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Cost of Living in Timaru

Timaru, Canterbury, 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 Timaru

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 Timaru 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 Timaru

Timaru vs AucklandTimaru vs ChristchurchTimaru vs WellingtonTimaru vs NorthcoteTimaru vs HamiltonTimaru vs Tauranga

Nearby Cities

Ashton

58 km away · Canterbury

Rolleston

127 km away · Canterbury

Christchurch

147 km away · Canterbury

Kairaki

162 km away · Canterbury

Wanaka

172 km away · Otago

Dunedin

175 km away · Otago

Mosgiel

179 km away · Otago

Hokitika

188 km away · West Coast

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 Timaru

Timaru 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 Timaru 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 Timaru expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,499 ($909) per month in Timaru 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 Timaru?
A net salary of around $1,949 ($1,181) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Timaru with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Timaru is $4,455 ($2,700).
How much is rent in Timaru?
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 Timaru cheaper than New Zealand on average?
Yes — Timaru 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 Timaru?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $313 ($190) in Timaru. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $14 ($8) and a cappuccino runs around $4 ($3).
How do transport costs in Timaru compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Timaru is estimated at $51 ($31). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Timaru are estimates based on New Zealand national averages adjusted for city size (population 2,018). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.