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These are the cheapest places to live in New Zealand

New Zealand is expensive - but these cities and towns aren’t

Ben Tutty
Last updated: 9 July 2025 | 3 min read
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Discover New Zealand's most affordable places to live, for both renting and buying. The West Coast ranks as the cheapest region overall, with average house prices around $452,250.

Southland is the second most affordable area, offering great value and lifestyle benefits. For those seeking city life, Christchurch is the most budget-friendly major centre. Even in pricey Auckland, affordable suburbs like Ōtara and Rānui exist. Use Trade Me Property to find your ideal home.

The cheapest place to live in New Zealand — West Coast

Second cheapest — Southland

Invercargill is the biggest city in Southland and one of the cheapest cities in NZ.

Christchurch: Cheapest major city in New Zealand

The cheapest places to live in Auckland

Auckland is expensive, unless you know where to look.

Find the cheapest places to live in New Zealand

Find the cheapest houses for sale in New Zealand

Author

Ben Tutty Ben Tutty
Content Writer