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Cost of Living in Manukau City

Manukau City, Auckland, New Zealand

▼ -13% vs New Zealand average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,554 ($942)
Couple, monthly$2,828 ($1,714)
Family of four, monthly$3,724 ($2,257)

Estimated Prices in Manukau City

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$14.27 ($8.65)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$57.08 ($34.60)per meal
Cappuccino$4.28 ($2.59)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$323 ($196)per month
Monthly public transport pass$52.33 ($31.71)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$138 ($83.61)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$39.96 ($24.22)per month
Fitness club membership$39.96 ($24.22)per month
Cinema ticket$10.47 ($6.34)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$866 ($525)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$603 ($365)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,808 ($1,096)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Manukau City is $4,604 ($2,790) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,554 ($942) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $2,020 ($1,224) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($603 ($365)) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Manukau City

Manukau City vs AucklandManukau City vs ChristchurchManukau City vs WellingtonManukau City vs NorthcoteManukau City vs HamiltonManukau City vs Tauranga

Nearby Cities

Auckland

19 km away · Auckland

Pukekohe East

23 km away · Auckland

Northcote

24 km away · Auckland

Waiuku

30 km away · Auckland

Waitakere

33 km away · Auckland

Thames

62 km away · Waikato

Hamilton

95 km away · Waikato

Cambridge

112 km away · Waikato

Other Major Cities in New Zealand

Auckland

Auckland · pop. 1,470,100

$2,246 ($1,361) / mo

Christchurch

Canterbury · pop. 383,200

$1,794 ($1,087) / mo

Wellington

Wellington · pop. 216,200

$1,683 ($1,020) / mo

Northcote

Auckland · pop. 205,605

$1,683 ($1,020) / mo

Hamilton

Waikato · pop. 176,500

$1,683 ($1,020) / mo

Tauranga

Bay of Plenty · pop. 151,300

$1,683 ($1,020) / mo

Dunedin

Otago · pop. 106,200

$1,683 ($1,020) / mo

Lower Hutt

Wellington · pop. 103,400

$1,683 ($1,020) / mo

Living in Manukau City

Manukau City is one of the key cities in New Zealand. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,554 ($942), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $603 ($365) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,724 ($2,257) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,828 ($1,714) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Manukau City is $4,604 ($2,790). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $2,020 ($1,224) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manukau City expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,554 ($942) per month in Manukau City including rent outside the city centre. That is 13% less than the national average for New Zealand.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Manukau City?
A net salary of around $2,020 ($1,224) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Manukau City with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Manukau City is $4,604 ($2,790).
How much is rent in Manukau City?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $866 ($525) per month in the city centre and $603 ($365) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,808 ($1,096).
Is Manukau City cheaper than New Zealand on average?
Yes — Manukau City is estimated to be about 13% cheaper than the New Zealand average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Manukau City?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $323 ($196) in Manukau City. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $14 ($9) and a cappuccino runs around $4 ($3).
How do transport costs in Manukau City compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Manukau City is estimated at $52 ($32). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Manukau City are estimates based on New Zealand national averages adjusted for city size. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.