Cost Of Living in Hamilton 2024

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

Whether you're living in Hamilton 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

6,200 NZD

per month
$3,800

480 NZD   $290
$38,000   62,000 NZD

Single

4,300 NZD

per month
$2,600

1,400 NZD   $870
$17,000   29,000 NZD

Couple

7,200 NZD

per month
$4,400

2,400 NZD   $1,500
$23,000   38,000 NZD

Family

9,600 NZD

per month
$5,800

3,400 NZD   $2,000
$32,000   53,000 NZD

Student

3,100 NZD

per month
$1,900

1,200 NZD   $740
$3,300   5,500 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 Hamilton is 4,300 NZD. Expenses can range from 1,400 NZD at the minimum level to 29,000 NZD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Hamilton is 7,200 NZD. Expenditure can range from 2,400 NZD to 38,000 NZD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Hamilton is 9,600 NZD per month. Families spend anywhere from 3,400 NZD to 53,000 NZD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Hamilton is 3,100 NZD. Students spend from 1,200 NZD to 5,500 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 Hamilton


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.84 NZD 0.96 NZD 1.1 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.51 $0.58 $0.67
Fast food combo meal
7.2 NZD 14 NZD 24 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $8.7 $15
Restaurant meal for one
23 NZD 35 NZD 70 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $21 $42
Fine dining meal for one
47 NZD 70 NZD 280 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $42 $170
Soda or Soft Drink
1 NZD 1.2 NZD 1.4 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.62 $0.73 $0.87
Cappuccino or latte
6 NZD 9.6 NZD 14 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.6 $5.8 $8.7

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
4.8 NZD 5.7 NZD 7.2 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $3.5 $4.4
Loaf of bread
0.86 NZD 0.98 NZD 1.1 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.52 $0.60 $0.69
12 eggs
3.6 NZD 4.8 NZD 7.2 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $2.9 $4.4
Fresh whole chicken
8.1 NZD 11 NZD 15 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $6.4 $9.1
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
9.6 NZD 14 NZD 29 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.8 $8.7 $17
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
3.9 NZD 5.3 NZD 7.5 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.2 $4.5
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
1.4 NZD 1.9 NZD 3.6 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.87 $1.2 $2.2
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
2.6 NZD 3.3 NZD 5.5 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2 $3.3

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
5.8 NZD 7 NZD 14 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.5 $4.2 $8.5
Average car full tank
36 NZD 48 NZD 96 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $29 $58
Average car 1-day rental
34 NZD 45 NZD 68 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $28 $41
Average car price
18,000 NZD 36,000 NZD 48,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11,000 $22,000 $29,000
Bus ticket one way
1.1 NZD 1.7 NZD 3.4 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.69 $1 $2.1
Car Service
45 NZD 68 NZD 140 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $41 $83

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
86 NZD 260 NZD 1,700 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$52 $160 $1,000
Utility Bill - Couple
120 NZD 360 NZD 1,900 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$73 $220 $1,200
Utility Bill - Family
100 NZD 290 NZD 1,600 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61 $170 $960
Internet and cable
36 NZD 72 NZD 96 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $44 $58
Mobile phone charges
29 NZD 48 NZD 140 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $29 $87

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
18 NZD 24 NZD 36 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $22
One month gym membership
54 NZD 68 NZD 140 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $41 $83

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
40 NZD 57 NZD 85 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $34 $52
Woman dress
38 NZD 52 NZD 170 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $32 $100
Woman shoes
36 NZD 48 NZD 110 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $29 $69
Men's shoes
31 NZD 38 NZD 75 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $23 $46
Men suit
34 NZD 42 NZD 230 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $26 $140
Regular t-shirt
17 NZD 23 NZD 68 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $14 $41

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
570 NZD 850 NZD 2,300 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $520 $1,400
1-bedroom apartment
850 NZD 1,400 NZD 3,400 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$520 $830 $2,100
2-bedroom apartment
1,100 NZD 1,700 NZD 4,500 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$690 $1,000 $2,800

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
110,000 NZD 170,000 NZD 340,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$69,000 $100,000 $210,000
1-bedroom apartment
140,000 NZD 230,000 NZD 850,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$83,000 $140,000 $520,000
2-bedroom apartment
230,000 NZD 680,000 NZD 1.4M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140,000 $410,000 $830,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
720 NZD 900 NZD 1,200 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $540 $730
Double Bed
480 NZD 720 NZD 900 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $440 $540
Single Bed
420 NZD 550 NZD 720 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $330 $440
Living Room
800 NZD 1,000 NZD 3,600 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$480 $620 $2,200
Dining Table
360 NZD 480 NZD 900 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $290 $540
Sofa or Couch
480 NZD 650 NZD 1,400 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $400 $870

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
480 NZD 720 NZD 1,400 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $440 $870
Fridge or Freezer
420 NZD 650 NZD 900 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $400 $540
Washing Machine
550 NZD 800 NZD 1,400 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $480 $870
Stove or Cooker
510 NZD 650 NZD 900 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $400 $540
Mobile Phone
600 NZD 720 NZD 1,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $440 $620
Laptop or Computer
650 NZD 800 NZD 1,400 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $480 $870

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Hamilton

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

74%

66% to 82%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%17%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%17%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Hamilton is 74% This means that on average, people spend around 74% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 17% 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
67%
Spending-Income-Ratio
60%
74%

Couple
71%
Spending-Income-Ratio
63%
78%

Family
78%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
87%

How do people spend their money in Hamilton?

