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Cost of Living in Palmerston North

Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand · Population 81,500

▼ -6% vs New Zealand average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,683 ($1,020)
Couple, monthly$3,066 ($1,858)
Family of four, monthly$4,040 ($2,449)

Estimated Prices in Palmerston North

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$15.35 ($9.30)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$61.38 ($37.20)per meal
Cappuccino$4.60 ($2.79)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$348 ($211)per month
Monthly public transport pass$56.27 ($34.10)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$148 ($89.90)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$42.97 ($26.04)per month
Fitness club membership$42.97 ($26.04)per month
Cinema ticket$11.25 ($6.82)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$949 ($575)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$660 ($400)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,980 ($1,200)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Palmerston North is $4,950 ($3,000) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,683 ($1,020) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $2,188 ($1,326) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($660 ($400)) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Palmerston North

Palmerston North vs AucklandPalmerston North vs ChristchurchPalmerston North vs WellingtonPalmerston North vs NorthcotePalmerston North vs HamiltonPalmerston North vs Tauranga

Nearby Cities

Feilding

15 km away · Manawatu-Wanganui

Levin

42 km away · Manawatu-Wanganui

Whanganui

67 km away · Manawatu-Wanganui

Masterton

68 km away · Wellington

Waikanae

74 km away · Wellington

Paraparaumu Beach

79 km away · Wellington

Paraparaumu

80 km away · Wellington

Upper Hutt

99 km away · Wellington

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 Palmerston North

Palmerston North is one of the key cities in New Zealand. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,683 ($1,020), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $660 ($400) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $4,040 ($2,449) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $3,066 ($1,858) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Palmerston North is $4,950 ($3,000). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $2,188 ($1,326) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Palmerston North expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,683 ($1,020) per month in Palmerston North including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for New Zealand.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Palmerston North?
A net salary of around $2,188 ($1,326) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Palmerston North with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Palmerston North is $4,950 ($3,000).
How much is rent in Palmerston North?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $949 ($575) per month in the city centre and $660 ($400) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,980 ($1,200).
Is Palmerston North cheaper than New Zealand on average?
Yes — Palmerston North is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the New Zealand average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Palmerston North?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $348 ($211) in Palmerston North. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $15 ($9) and a cappuccino runs around $5 ($3).
How do transport costs in Palmerston North compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Palmerston North is estimated at $56 ($34). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Palmerston North are estimates based on New Zealand national averages adjusted for city size (population 81,500). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.