Cost Of Living in Christchurch 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Christchurch
Whether you're living in Christchurch 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
Currency: NZD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: NZD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: NZD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: NZD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: 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 Christchurch is 5,000 NZD. Expenses can range from 710 NZD at the minimum level to 33,000 NZD at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Christchurch is 8,300 NZD. Expenditure can range from 2,800 NZD to 44,000 NZD per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Christchurch is 11,000 NZD per month. Families spend anywhere from 3,900 NZD to 72,000 NZD.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Christchurch is 3,600 NZD. Students spend from 550 NZD to 24,000 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 Christchurch
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 19,000 NZD | 37,000 NZD | 50,000 NZD |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
Utility Bill - Couple
| 110 NZD | 370 NZD | 2,400 NZD |
Utility Bill - Family
| 190 NZD | 550 NZD | 3,600 NZD |
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 650 NZD | 980 NZD | 2,600 NZD |
1-bedroom apartment
| 980 NZD | 1,600 NZD | 3,900 NZD |
2-bedroom apartment
| 1,300 NZD | 2,000 NZD | 5,200 NZD |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 130,000 NZD | 200,000 NZD | 390,000 NZD |
| $79,000 | $120,000 | $240,000 |
1-bedroom apartment
| 160,000 NZD | 260,000 NZD | 980,000 NZD |
| $95,000 | $160,000 | $600,000 |
2-bedroom apartment
| 260,000 NZD | 780,000 NZD | 1.6M NZD |
| $160,000 | $480,000 | $950,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 750 NZD | 930 NZD | 1,200 NZD |
Double Bed
Single Bed
Living Room
| 830 NZD | 1,100 NZD | 3,700 NZD |
Dining Table
Sofa or Couch
| 500 NZD | 680 NZD | 1,500 NZD |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 500 NZD | 750 NZD | 1,500 NZD |
Fridge or Freezer
Washing Machine
| 570 NZD | 830 NZD | 1,500 NZD |
Stove or Cooker
Mobile Phone
| 620 NZD | 750 NZD | 1,100 NZD |
Laptop or Computer
| 680 NZD | 830 NZD | 1,500 NZD |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Christchurch
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
86%
76% to 95%
( 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 Christchurch is 86%
This means that on average, people spend around 86% 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
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
86%
Couple
81%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
90%
Family
90%
Spending-Income-Ratio
80%
100%
How do people spend their money in Christchurch?
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 | $1,300 2,200 NZD |
| HIGH | $13,000 22,000 NZD |
| Per Month |
People living in Christchurch 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, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $17 28 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $220 360 NZD |
| HIGH | $2,200 3,600 NZD |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Christchurch ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 360 NZD with 28 NZD and 3,600 NZD being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $34 55 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $440 720 NZD |
| HIGH | $4,400 7,200 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 55 NZD to 7,200 NZD on commuting with 720 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 | $84 140 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $1,100 1,800 NZD |
| HIGH | $11,000 18,000 NZD |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Christchurch is 1,800 NZD. The cost of groceries can range between 140 NZD to 18,000 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 39 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $310 500 NZD |
| HIGH | $3,100 5,000 NZD |
| Per Month |
People in Christchurch 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 39 NZD to 5,000 NZD with 500 NZD being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $13 22 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $170 290 NZD |
| HIGH | $1,700 2,900 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 22 NZD to 2,900 NZD with 290 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 | $20 33 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $260 430 NZD |
| HIGH | $2,600 4,300 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 430 NZD per month with 33 NZD being the minimum spent amount and 4,300 NZD being the maximum.
Other Expenses12%
12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $44 72 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $570 930 NZD |
| HIGH | $5,700 9,300 NZD |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Christchurch 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 Christchurch manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 74% of the surveyed people in Christchurch said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 26% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Christchurch
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 77% | 23% |
| Couples | 72% | 28% |
| Families | 66% | 34% |
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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
230 NZD
$140 | 3,000 NZD
$1,800 | 30,000 NZD
$18,000 |
For most people, 13% to 33% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 22% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 3,000 NZD on average with savings ranging from 230 NZD to 30,000 NZD.
77% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 72% of couples said the same. 66% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Christchurch?
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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
230 NZD
$140 | 2,100 NZD
$1,300 | 14,000 NZD
$8,400 |
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 36% of their monthly income to savings, with 26% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 2,100 NZD with 230 NZD and 14,000 NZD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
1,200 NZD
$700 | 3,500 NZD
$2,100 | 18,000 NZD
$11,000 |
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 35% of their monthly income, with 24% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 3,500 NZD with 1,200 NZD and 18,000 NZD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
1,600 NZD
$980 | 4,600 NZD
$2,800 | 30,000 NZD
$18,000 |
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 Christchurch can save anywhere between 12% to 31% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 4,600 NZD with 1,600 NZD and 30,000 NZD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Christchurch
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Christchurch. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 6% |
| High Expenses | 9% |
| Debt and Loans | 18% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 10% |
| Impulsive Spending | 9% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 7% |
| Will do it later | 17% |
| Inflation | 11% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
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 social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Christchurch
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 11% |
| Gold | 10% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 11% |
| Cash Savings | 16% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 6% |
| Bonds | 6% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
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 Christchurch
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Christchurch?
