Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the New Zealand Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Wellington's property market is included in our pack
Wellington is New Zealand's compact capital, and it punches well above its weight when it comes to culture, walkability, and access to nature.
This guide gives you concrete numbers on rent, salaries, schools, safety, and property prices in Wellington in 2026, so you can plan your move with confidence.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and changes in Wellington's expat landscape.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Wellington.
Is Wellington a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, Wellington's quality of life trajectory is stabilizing after several years of cost-of-living pressure, with inflation cooling and mortgage rates beginning to ease, though affordability remains a challenge for newcomers.
The factor that has improved the most in Wellington over the past two to three years is the city's café and hospitality scene, which has rebounded strongly after pandemic disruptions and now offers more diverse dining and cultural options than ever before.
However, the persistent challenge in Wellington remains housing quality relative to price, as many older homes are cold, damp, and expensive to heat, which continues to frustrate both renters and buyers alike.
These trends together mean that while Wellington is becoming more livable in some respects, the housing stock issue keeps dragging down overall satisfaction for many residents.
Are hospitals good in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, Wellington's hospitals meet or exceed Western European and North American standards for emergency and acute care, with the public system providing quality treatment though wait times for elective procedures can be long.
The hospitals most commonly recommended by expats in Wellington are Wellington Regional Hospital for acute and tertiary services, Hutt Hospital in Lower Hutt, and Kenepuru Hospital in the Porirua area.
A standard GP consultation in Wellington in 2026 typically costs NZD 60 to 85 (USD 35 to 50, EUR 32 to 46) if you are enrolled with the practice, or NZD 85 to 110 (USD 50 to 65, EUR 46 to 60) for casual or non-enrolled patients.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats in Wellington who want faster access to elective surgeries, more choice of specialists, and shorter wait times, even though the public system covers emergencies well.
Are there any good international schools in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, Wellington has a solid cluster of private and international-curriculum schools, with around half a dozen options popular among expat families, offering IB programmes and strong academic results.
The international schools most reputable among expat families in Wellington include Scots College in Strathmore Park, Queen Margaret College in Thorndon, and Samuel Marsden Collegiate School in Karori.
Annual tuition fees for private and international schools in Wellington in 2026 range from NZD 21,000 to 45,000 (USD 12,500 to 27,000, EUR 11,500 to 24,500), with international student fees often sitting at the higher end of that range.
Waitlists for popular private schools in Wellington can require applying 6 to 12 months in advance for key entry years, and while public schools are generally good, access to the best ones depends heavily on living in the right school zone.
Is Wellington a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Wellington is considered the safest large city in New Zealand and consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world, with violent crime being rare and most incidents involving property theft rather than personal safety.
The most common safety concerns expats should be aware of in Wellington are bike theft, car break-ins (especially at hiking trailheads), and some rowdiness in the entertainment district around Courtenay Place on weekend nights.
The neighborhoods generally considered safest for expats in Wellington include Thorndon, Kelburn, Oriental Bay, Mount Victoria, Karori, and the eastern suburbs like Miramar and Seatoun, all of which have low crime rates and good community feel.
Women can generally live alone safely in Wellington with normal big-city precautions, and many solo women reside in suburbs like Te Aro, Newtown, and Mount Victoria without issues, though secure building entry and well-lit routes home at night are still recommended.
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How much does everyday life cost in Wellington in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person needs approximately NZD 5,800 per month (USD 3,450, EUR 3,150) to live comfortably in Wellington, covering a decent one-bedroom apartment, regular dining out, gym membership, and some domestic travel.
For a more modest but decent lifestyle in Wellington, a single person can manage on around NZD 4,200 to 4,800 per month (USD 2,500 to 2,850, EUR 2,300 to 2,600), though this requires careful budgeting on dining and entertainment.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Wellington, including a nicer apartment, frequent restaurant meals, and weekend activities, typically requires NZD 7,000 to 8,500 per month (USD 4,150 to 5,050, EUR 3,800 to 4,600) for a single person or couple.
The expense category that takes up the largest share of a monthly budget in Wellington is rent, which averages around NZD 600 per week (NZD 2,600 per month) for a one-bedroom apartment near the CBD, representing roughly 45% of total monthly expenses.
What is the average income tax rate in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, the effective income tax rate for a typical middle-income earner in Wellington (earning around NZD 110,000 gross per year) is approximately 24%, plus about 1.7% for the ACC earners' levy, bringing the total to around 26%.
New Zealand's income tax brackets range from 10.5% on income up to NZD 14,000, through 17.5%, 30%, 33%, and up to 39% on income over NZD 180,000, with most Wellington professionals falling into the 30% to 33% marginal brackets.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in New Zealand versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Wellington in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top countries of origin for expats living in Wellington are the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, the United States, and various European and Asian countries, with a particularly strong representation in government and professional services sectors.
Wellington has a significant foreign-born population, with estimates suggesting that around 25% to 30% of the city's residents were born overseas, making it one of the more internationally diverse cities in New Zealand after Auckland.
