Renting Guide

How much is rent in NZ?

Don’t overpay — check our data on the average rent in New Zealand before you sign your lease.

Last updated: 7 November 2024


Searching for a rental in New Zealand can sometimes feel like a guessing game. How do you know if the rent is fair for the area? That’s where average rent prices come in handy. By checking the typical rent in the area, you can get a clearer idea of whether you're being charged fairly.

To make your life a bit easier, we’ve pulled together the latest rental price data for New Zealand, including major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Average rent in NZ

As of August 2024, New Zealand’s median weekly rent sits at $640 3.2% higher than last year.

Keep in mind that big cities and popular spots like Auckland, Wellington, and the Bay of Plenty typically have higher rents compared to the national average. Meanwhile, rents in other regions across New Zealand are generally more affordable.

Want to see the latest rental trends across New Zealand? Check out Trade Me’s Rental Price Index for the full breakdown.

Average rent Auckland

Auckland is notorious for its high rent prices. The city has New Zealand’s priciest urban property market, with a median weekly rent of $675.

However, there are still areas that offer more affordable options. For example:

  • The median rent for urban houses in Auckland (townhouses, units, and apartments) is $600.
  • If you're looking for a smaller space, the median rent for apartments is just $575.

In general, rent prices for standalone homes tend to be higher in certain areas:

  • North Shore: $720 median rent
  • East Auckland and central spots like Grey Lynn and Herne Bay also tend to have higher rents.

But don’t fret — if you’re after a cheaper deal, there are more affordable suburbs too, especially in South and West Auckland (e.g., Henderson, Massey, and Otara).

Explore more about Auckland's rental prices with our Auckland rental guide.

Average rent Wellington

Wellington’s rental market has been quite tight over the past few years, leading to higher rents. As of August 2024, the median weekly rent in Wellington is $680.

If you're open to smaller spaces, renting a unit or apartment could save you some money:

  • Units: $540
  • Apartments: $595

For more expensive options, look in the affluent central suburbs like Te Aro, Mount Victoria, and Thorndon. On the flip side, areas a bit further out from the city centre — like Porirua, Upper Hutt, and Tawa — tend to have lower rents.

Get a full breakdown of Wellington’s rental market.

Wellington has a high median rent compared to most NZ cities.

Average rent Christchurch

When it comes to major cities, Christchurch is the most affordable, with a median weekly rent of just $560 for urban properties. The wider Canterbury region has a slightly higher median of $590.

Here are some quick stats for smaller homes in Christchurch:

  • 2 bedroom homes: $450-$550 per week
  • 2 bedroom townhouses: $530 per week

Cheaper rent options are typically found in Woolston and Christchurch Central. For a more expensive rent, look toward Fendalton, where you'll find leafy streets and larger homes.

For more details, here's everything you need to know about the Christchurch rental market.

Cheapest place to rent in nz

Looking for a bargain? The cheapest region to rent in New Zealand is Southland, where the median weekly rent is only $475 — that’s a cool $200 less than Auckland.

Other affordable areas to consider are:

  • Waikato: $585 per week
  • The West Coast and several towns in New Zealand's less populated regions also offer affordable rents.

If you need to be in a pricier area like Auckland but want to save a bit on rent, here are a few tips:

  • Look for a property with fewer rooms.
  • Skip the carpark if you can.
  • Consider sharing with a flatmate to split costs.

Keen to take a look for yourself? Jump into Trademe’s search bar, pick a region (or search the whole country) then sort by lowest price to find a bargain.

FAQs — affordable renting in NZ

1. Are there any hidden costs when renting in New Zealand?

Yes. Besides rent, you might need to pay a bond (usually 4 weeks' rent), possible letting fees, and utilities like power or internet. It's also a good idea to get contents insurance for your stuff.

2. How do I know if a rental has been well-maintained?

When you inspect a property, look for any signs of wear and tear or things that need fixing. Check appliances and lighting to make sure everything is safe, like smoke alarms. If anything seems off, ask the landlord about it.

3. Can I negotiate the rent?

It doesn’t hurt to ask. If you're willing to sign a longer lease or pay a few months upfront, the landlord might be open to a small reduction, especially if the property’s been vacant for a while. Learn more about your rights as a tenant here.

4. What’s the process for applying for a rental?

You’ll fill out an application form and provide proof of income (like pay slips), and usually, a credit check is done. Some landlords also want references from past places you’ve rented. It's a pretty standard process, but it's always good to have your details ready. Check out our full guide to renting a house in NZ.

5. What’s the deal with the rental bond?

The bond is typically four weeks' rent, paid upfront. It’s held by Tenancy Services and refunded at the end of the lease as long as there’s no damage or unpaid rent. Learn how to claim your bond back here.

6. Are pets allowed?

Not all landlords accept pets, but some do. It’s always worth asking. If they’re okay with pets, they might ask for a pet bond or add a pet clause to your lease.

7. What if I need to leave before the lease ends?

If your circumstances change and you need to leave early, talk to your landlord. They might let you out of the lease or help find a replacement tenant, but you could be charged a break fee or need to pay rent until someone new moves in.

8. What should I do if my landlord won’t make repairs?

If something needs fixing and the landlord isn’t responding, send a polite written request. If nothing changes, Tenancy Services can step in to help sort things out. For aesthetic changes, read our guide on renter-friendly DIY projects.

9. How can I find the best rental deals?

Keep an eye on listings on Trade Me or Realestate.co.nz. Sometimes, being flexible on location or property type can score you a great deal. Also, asking around locally can uncover hidden gems.

Author

Ben Tutty
Ben Tutty

Ben Tutty is a regular contributor for Trade Me and he's also contributed to Stuff and the Informed Investor. He's got 10+ years experience as both a journalist and website copywriter, specialising in real estate, finance and tourism. Ben lives in Wānaka with his partner and his best mate (Finnegan the whippet).