Around 85% of surveyed residents think that living in Christchurch is affordable with proper budgeting while 15% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Christchurch
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 options66%
Few low-cost options34%
Based on the survey, 66% of the people living in Christchurch have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 34% 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 Christchurch whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes84%
No16%
Based on the survey, 16% of the people living in Christchurch said that they don't have an emergency fund while 84% 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 we asked 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 Christchurch
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Christchurch, 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 Fund | 7% |
| Debt Reduction | 33% |
| Retirement Savings | 8% |
| Education Funding | 8% |
| Homeownership | 17% |
| Investing | 9% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 11% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 9% |
| Financial Independence | 8% |
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.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Christchurch
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Christchurch 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:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Christchurch:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 20,000 NZD |
| 30 | 41,000 NZD |
| 35 | 71,000 NZD |
| 40 | 100,000 NZD |
| 45 | 150,000 NZD |
| 50 | 210,000 NZD |
| 55 | 250,000 NZD |
| 60 | 320,000 NZD |
| 65 | 380,000 NZD |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Christchurch about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 13% |
| Savings | 22% |
| Investments | 13% |
| Social Security | 8% |
| Annuities | 8% |
| Part-time Job | 10% |
| Real Estate | 17% |
| Dividends and Interest | 8% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Christchurch 400 NZD
$240 | 3,600 NZD
$2,200 | 24,000 NZD
$14,000 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Christchurch
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 24% of the people in Christchurch have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 76% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Christchurch
Debt to income ratio
28%
18% to 38%
( 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 28% of the people's monthly income in Christchurch goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly 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 Christchurch 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 Christchurch
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 13% |
| Auto Loan | 23% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 25% |
| Personal Loan | 37% |
13% of debtors in Christchurch 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 23% of people and personal loans rose at 37%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Christchurch.
About credit score and debt managementManaging 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 Christchurch
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Christchurch 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 |
|---|
| Never | 55% |
| Once a year | 22% |
| Twice a year | 11% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Christchurch
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Christchurch
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 650 NZD | 980 NZD | 2,600 NZD |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 980 NZD | 1,600 NZD | 3,900 NZD |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,300 NZD | 2,000 NZD | 5,200 NZD |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,600 NZD | 2,600 NZD | 7,100 NZD |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 3,100 NZD | 7,800 NZD | 16,000 NZD |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 2,600 NZD | 3,900 NZD | 11,000 NZD |
House monthly rent cost
| 3,100 NZD | 7,800 NZD | 16,000 NZD |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 3,900 NZD | 9,800 NZD | 16,000 NZD |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Christchurch ranges between 650 NZD and 2,600 NZD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 980 NZD to 3,900 NZD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,300 NZD and 5,200 NZD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,600 NZD to 7,100 NZD. The average rent of a townhouse in Christchurch is around 3,900 NZD while house rental costs can be as high as 7,800 NZD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,900 NZD to 16,000 NZD per month.
Apartment and house prices in Christchurch
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 130,000 NZD | 200,000 NZD | 390,000 NZD |
| $79,000 | $120,000 | $240,000 |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 160,000 NZD | 260,000 NZD | 980,000 NZD |
| $95,000 | $160,000 | $600,000 |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 260,000 NZD | 780,000 NZD | 1.6M NZD |
| $160,000 | $480,000 | $950,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 870,000 NZD | 1.3M NZD | 3.9M NZD |
Townhouse price
| 1.1M NZD | 2.6M NZD | 9.8M NZD |
House price
| 1.3M NZD | 7.8M NZD | 11M NZD |
Villa price
| 1.6M NZD | 8.7M NZD | 13M NZD |
The average price of a studio apartment in Christchurch can range from 130,000 NZD to 390,000 NZD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 160,000 NZD to 980,000 NZD. A villa can cost you 8.7M NZD on average with prices ranging from 1.6M NZD to 13M NZD.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Christchurch 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
| 47 | x139 monthly income | 230 |
Property prices in Christchurch can be x139 to x230 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x139 multiples of the average monthly salary in Christchurch.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Christchurch is around 35%. This means that people pay 35% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 45% 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
32% 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.
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.
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.
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Christchurch
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Christchurch
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 110 NZD | 370 NZD | 2,400 NZD |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 190 NZD | 550 NZD | 3,600 NZD |
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Christchurch ranges between 43 NZD and 2,000 NZD with average being 300 NZD, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 370 NZD with 110 NZD and 2,400 NZD being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 550 NZD. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 37 NZD to 100 NZD with 75 NZD being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 50 NZD but can range between 30 NZD and 150 NZD depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Christchurch is around 5.2%. This means that people pay 5.2% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.1% to 9.4% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Christchurch
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Christchurch
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Christchurch is approximatly 15 NZD with meal cost ranging from 7.5 NZD to 25 NZD. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 26 NZD and 77 NZD with 38 NZD being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Christchurch.