The main reason expats from these top origin countries are drawn to Wellington is the concentration of government, policy, consulting, and knowledge-economy jobs, combined with the city's reputation as a cultural hub with a high quality of life.
The expat population in Wellington is predominantly working professionals rather than retirees or digital nomads, with many employed in public sector roles, IT, consulting, academia, and the creative industries.
Where do most expats live in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top neighborhoods where expats concentrate in Wellington are Te Aro (for walkability and nightlife), Thorndon (close to Parliament and the CBD), Kelburn (university-adjacent with views), Mount Victoria (character homes), Oriental Bay (premium waterfront), and Newtown (diverse and practical).
The main characteristic that makes these neighborhoods attractive to expats in Wellington is their combination of walkability to the CBD, access to cafés and restaurants, and the ability to live without a car, which is particularly valued by newcomers adapting to the compact city layout.
Emerging neighborhoods in Wellington that are starting to attract more expats include Petone in Lower Hutt (beach lifestyle with cafés), Miramar (film industry hub near the airport), and Brooklyn (village feel with views), all offering slightly more affordable rent than central Wellington.
Are expats moving in or leaving Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, the trend for expat migration in Wellington appears to be a selective inflow, with skilled workers in specific sectors still arriving but some families leaving due to housing costs and limited warm, dry housing stock.
The main factor driving expats to move to Wellington right now is the availability of skilled jobs in government, policy, IT, and professional services, combined with the city's reputation for safety, culture, and work-life balance.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Wellington recently is the combination of high housing costs, the quality of older rental housing stock (cold and damp), and the city's famously windy and wet weather, which can wear on people over time.
Compared to similar destinations in the region, Wellington's expat population trend is more stable than Auckland's (which has seen more volatility) but less dynamic than smaller lifestyle destinations like Queenstown or Tauranga.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Wellington in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Wellington are the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, and the Work to Residence Visa for those in Green List occupations.
The main eligibility requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (the most commonly used expat visa) include having a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer, meeting health and character requirements, and being paid at least the market rate for your role.
New Zealand does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa as of early 2026, though remote workers can sometimes use visitor visas for short stays, and the government has relaxed some rules around remote work, making it easier to work remotely while visiting on certain visa types.
The typical validity period for the Accredited Employer Work Visa is up to 5 years depending on the role, and renewal involves demonstrating continued employment with an accredited employer, with a pathway to residence available for many skilled roles.
How long does it take to get residency in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain residency in New Zealand ranges from 12 to 24 months from arriving on the right work visa, assuming you are in an in-demand occupation and your employer supports the pathway.
Common factors that can delay the residency application process in Wellington include incomplete documentation, delays in English language test results, health certificate processing times, and any requests for additional information from Immigration New Zealand.
Under current rules, an expat must typically live and work in New Zealand for at least 2 years in a skilled role (earning above the median wage) to become eligible for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, with new pathways opening in August 2026 that may offer slightly different requirements.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of New Zealand. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Wellington in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three industries hiring the most in Wellington are the public sector (government, policy, and regulatory roles), IT and cybersecurity, and professional services including consulting, audit, and advisory firms.
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Wellington without speaking Te Reo Māori or any language other than English, as Wellington is an English-first city and many workplaces are internationally mixed, though some cultural awareness is appreciated.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Wellington are specialist positions in IT, data analysis, policy development, project management, and health professions, particularly where local skill shortages exist.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical salary range for expats working in Wellington is NZD 90,000 to 140,000 per year (USD 53,500 to 83,000, EUR 49,000 to 76,000) for mid-level professionals, with significant variation depending on industry and specialization.
Entry-level to mid-level expat positions in Wellington typically pay NZD 65,000 to 90,000 per year (USD 38,500 to 53,500, EUR 35,000 to 49,000), covering roles like junior analysts, early-career professionals, and support positions.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Wellington can command NZD 140,000 to 200,000 or more per year (USD 83,000 to 119,000, EUR 76,000 to 109,000), particularly in areas like IT leadership, senior policy roles, and consulting partners.
Employers in Wellington do sponsor work visas, but this happens most commonly in skills-short areas like IT, specialist policy, health, and engineering, and is much less common for generalist roles with plenty of local applicants.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Wellington right now?
What do expats love most about living in Wellington right now?
The top things expats love most about living in Wellington are the walkability of the compact CBD, the density of culture and cafés for a small city, and the quick access to nature with coast, hills, and trails just minutes away.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Wellington is the work-life balance, with short commutes, a relaxed pace compared to larger cities, and the ability to easily fit outdoor activities into daily routines.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Wellington is being able to live without a car, as the compact city layout means most daily needs are within walking distance or a short bus ride from central neighborhoods.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Wellington particularly enjoyable for expats is the vibrant arts, food, and coffee scene, with world-class museums like Te Papa, excellent craft beer, and a creative community that punches well above its weight for a city of 200,000 people.
