Cost of living in Christchurch (New Zealand) is 29% cheaper than in Auckland (New Zealand)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 313 prices entered by 31 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | - 13% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Christchurch (New Zealand) is 13% cheaper than in Auckland (New Zealand) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Christchurch | Auckland | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | NZ$22 | NZ$27 | - 17% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | NZ$14 | NZ$17 | - 19% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | NZ$8 | NZ$8 | - 5% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | NZ$2.17 | NZ$2.79 | - 22% | |
| 12 eggs, large | NZ$10 | NZ$12 | - 16% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | NZ$7 | NZ$8 | - 18% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | NZ$7 | NZ$7 | + 0% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | NZ$4.65 | NZ$4.78 | - 3% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | NZ$3.77 | NZ$3.88 | - 3% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | NZ$5.70 | NZ$7 | - 16% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | NZ$23 | NZ$20 | + 15% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | NZ$4.40 | NZ$4.32 | + 2% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | NZ$2.52 | NZ$3.12 | - 19% | |
| Housing | - 30% | |||
| Housing in Christchurch (New Zealand) is 30% cheaper than in Auckland (New Zealand) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Christchurch | Auckland | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | NZ$2,714 | NZ$4,468 | - 39% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | NZ$1,739 | NZ$3,395 | - 49% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | NZ$167 | NZ$219 | - 24% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | NZ$1,909 | NZ$2,510 | - 24% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | NZ$1,124 | NZ$1,989 | - 43% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | NZ$141 | NZ$173 | - 18% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | NZ$78 | NZ$81 | - 4% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | NZ$590 | NZ$708 | - 17% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | NZ$233 | NZ$224 | + 4% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | NZ$14 | NZ$17 | - 17% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | NZ$29 | NZ$34 | - 13% | |
| Clothes | - 21% | |||
| Clothes in Christchurch (New Zealand) is 21% cheaper than in Auckland (New Zealand) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Christchurch | Auckland | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | NZ$133 | NZ$142 | - 6% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | NZ$56 | NZ$91 | - 39% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | NZ$178 | NZ$194 | - 8% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | NZ$193 | NZ$225 | - 14% | |
| Transportation | - 52% | |||
| Transportation in Christchurch (New Zealand) is 52% cheaper than in Auckland (New Zealand) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Christchurch | Auckland | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | NZ$42,814 | NZ$46,556 | - 8% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | NZ$2.80 | NZ$2.84 | - 1% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | NZ$65 | NZ$202 | - 68% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | NZ$28 | NZ$30 | - 8% | |
| Personal Care | - 8% | |||
| Personal Care in Christchurch (New Zealand) is 8% cheaper than in Auckland (New Zealand) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Christchurch | Auckland | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | NZ$13 | NZ$17 | - 21% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | NZ$7 | NZ$5.63 | + 25% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | NZ$60 | NZ$72 | - 17% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | NZ$9 | NZ$9 | - 6% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | NZ$5.31 | NZ$5.91 | - 10% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | NZ$5.48 | NZ$7 | - 21% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | NZ$3.54 | NZ$2.56 | + 38% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | NZ$3.85 | NZ$4.08 | - 6% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | NZ$38 | NZ$40 | - 6% | |
| Entertainment | + 2% | |||
| Entertainment in Christchurch (New Zealand) is about the same as in Auckland (New Zealand) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Christchurch | Auckland | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | NZ$61 | NZ$91 | - 33% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | NZ$35 | NZ$46 | - 23% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | NZ$243 | NZ$290 | - 16% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | NZ$113 | NZ$141 | - 20% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | NZ$18 | NZ$22 | - 16% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | NZ$5.92 | NZ$6 | - 4% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | NZ$12 | NZ$12 | - 7% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | NZ$976 | NZ$982 | - 1% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | NZ$0.81 | NZ$0.39 | + 108% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | NZ$78 | NZ$68 | + 15% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | NZ$32 | NZ$41 | - 21% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 29% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 313 prices entered by 31 different people.
These prices were last updated on April 27, 2025.
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require NZ$12,000 in Auckland you would need to make just about NZ$8,544 in Christchurch.
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Cost of Living and Prices in Similar Cities
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