Rewire Abroad Logo

Hastings, New Zealand
Capital City

Follows New Zealand Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,237
Retiree Score
65.0
Safety Index
—
Healthcare
6 facilities

With a population of just 49,000, Hastings is a sleepy provincial city that struggles to offer the amenities and opportunities of New Zealand's bigger centers. The region's agricultural economy and rural charm come at a cost - heavy bureaucracy and a perpetual struggle to attract investment. While the sunny, temperate climate is ideal for wine production, Hastings also faces periodic natural disasters, including a devastating 1931 earthquake that killed 93 residents. For those seeking a quieter pace of life in a tight-knit community, Hastings may be a suitable choice, but it offers little to ambitious professionals or urban thrill-seekers.

Can I afford Hastings?

$

Hastings

You could save

763/mo

Savings Rate25%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,263
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$975

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
25/100
Retiree Score
(i)
65/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
58/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets New Zealand Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
—
Safety
6
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $3
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $10
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$20
Meal (Mid-range) $180
Cappuccino $6
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $289
Mobile Plan (mo) $51
Gym (mo) *$60
Cinema Ticket $18

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $505
1BR Outside (mo) *$381
3BR Center (mo) $805
3BR Outside (mo) *$605

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Havelock North, Akina
Best For
families, agriculturalists

Expat Life Notes

A major horticultural hub. Havelock North (nearby) is the affluent choice for many expats and professionals.

Pros

  • ✓ Excellent wine and food
  • ✓ Warm climate for NZ
  • ✓ Strong agriculture economy

Cons

  • ✗ High car dependency
  • ✗ Socially conservative pockets
  • ✗ Quiet nightlife

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1164 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec

Also Consider

Manukau, New ZealandWaiheke Island, New ZealandRibeirão Preto, BrazilLiving in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil offers a tech-forward, affordable lifestyle with modern amenities. Ideal for expats seeking a balance of urban convenience and Roeselare, BelgiumLiving in Roeselare, Belgium offers affordable Flemish living with local breweries and manageable size. Ideal for expats seeking quiet, budget-friendly Belgian

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Hastings

Click any question to expand the answer.

Hastings has a population of approximately 49,000 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $3,156 per month in Hastings, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1263/month.

The nearest airport to Hastings is WLG, approximately 255km away.

Share This Guide