,500 NZD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 450 NZD per month with 34 NZD being the minimum spent amount and 4,500 NZD being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$45   75 NZD
AVERAGE$590   970 NZD
HIGH$5,900   9,700 NZD
Per Month

How much money can you save in Auckland every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Auckland manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
77%
Not Saving
23%

Almost 77% of the surveyed people in Auckland said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 23% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Auckland

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles80%20%
Couples74%26%
Families69%31%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

13% 23% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

240 NZD
$150
3,100 NZD
$1,900
31,000 NZD
$19,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 13% to 35% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 23% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 3,100 NZD on average with savings ranging from 240 NZD to 31,000 NZD.

80% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 74% of couples said the same. 69% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Auckland?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

16% 27% of income 37%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

720 NZD
$440
2,200 NZD
$1,300
14,000 NZD
$8,700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 16% to 37% of their monthly income to savings, with 27% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 2,200 NZD with 720 NZD and 14,000 NZD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 25% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,200 NZD
$730
3,600 NZD
$2,200
19,000 NZD
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 14% to 36% of their monthly income, with 25% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 3,600 NZD with 1,200 NZD and 19,000 NZD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,700 NZD
$1,000
4,800 NZD
$2,900
26,000 NZD
$16,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Auckland can save anywhere between 12% to 33% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 4,800 NZD with 1,700 NZD and 26,000 NZD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Auckland

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Auckland?


Yes
88%
No
12%

Around 88% of surveyed residents think that living in Auckland is affordable with proper budgeting while 12% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Auckland

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options68%

Few low-cost options32%


Based on the survey, 68% of the people living in Auckland have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 32% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Auckland whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes87%

No13%


Based on the survey, 13% of the people living in Auckland said that they don't have an emergency fund while 87% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in New Zealand

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy76%


We asked residents of New Zealand whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 24% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 76% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of New Zealand have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 18% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 82% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance18%

Easily manages finances82%

Financial goals of people in Auckland

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Auckland, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction33%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses9%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 33% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 9% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Auckland

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Auckland. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans18%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 18% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Auckland

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings16%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Auckland

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Auckland and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in New Zealand is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Auckland:
AgeAmount
2521,000 NZD
3042,000 NZD
3574,000 NZD
40110,000 NZD
45160,000 NZD
50220,000 NZD
55260,000 NZD
60330,000 NZD
65390,000 NZD

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Auckland about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job10%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Auckland

1,200 NZD
$750
3,700 NZD
$2,300
25,000 NZD
$15,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Auckland


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
25%
Debt Free
75%

According to the survey, 25% of the people in Auckland have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 75% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Auckland

Debt to income ratio

29%

18% to 39%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 29% of the people's monthly income in Auckland goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%12%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%15%
10% - 20%18%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Auckland pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 12% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 15% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Auckland

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage13%
Auto Loan22%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card25%
Personal Loan37%

13% of debtors in Auckland confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 25% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 22% of people and personal loans rose at 37%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Auckland.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Auckland

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Auckland how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never55%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Auckland

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Auckland

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
680 NZD 1,000 NZD 2,700 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $620 $1,600
1-bedroom apartment
1,000 NZD 1,600 NZD 4,100 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$620 $990 $2,500
2-bedroom apartment
1,400 NZD 2,000 NZD 5,400 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820 $1,200 $3,300
3-bedroom apartment
1,600 NZD 2,700 NZD 7,400 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$990 $1,600 $4,500
Furnished apartment
3,300 NZD 8,100 NZD 16,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $4,900 $9,900
Townhouse
2,700 NZD 4,100 NZD 12,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $2,500 $7,100
House
3,300 NZD 8,100 NZD 16,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $4,900 $9,900
Villa
4,100 NZD 10,000 NZD 16,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,500 $6,200 $9,900

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Auckland ranges between 680 NZD and 2,700 NZD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,000 NZD to 4,100 NZD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,400 NZD and 5,400 NZD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,600 NZD to 7,400 NZD. The average rent of a townhouse in Auckland is around 4,100 NZD while house rental costs can be as high as 8,100 NZD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 4,100 NZD to 16,000 NZD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Auckland

