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Cost of Living in Stratford

Stratford, Taranaki, New Zealand · Population 2,018

▼ -16% vs New Zealand average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,499 ($909)
Couple, monthly$2,727 ($1,653)
Family of four, monthly$3,590 ($2,176)

Estimated Prices in Stratford

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$13.81 ($8.37)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$55.24 ($33.48)per meal
Cappuccino$4.14 ($2.51)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$313 ($190)per month
Monthly public transport pass$50.64 ($30.69)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$134 ($80.91)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$38.67 ($23.44)per month
Fitness club membership$38.67 ($23.44)per month
Cinema ticket$10.13 ($6.14)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$832 ($504)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$579 ($351)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,736 ($1,052)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Stratford is $4,455 ($2,700) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,499 ($909) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,949 ($1,181) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($579 ($351)) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Stratford

Stratford vs AucklandStratford vs ChristchurchStratford vs WellingtonStratford vs NorthcoteStratford vs HamiltonStratford vs Tauranga

Nearby Cities

Hawera

28 km away · Taranaki

New Plymouth

36 km away · Taranaki

Whanganui

93 km away · Manawatu-Wanganui

Turangi

137 km away · Waikato

Feilding

147 km away · Manawatu-Wanganui

Palmerston North

160 km away · Manawatu-Wanganui

Levin

167 km away · Manawatu-Wanganui

Taupo

171 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 Stratford

Stratford is one of the key cities in New Zealand. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,499 ($909), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $579 ($351) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,590 ($2,176) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,727 ($1,653) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Stratford is $4,455 ($2,700). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,949 ($1,181) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stratford expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,499 ($909) per month in Stratford including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for New Zealand.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Stratford?
A net salary of around $1,949 ($1,181) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Stratford with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Stratford is $4,455 ($2,700).
How much is rent in Stratford?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $832 ($504) per month in the city centre and $579 ($351) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,736 ($1,052).
Is Stratford cheaper than New Zealand on average?
Yes — Stratford is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the New Zealand average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Stratford?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $313 ($190) in Stratford. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $14 ($8) and a cappuccino runs around $4 ($3).
How do transport costs in Stratford compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Stratford is estimated at $51 ($31). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Stratford are estimates based on New Zealand national averages adjusted for city size (population 2,018). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.