What do expats dislike most about life in Wellington right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Wellington are the quality of housing relative to price (many older homes are cold and damp), the persistent wind and wet winter weather, and the general cost creep on rent and everyday items.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Wellington is dealing with the wind, which can make outdoor dining unpleasant, blow umbrellas inside out, and generally affect plans on a regular basis throughout the year.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Wellington is the property rental market, where competition is intense, references and documentation requirements are extensive, and securing a good rental often requires acting very quickly.
These common frustrations are generally manageable rather than deal-breakers for most expats, as the positives of Wellington's lifestyle tend to outweigh the negatives for those who appreciate the city's unique character and priorities.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Wellington right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Wellington are how quickly plans become weather-dependent, the "who you know" effect in such a small capital city, and how early many things close compared to larger global cities.
The social norm that surprises newcomers the most in Wellington is the informality of professional settings, where first names are used almost universally, dress codes are relaxed, and hierarchy is much flatter than in many other countries.
The aspect of daily routines that takes the longest for expats to adjust to in Wellington is the early closing times of shops and restaurants, with many places shutting by 5pm or 6pm on weekdays and limited options on Sundays, which can feel restrictive for those used to 24-hour cities.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in New Zealand compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Wellington in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Wellington is restricted under the Overseas Investment Act, meaning most non-residents cannot simply buy an existing home like a local would, though there are pathways for those on residency tracks.
The specific restrictions that apply to foreigners buying property in Wellington include a "commitment to reside" test for those on certain visas, OIO (Overseas Investment Office) approval requirements for most purchases, and exemptions mainly limited to new apartment developments with special certificates.
Foreigners in Wellington can generally buy new apartments in approved developments (where exemption certificates allow up to 60% foreign ownership), but cannot buy existing houses or land without meeting residency requirements or obtaining special consent.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Wellington.
What is the average price per m² in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Wellington is approximately NZD 6,500 (USD 3,850, EUR 3,550), with houses typically ranging from NZD 5,000 to 7,000 per m² and apartments from NZD 7,000 to 10,000 per m² due to smaller floor areas.
Property prices in Wellington have been relatively stable over the past two to three years after a period of significant growth, with the December 2025 median house value in Wellington City sitting around NZD 880,000, representing a slight softening from peak prices but remaining historically high.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Wellington here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Wellington in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Wellington are available on a limited basis, with approval highly dependent on having New Zealand-sourced income, a stable visa or residency situation, and a larger deposit than local buyers typically need.
The banks in Wellington known to consider mortgages for foreigners (on a case-by-case basis) include ANZ, ASB, BNZ, and Westpac, though policies vary and using a mortgage broker who specializes in non-resident lending is strongly recommended.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Wellington include a minimum deposit of 30% to 40% (compared to 20% for residents), interest rates currently ranging from 4.8% to 5.6% for fixed terms, and maximum loan terms of up to 30 years subject to age and income verification.
Documents and eligibility requirements foreigners typically need to qualify for a mortgage in Wellington include proof of New Zealand income, 3 months of bank statements, tax returns (potentially translated if from a non-English country), a valid work visa or residency, and evidence of deposit funds with clear source documentation.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in New Zealand.
Buying real estate in Wellington can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Wellington, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Stats NZ | New Zealand's official statistics agency and the baseline source for incomes and earnings. | We used it to anchor typical earnings in Wellington. We then translated that into comfortable salary estimates once rent and local costs are added. |
| Cotality (CoreLogic NZ) | A widely cited property index used by banks, media, and policymakers. | We used it as the primary benchmark for Wellington house values. We then calculated price per m² and buying feasibility from that baseline. |
| Trade Me Property | A large marketplace dataset that's transparent and updated regularly. | We used it to get current Wellington-specific median rent signals. We then built monthly budget estimates from these rental figures. |
| Tenancy Services NZ | A government source based on lodged rental bonds from real transactions. | We used it to cross-check rent levels against Trade Me data. We then used rent as the biggest input into monthly budget calculations. |
| Inland Revenue (IRD) | The official tax authority for statutory ACC levy rates and income tax. | We used it to add the real payroll levy that many expats forget. We then calculated net pay and effective tax-rate estimates accurately. |
| Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora | The national public health system and authoritative source for hospital coverage. | We used it to describe the Wellington public hospital network. We then explained when private insurance becomes useful for expats. |
| Immigration New Zealand | The authoritative source for visa rules, eligibility, and processing information. | We used it to list visa options expats actually use. We then translated rules into realistic paperwork checklists and timelines. |
| LINZ | The government guidance explaining Overseas Investment screening rules clearly. | We used it to explain when foreigners can and cannot buy property. We then mapped rules to common visa and residency scenarios. |
| MBIE | The government ministry synthesizing official labour market indicators. | We used it to describe hiring conditions in Wellington. We then translated that into which expat profiles find it easier to land jobs. |
| Ministry of Justice (NZCVS) | The official survey capturing both reported and unreported victimisation. | We used it to avoid relying only on police reports for crime data. We then translated findings into practical safety guidance for Wellington. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in New Zealand. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
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