Quick answer: As of 2026, living in Wellington costs approximately $2,265 per month for one person including rent. That is 40% above the $1,620 global median across the 340 cities in the Voyica Cost of Living Index 2026. Against its own region, where the median is $2,171, Wellington is on the more expensive side for Oceania. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1,255 per month, or $1,227 outside the centre. Housing therefore accounts for about 54% of a single person's total monthly cost here. A family of four should budget around $3,772 per month excluding rent. Day to day, an inexpensive restaurant meal runs about $14.97 and a monthly transit pass $108. For anyone weighing a longer stay, median internet speed is 216 Mbps and Wellington scores 82/100 on safety (very safe). Actual costs vary with lifestyle, neighbourhood, and exchange rates; figures come from crowd-sourced price data last refreshed June 2026. See the full Cost of Living Index →
Wellington is a city in New Zealand, where a single person can expect to spend about $2,265 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1,255 per month, or $1,227 outside the centre. Internet is fast at around 216 Mbps median download speed. On safety, Wellington scores 82/100 — very safe for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 68°F and winter highs around 52°F, with roughly 245 sunny days a year.
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A single person should budget around $2,265 per month in Wellington, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs. A family of four typically needs about $3,772 per month excluding rent.
How much is rent in Wellington?
A one-bedroom apartment in central Wellington averages $1,255 per month, dropping to about $1,227 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $2,245.
Is Wellington safe?
Wellington scores 82/100 on safety, which is very safe. Tourist safety is rated 85/100.
How fast is the internet in Wellington?
Median download speeds in Wellington are around 216 Mbps — fast for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 32 coworking spaces in the city.
Does New Zealand offer a digital nomad visa?
New Zealand does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. US passport holders can usually stay 90 days visa-free.
What is the weather like in Wellington?
Wellington sees summer highs around 68°F and winter highs near 52°F, with about 245 sunny days and 125 rainy days per year.