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
140,000 NZD 200,000 NZD 410,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82,000 $120,000 $250,000
1-bedroom apartment
160,000 NZD 270,000 NZD 1M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$99,000 $160,000 $620,000
2-bedroom apartment
270,000 NZD 810,000 NZD 1.6M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $490,000 $990,000
3-bedroom apartment
900,000 NZD 1.4M NZD 4.1M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550,000 $820,000 $2.5M
Townhouse
1.2M NZD 2.7M NZD 10M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$710,000 $1.6M $6.2M
House
1.4M NZD 8.1M NZD 12M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820,000 $4.9M $7.1M
Villa
1.6M NZD 9M NZD 14M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$990,000 $5.5M $8.2M

The average price of a studio apartment in Auckland can range from 140,000 NZD to 410,000 NZD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 160,000 NZD to 1M NZD. A villa can cost you 9M NZD on average with prices ranging from 1.6M NZD to 14M NZD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Auckland will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


49 x144 monthly income 239
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Auckland can be x144 to x239 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x144 multiples of the average monthly salary in Auckland.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


25% 36% of income 47%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Auckland is around 36%. This means that people pay 36% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 25% to 47% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
33%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.3%
AVERAGE
3.3%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


11 NZD 150 NZD 1,500 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Auckland

Housing33%

33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)

LOW$380   620 NZD
AVERAGE$1,100   1,900 NZD
HIGH$7,500   12,000 NZD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$63   100 NZD
AVERAGE$190   310 NZD
HIGH$1,300   2,100 NZD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$84   140 NZD
AVERAGE$250   410 NZD
HIGH$1,700   2,800 NZD
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$170   280 NZD
AVERAGE$500   830 NZD
HIGH$3,400   5,500 NZD
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$94   160 NZD
AVERAGE$280   470 NZD
HIGH$1,900   3,100 NZD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$52   86 NZD
AVERAGE$160   260 NZD
HIGH$1,000   1,700 NZD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$21   34 NZD
AVERAGE$63   100 NZD
HIGH$420   690 NZD
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$190   310 NZD
AVERAGE$570   930 NZD
HIGH$3,800   6,200 NZD
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Auckland

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (23% to 40%)

LOW$580   950 NZD
AVERAGE$1,700   2,800 NZD
HIGH$9,200   15,000 NZD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$87   140 NZD
AVERAGE$260   430 NZD
HIGH$1,400   2,300 NZD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$210   340 NZD
AVERAGE$630   1,000 NZD
HIGH$3,400   5,500 NZD
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$240   400 NZD
AVERAGE$730   1,200 NZD
HIGH$3,900   6,400 NZD
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$190   320 NZD
AVERAGE$580   950 NZD
HIGH$3,100   5,100 NZD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$100   170 NZD
AVERAGE$310   520 NZD
HIGH$1,700   2,800 NZD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$35   57 NZD
AVERAGE$100   170 NZD
HIGH$560   920 NZD
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$300   490 NZD
AVERAGE$890   1,500 NZD
HIGH$4,700   7,800 NZD
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Auckland

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (24% to 39%)

LOW$780   1,300 NZD
AVERAGE$2,200   3,700 NZD
HIGH$12,000   20,000 NZD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$200   320 NZD
AVERAGE$560   920 NZD
HIGH$3,100   5,100 NZD
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$440   720 NZD
AVERAGE$1,300   2,100 NZD
HIGH$6,900   11,000 NZD
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$200   320 NZD
AVERAGE$560   920 NZD
HIGH$3,100   5,100 NZD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$120   200 NZD
AVERAGE$350   570 NZD
HIGH$1,900   3,200 NZD
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$340   560 NZD
AVERAGE$980   1,600 NZD
HIGH$5,400   8,800 NZD
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$290   480 NZD
AVERAGE$840   1,400 NZD
HIGH$4,600   7,600 NZD
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Auckland

Housing21%

21% of total expenses on average (16% to 27%)

LOW$210   350 NZD
AVERAGE$530   880 NZD
HIGH$960   1,600 NZD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$36   59 NZD
AVERAGE$89   150 NZD
HIGH$160   260 NZD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$62   100 NZD
AVERAGE$160   260 NZD
HIGH$280   460 NZD
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$180   290 NZD
AVERAGE$450   730 NZD
HIGH$800   1,300 NZD
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$53   88 NZD
AVERAGE$130   220 NZD
HIGH$240   400 NZD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$45   73 NZD
AVERAGE$110   180 NZD
HIGH$200   330 NZD
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$170   280 NZD
AVERAGE$420   700 NZD
HIGH$760   1,300 NZD
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$130   220 NZD
AVERAGE$330   550 NZD
HIGH$600   990 NZD
Per Month
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