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 Expenditure26%

26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)

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

People living in Hamilton typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,900 NZD with expenditure ranging from 140 NZD to 19,000 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, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$15   24 NZD
AVERAGE$190   310 NZD
HIGH$1,900   3,100 NZD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Hamilton ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 310 NZD with 24 NZD and 3,100 NZD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

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

LOW$29   48 NZD
AVERAGE$380   620 NZD
HIGH$3,800   6,200 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 48 NZD to 6,200 NZD on commuting with 620 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$73   120 NZD
AVERAGE$950   1,600 NZD
HIGH$9,500   16,000 NZD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Hamilton is 1,600 NZD. The cost of groceries can range between 120 NZD to 16,000 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$20   34 NZD
AVERAGE$260   440 NZD
HIGH$2,600   4,400 NZD
Per Month

People in Hamilton 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 34 NZD to 4,400 NZD with 440 NZD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

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

LOW$12   19 NZD
AVERAGE$150   250 NZD
HIGH$1,500   2,500 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 19 NZD to 2,500 NZD with 250 NZD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

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

LOW$17   29 NZD
AVERAGE$230   370 NZD
HIGH$2,300   3,700 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 370 NZD per month with 29 NZD being the minimum spent amount and 3,700 NZD being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$38   62 NZD
AVERAGE$490   810 NZD
HIGH$4,900   8,100 NZD
Per Month

How much money can you save in Hamilton 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 Hamilton manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
64%
Not Saving
36%

Almost 64% of the surveyed people in Hamilton said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 36% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Hamilton

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles67%34%
Couples62%38%
Families58%43%

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

11% 19% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

200 NZD
$120
2,600 NZD
$1,600
26,000 NZD
$16,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 29% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 19% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,600 NZD on average with savings ranging from 200 NZD to 26,000 NZD.

67% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 62% of couples said the same. 58% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Hamilton?

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

14% 23% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

600 NZD
$360
1,800 NZD
$1,100
12,000 NZD
$7,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%30%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%15%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 31% of their monthly income to savings, with 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,800 NZD with 600 NZD and 12,000 NZD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,000 NZD
$610
3,000 NZD
$1,800
16,000 NZD
$9,700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%10%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 30% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 3,000 NZD with 1,000 NZD and 16,000 NZD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 17% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,400 NZD
$850
4,000 NZD
$2,400
22,000 NZD
$13,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Hamilton can save anywhere between 10% to 27% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 4,000 NZD with 1,400 NZD and 22,000 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 Hamilton

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Hamilton?


Yes
73%
No
27%

Around 73% of surveyed residents think that living in Hamilton is affordable with proper budgeting while 27% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Hamilton

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 options57%

Few low-cost options43%


Based on the survey, 57% of the people living in Hamilton have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% 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 Hamilton whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes72%

No28%


Based on the survey, 28% of the people living in Hamilton said that they don't have an emergency fund while 72% 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 Hamilton

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Hamilton, 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 Reduction36%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle9%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence7%

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 36% 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. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 9% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Hamilton

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

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


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
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. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% 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. 10% 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. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% 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 Hamilton

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks5%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Hamilton

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Hamilton 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 Hamilton:
AgeAmount
2518,000 NZD
3035,000 NZD
3562,000 NZD
4088,000 NZD
45130,000 NZD
50190,000 NZD
55220,000 NZD
60270,000 NZD
65330,000 NZD

Retirement Income Distribution

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

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job11%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Hamilton

1,000 NZD
$630
3,100 NZD
$1,900
21,000 NZD
$13,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Hamilton


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
21%
Debt Free
79%

According to the survey, 21% of the people in Hamilton have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 79% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Hamilton

Debt to income ratio

24%

15% to 33%

( 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 24% of the people's monthly income in Hamilton goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%14%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%16%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Hamilton pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 14% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Hamilton

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan20%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan39%

12% of debtors in Hamilton confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 20% of people and personal loans rose at 39%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Hamilton.


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 Hamilton

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Hamilton 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
Never54%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Hamilton

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


Rent Cost in Hamilton

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
570 NZD 850 NZD 2,300 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $520 $1,400
1-bedroom apartment
850 NZD 1,400 NZD 3,400 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$520 $830 $2,100
2-bedroom apartment
1,100 NZD 1,700 NZD 4,500 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$690 $1,000 $2,800
3-bedroom apartment
1,400 NZD 2,300 NZD 6,200 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$830 $1,400 $3,800
Furnished apartment
2,700 NZD 6,800 NZD 14,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,700 $4,100 $8,300
Townhouse
2,300 NZD 3,400 NZD 9,700 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $2,100 $5,900
House
2,700 NZD 6,800 NZD 14,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,700 $4,100 $8,300
Villa
3,400 NZD 8,500 NZD 14,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,100 $5,200 $8,300