Fine dining meal for one price
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 51 NZD to 310 NZD with the average cost being 77 NZD for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Christchurch.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Christchurch is around 10 NZD. Price ranges between 6.2 NZD and 15 NZD depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Christchurch is 6 NZD. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 7.5 NZD and the minimum being 5 NZD depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 5 NZD on average with 3.7 NZD and 7.5 NZD being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Christchurch is between 8.5 NZD and 16 NZD depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 11 NZD.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 15 NZD. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Christchurch costs around 5.5 NZD on average with prices rangeing between 4 NZD and 7.8 NZD depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.5 NZD to 3.7 NZD. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 3.5 NZD on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Christchurch is around 26%. This means that people spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 800 NZD per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 110 NZD and 5,300 NZD depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 1,200 NZD per month. That number can be get as low as 390 NZD or a high as 6,200 NZD. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 700 NZD to 13,000 NZD with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Christchurch
Housing cost for a single person33%
33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)
| LOW | $160 260 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $1,100 1,800 NZD |
| HIGH | $7,300 12,000 NZD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)
| LOW | $26 43 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $180 300 NZD |
| HIGH | $1,200 2,000 NZD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $35 57 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $240 400 NZD |
| HIGH | $1,600 2,700 NZD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)
| LOW | $69 110 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $480 800 NZD |
| HIGH | $3,200 5,300 NZD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost11%
11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)
| LOW | $39 64 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $270 450 NZD |
| HIGH | $1,800 3,000 NZD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure4%
4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)
| LOW | $22 35 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $150 250 NZD |
| HIGH | $1,000 1,700 NZD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $8.6 14 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $61 100 NZD |
| HIGH | $400 660 NZD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses20%
20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $78 130 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $540 900 NZD |
| HIGH | $3,600 6,000 NZD |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Christchurch
Housing cost for a couple30%
30% of total expenses on average (23% to 40%)
| LOW | $570 940 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $1,700 2,800 NZD |
| HIGH | $9,100 15,000 NZD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $67 110 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $230 370 NZD |
| HIGH | $1,500 2,400 NZD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost10%
10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)
| LOW | $200 330 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $610 1,000 NZD |
| HIGH | $3,200 5,300 NZD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost16%
16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)
| LOW | $240 390 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $710 1,200 NZD |
| HIGH | $3,800 6,200 NZD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)
| LOW | $180 300 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $550 910 NZD |
| HIGH | $3,000 4,900 NZD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $100 170 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $300 500 NZD |
| HIGH | $1,600 2,700 NZD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $34 55 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $100 170 NZD |
| HIGH | $540 880 NZD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $290 470 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $860 1,400 NZD |
| HIGH | $4,600 7,500 NZD |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Christchurch
Housing cost for a family29%
29% of total expenses on average (24% to 39%)
| LOW | $750 1,200 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $2,200 3,500 NZD |
| HIGH | $14,000 23,000 NZD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $120 190 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $340 550 NZD |
| HIGH | $2,200 3,600 NZD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)
| LOW | $240 390 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $670 1,100 NZD |
| HIGH | $4,400 7,200 NZD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost20%
20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)
| LOW | $420 700 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $1,200 2,000 NZD |
| HIGH | $7,900 13,000 NZD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses10%
10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)
| LOW | $210 350 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $670 1,100 NZD |
| HIGH | $3,500 5,800 NZD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $120 190 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $340 550 NZD |
| HIGH | $2,200 3,600 NZD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost14%
14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)
| LOW | $330 540 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $940 1,500 NZD |
| HIGH | $6,100 10,000 NZD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses14%
14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $190 310 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $540 880 NZD |
| HIGH | $3,500 5,800 NZD |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Christchurch
Housing costs for Student21%
21% of total expenses on average (16% to 27%)
| LOW | $81 130 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $520 860 NZD |
| HIGH | $3,500 5,700 NZD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)
| LOW | $13 22 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $87 140 NZD |
| HIGH | $580 950 NZD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $24 39 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $150 250 NZD |
| HIGH | $1,000 1,700 NZD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure22%
22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)
| LOW | $67 110 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $430 710 NZD |
| HIGH | $2,900 4,800 NZD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $20 33 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $130 210 NZD |
| HIGH | $870 1,400 NZD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $17 28 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $110 180 NZD |
| HIGH | $720 1,200 NZD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $64 110 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $410 680 NZD |
| HIGH | $2,700 4,500 NZD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses17%
17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $50 83 NZD |
| AVERAGE | $330 530 NZD |
| HIGH | $2,200 3,600 NZD |
| Per Month |
