These are the cheapest places to live in New Zealand

The West Coast isn’t just the cheapest place to rent, it’s one of the most beautiful. With wild, windswept beaches, untouched glaciers and world-class hiking, here's why you might find yourself happy and stress-free in this stunning corner of New Zealand:

• The average rent is far lower than any other region, with three bedroom standalone houses renting for as little as $350 a week on Trade Me Property and one bedroom self-contained units starting at $250 to $300. 

• If you’re looking to buy, the West Coast is home to some of the cheapest houses in New Zealand. The average house price in 2024 was $486,850 but you’ll find properties for under $200,000 if you look hard enough. 

• In fact, the cheapest property sold in 2023 was in a West Coast town called Runanga — it went for just $57,000. 

Keen to see what the West Coast has to offer? Check current listings here.

Southland is one of those places in New Zealand that has it all — affordability, natural beauty, and a sense of community. The average rental property here costs $475 a week, and the average home costs just over $500,000. But look at the bang for your buck. You’re not just getting a roof over your head; you're getting great surfing at the Catlins, the beautiful Fiordland, and of course, delicious Bluff oysters — all at your doorstep.

And if you take a closer look, there are even cheaper regions in Southland, such as Taupere, which has a median house price of just $280,050, according to Opes Partners. 

Find a cheap rental in Southland.

With the lowest cost of living by a long shot, Christchurch is a real bargain compared to Wellington and Auckland. You can snag an average rental for about $590 a week, which is pretty decent considering the amenities and lifestyle. And if you’re thinking about buying, the average price for a one or two-bedroom home sits around $581,300. Not too shabby for a city packed with charm and plenty to do.

Find a cheap rental in Christchurch City.

Auckland is a city of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, all wrapped up in a mild climate — it’s no wonder everyone wants to live here. But that high demand has pushed property prices and rent through the roof, making it one of the priciest cities around. The average asking price of $1,033,800 on Trade Me Property. And rent isn’t any better, averaging $675 per week.

That being said, there are still some affordable suburbs in Auckland. 

In Auckland Central, you can snag a small one-bedroom apartment starting at just $300 a week. Venture a bit further out, and three-bedroom homes go for just over $500 in places like Tuakau, Waiuku, Pukekohe, Ōtara, and Rānui.

There are even some cheap rentals going on the stunning North Shore. For example, a three-bedroom home averages around $600 a week in Beach Haven. 

Whether you fancy a nosy or you’re looking for somewhere to call home, you can use Trade Me Property to find the cheapest places to live in New Zealand (or an affordable home in the city of your choice). 

Just visit Trade Me Property, choose 'for sale' or 'for rent', pick a location and a price range and hit search.