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Hamilton ranges between 570 NZD and 2,300 NZD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 850 NZD to 3,400 NZD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,100 NZD and 4,500 NZD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,400 NZD to 6,200 NZD. The average rent of a townhouse in Hamilton is around 3,400 NZD while house rental costs can be as high as 6,800 NZD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,400 NZD to 14,000 NZD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Hamilton

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
110,000 NZD 170,000 NZD 340,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$69,000 $100,000 $210,000
1-bedroom apartment
140,000 NZD 230,000 NZD 850,000 NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$83,000 $140,000 $520,000
2-bedroom apartment
230,000 NZD 680,000 NZD 1.4M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140,000 $410,000 $830,000
3-bedroom apartment
750,000 NZD 1.1M NZD 3.4M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460,000 $690,000 $2.1M
Townhouse
970,000 NZD 2.3M NZD 8.5M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590,000 $1.4M $5.2M
House
1.1M NZD 6.8M NZD 9.7M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$690,000 $4.1M $5.9M
Villa
1.4M NZD 7.5M NZD 11M NZD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$830,000 $4.6M $6.9M

The average price of a studio apartment in Hamilton can range from 110,000 NZD to 340,000 NZD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 140,000 NZD to 850,000 NZD. A villa can cost you 7.5M NZD on average with prices ranging from 1.4M NZD to 11M NZD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Hamilton 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


41 x120 monthly income 199
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Hamilton can be x120 to x199 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x120 multiples of the average monthly salary in Hamilton.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


21% 30% of income 39%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Hamilton is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 39% 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
28%

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
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.1%

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.


9.6 NZD 120 NZD 1,200 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 Hamilton

Housing32%

32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)

LOW$310   520 NZD
AVERAGE$940   1,600 NZD
HIGH$6,300   10,000 NZD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

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

Transport, Fuel6%

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

LOW$70   110 NZD
AVERAGE$210   340 NZD
HIGH$1,400   2,300 NZD
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

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

LOW$140   230 NZD
AVERAGE$420   690 NZD
HIGH$2,800   4,600 NZD
Per Month

Healthcare11%

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

LOW$79   130 NZD
AVERAGE$240   390 NZD
HIGH$1,600   2,600 NZD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

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

LOW$44   72 NZD
AVERAGE$130   220 NZD
HIGH$870   1,400 NZD
Per Month

Education2%

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

LOW$17   29 NZD
AVERAGE$52   86 NZD
HIGH$350   570 NZD
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$160   260 NZD
AVERAGE$470   780 NZD
HIGH$3,100   5,200 NZD
Per Month


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

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)

LOW$480   790 NZD
AVERAGE$1,400   2,400 NZD
HIGH$7,700   13,000 NZD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$73   120 NZD
AVERAGE$220   360 NZD
HIGH$1,200   1,900 NZD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

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

LOW$170   290 NZD
AVERAGE$520   860 NZD
HIGH$2,800   4,600 NZD
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

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

LOW$200   340 NZD
AVERAGE$610   1,000 NZD
HIGH$3,300   5,400 NZD
Per Month

Healthcare13%

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

LOW$160   260 NZD
AVERAGE$480   790 NZD
HIGH$2,600   4,200 NZD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

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

Education2%

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

LOW$29   48 NZD
AVERAGE$87   140 NZD
HIGH$470   770 NZD
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$250   410 NZD
AVERAGE$740   1,200 NZD
HIGH$4,000   6,500 NZD
Per Month


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

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (23% to 38%)

LOW$650   1,100 NZD
AVERAGE$1,900   3,100 NZD
HIGH$10,000   17,000 NZD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

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

LOW$160   270 NZD
AVERAGE$470   770 NZD
HIGH$2,600   4,200 NZD
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

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

LOW$370   600 NZD
AVERAGE$1,000   1,700 NZD
HIGH$5,800   9,500 NZD
Per Month

Healthcare10%

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

LOW$160   270 NZD
AVERAGE$470   770 NZD
HIGH$2,600   4,200 NZD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$100   170 NZD
AVERAGE$290   480 NZD
HIGH$1,600   2,600 NZD
Per Month

Education14%

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

LOW$290   470 NZD
AVERAGE$820   1,300 NZD
HIGH$4,500   7,400 NZD
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$240   400 NZD
AVERAGE$700   1,100 NZD
HIGH$3,800   6,300 NZD
Per Month


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

Housing20%

20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)

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

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

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

LOW$30   49 NZD
AVERAGE$74   120 NZD
HIGH$130   220 NZD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

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

LOW$52   86 NZD
AVERAGE$130   210 NZD
HIGH$230   380 NZD
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

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

LOW$150   240 NZD
AVERAGE$370   610 NZD
HIGH$670   1,100 NZD
Per Month

Healthcare8%

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

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

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$37   61 NZD
AVERAGE$93   150 NZD
HIGH$170   270 NZD
Per Month

Education19%

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

LOW$140   230 NZD
AVERAGE$350   580 NZD
HIGH$640   1,000 NZD
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$110   180 NZD
AVERAGE$280   460 NZD
HIGH$500   820 NZD
Per Month
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