Why is Christchurch cheap?

As New Zealand's second-largest city, Christchurch is home to 392,100 residents, yet the city is much more affordable than other New Zealand cities like Wellington, Hamilton and Tauranga. This is because Christchurch is a large, sprawling city and is unrestricted geographically in its growth.

Is Christchurch a cheap place to live?

Christchurch is New Zealand's most affordable big city to live in. The cost of living is still more expensive than in smaller towns, however, you'll find houses and rentals far more affordable than in even smaller cities like Gisborne, Napier or Tauranga.

Is Christchurch, UK a nice place to live?

Your guide to moving to Christchurch

The stunning local scenery and close proximity to the beaches make Christchurch an ideal place to raise a family. It boasts excellent schools, and the town centre is filled with amenities like markets, cultural activities, and charming pubs and restaurants.

Where not to buy in Christchurch?

Parts of Christchurch such as New Brighton, South New Brighton, South Shore, and Red Cliffs are particularly susceptible to coastal inundation and tidal flooding. As sea levels rise over the coming decades, these risks are expected to increase. When inspecting a property, look for signs like: Soggy or waterlogged lawns.

Is New Zealand cheaper than the UK?

As you can see from the examples given above, many things in New Zealand are more expensive compared to the UK. Even so, the overall cost of living is lower, especially when utility bills are taken into consideration.

NZ House Price Insanity! This week - Warkworth

What's the nicest city in New Zealand?

Why is Christchurch so famous?

Christchurch has strong cultural connections with its European elements and architectural identity. Christchurch is also home to a number of performing arts centres and academic institutions (including the University of Canterbury).

Is Christchurch, NZ a nice place to live?

The South Island's biggest city is a special place. Christchurch is bordered by mountains, oceans, and rivers, making it a nature-lover's dream. And aside from that, it's a city with great opportunities for career growth, family life, and home buyers.

Is Christchurch a wealthy city?

Ten years ago, 40 of 70 suburbs in Christchurch had a median household income above the national average. That fell to 32 in 2018, and 23 in 2023. The difference between the highest and lowest-income suburbs in Christchurch was $59,000 in 2013, $79,000 in 2018, and $89,000 in 2023.

Why are people moving to Christchurch?

Housing affordability and study opportunities were likely strong factors for those trends, 2023 Census spokesperson Dr Rosemary Goodyear said. Recruiter Luke Wilson moved from Auckland to Christchurch with his partner in July 2021.

Why is Christchurch, UK famous?

The town's harbour, beaches, nature reserves and historically important buildings have made Christchurch a popular tourist destination.

What is the nicest suburb in Christchurch?

Merivale is one of the best suburbs in Christchurch for a number of reasons. For starters, it's in a central location, not taking long to head into the CBD. It's also known for its local mall where you'll find boutique shops, fashion outlets, cafes and bars.

What is the cheapest suburb in Christchurch?

House prices in Christchurch

As of January 2025, the Christchurch suburbs with the highest median prices were in Scarborough, Kennedys Bush, Fendalton and Merivale, while the lowest median house prices were in Phillipstown, Linwood, Aranui and Wainoni.

Is Christchurch a walkable city?

Experts say Christchurch's central streets are becoming more pedestrian-friendly, naming Oxford Tce, around Te Pae, and on Lichfield St near the new stadium. But the city's suburbs remain poorly connected, with needing more to be done for Christchurch to become a truly walkable city, they say.

How much does a house cost in Christchurch?

The average house value in Christchurch City was $757,610 in March 2025, which was lower than the New Zealand median of $881,338. House value growth in Christchurch City increased by 1.5% for the year to March 2025. Growth was greater than in New Zealand (-2.1%).

Which city is safest in New Zealand?

Wellington is New Zealand's safest large city. Older children regularly cross the city on public transport to get to school. And Wellington's diversity means all expats can find their community. Wellington is still a city, with a rowdy party scene in some parts of downtown on Friday and Saturday nights.

Where is the happiest place to live in New Zealand?

Christchurch has been recently crowned New Zealand's happiest city by the 2024 Happy City Index, an annual assessment conducted by the London-based Institute for Quality of Life. The Garden City emerged as the sole New Zealand city in the Top 37 2024 Happy City Index, earning a “gold” category ranking at 32nd place.

What is the prettiest part of New Zealand?

What is the minimum salary in NZ?

Is healthcare free in New Zealand?

Government funding means that the New Zealand healthcare system, for citizens and permanent residents, is either free or low-cost. Hospital and specialist care are covered if the patient is referred by a general practitioner (GP).

Can Brits move to New Zealand?

This travel authority allows you to travel and stay in New Zealand for six months. However, if you want to stay for an extended period of more than six months, or you want to come to New Zealand to work, you will have to apply for a visa. British nationals are eligible for New Zealand temporary and residency visas.

Why is Christchurch so popular?

Ōtautahi Christchurch is the city of exploration, a refreshing urban centre full of new secrets to discover. If you haven't been here in a while, you're in for a surprise. The city, regarded as 'the newest city in the world' has been through some massive changes in the past few years.

Does it snow in Christchurch?

Does it snow in Christchurch? On average, it does snow in winter in Christchurch at least once a year however, multiple years can go by without seeing any snowfall. If it does snow, the temperatures aren't cold enough to keep it around for long, with most snow melting away within a day or two once touching the ground.

What percent of Christchurch is white?

75.4 percent of people in Christchurch City belong to the European ethnic group, compared with 67.6 percent for New Zealand as a whole.