Wellington, New Zealand 🇳🇿
#604
,
Nomad Score:
67%
💰 Cost & Affordability
💸 Cost of Living
42%
Weight: 150
Wellington is moderately expensive compared to global standards, with higher costs in housing and dining typical of New Zealand cities.
🏠 Accommodation Cost
38%
Weight: 80
Rental prices are relatively high, especially for central locations favored by digital nomads.
🍎 Food & Groceries
51%
Weight: 40
Food prices are above average due to import costs but local produce is fresh and widely available.
🚌 Transportation Cost
67%
Weight: 20
Public transport is affordable with good bus coverage; no metro system but costs remain reasonable.
🎟️ Entertainment Cost
50%
Weight: 15
Entertainment options are diverse but can be pricey, especially dining out and cultural events.
🏋️ Gym Membership Cost
60%
Weight: 10
Gym memberships are moderately priced, with many options including budget and premium facilities.
💱 Currency Stability
89%
Weight: 30
New Zealand Dollar is stable with low volatility, providing financial predictability.
💻 Digital Nomad Essentials
🚀 Internet Speed
78%
Weight: 100
Good broadband infrastructure with widespread fiber-optic availability; speeds suitable for remote work.
👥 Coworking Spaces Availability
72%
Weight: 40
Several well-equipped coworking spaces in the city center catering to freelancers and startups.
☕ Cafes with WiFi
80%
Weight: 30
Numerous cafes offer reliable WiFi and comfortable environments for working.
💻☕ Digital Nomad Friendly Cafes
75%
Weight: 30
Many cafes welcome remote workers with power outlets and good seating.
🌟 Digital Nomad Popularity
55%
Weight: 100
Growing but still a niche destination for digital nomads compared to larger cities.
📱 Local SIM Card Availability
87%
Weight: 25
Easy to purchase prepaid SIM cards with good data plans.
🌟 Quality of Life
⚖️ Work-Life Balance
83%
Weight: 30
Strong cultural emphasis on balance, with ample leisure activities and reasonable work hours.
🌳 Environmental Quality
87%
Weight: 15
Clean air and water, with strong environmental protections and green initiatives.
🧼 Cleanliness
85%
Weight: 10
City is well-maintained and clean, with effective waste management.
🗨️ Language Barrier
98%
Weight: 30
English is the primary language, making communication easy for most digital nomads.
💨 Air Quality
84%
Weight: 15
Generally good air quality, with occasional minor pollution during winter months.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
75%
Weight: 25
Good schools, parks, and family-oriented activities.
🏥 Healthcare
🏥 Healthcare Quality
89%
Weight: 20
High standard healthcare services with well-trained professionals.
💉 Healthcare Affordability
65%
Weight: 25
Public healthcare is subsidized for residents; visitors may face higher costs without insurance.
🏥 Healthcare
87%
Weight: 20
Comprehensive healthcare system with good access to specialists and emergency care.
🌿 Climate & Environment
☀️ Weather
52%
Weight: 80
Mild oceanic climate with frequent rain and cool temperatures; not ideal for those seeking consistent sunshine.
🌪️ Natural Disaster Risk
50%
Weight: 10
Moderate risk of earthquakes and occasional storms; well-prepared infrastructure mitigates impact.
🏞️ Green Spaces
86%
Weight: 10
Abundant parks and natural reserves within and around the city.
❄️ Air Conditioning
34%
Weight: 15
Air conditioning is uncommon due to mild climate; may be uncomfortable during occasional warm spells.
🍂 Seasonal Variety
60%
Weight: 10
Distinct but mild seasons with moderate temperature variation.
🔊 Noise Pollution
79%
Weight: 10
Generally quiet city with low noise pollution outside central nightlife areas.
🎭 Culture & Entertainment
🎭 Culture
81%
Weight: 20
Rich cultural scene with strong Maori heritage and vibrant arts community.
🌃 Nightlife
64%
Weight: 15
Active but relatively low-key nightlife compared to larger cities.
🏞️ Outdoors & Nature
90%
Weight: 15
Excellent access to hiking, beaches, and outdoor activities.
🗣️ Language Learning Opportunities
70%
Weight: 10
Good opportunities to learn English and Maori language through community programs.
🧭 Local Experiences & Tours
78%
Weight: 10
Wide range of cultural tours, nature excursions, and local experiences.
🎳 Indoors Fun
65%
Weight: 10
Museums, galleries, and theaters provide indoor entertainment options.
🍎 Food & Fitness
🍽️ Food Scene
73%
Weight: 25
Diverse culinary options with emphasis on fresh seafood and local produce.
🧠 Yoga Studios
71%
Weight: 10
Several well-regarded yoga studios catering to various styles.
🏋️ Fitness Facilities
70%
Weight: 15
Good availability of gyms, sports clubs, and fitness centers.
🥗 Healthy Food Options
76%
Weight: 15
Plenty of organic markets, vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants.
💼 Work Environment
🕰️ Time Zone Favorability
40%
Weight: 20
GMT+12/13 time zone can be challenging for communication with Europe and Americas.
🤝 Networking Opportunities
68%
Weight: 25
Active startup and tech communities with regular meetups and events.
💻 Remote Job Opportunities
55%
Weight: 20
Limited local remote job market; most opportunities come from international companies.
🆓 Freelance Ecosystem
62%
Weight: 20
Growing freelance community supported by coworking spaces and networking events.
🏢 Coworking Quality
74%
Weight: 30
Modern coworking spaces with good amenities and community support.
📈 Business & Economy
🚀 Startup Scene
69%
Weight: 15
Emerging startup ecosystem with government support and incubators.
💳 Local Payment Services
70%
Weight: 10
Widely accepted digital payment methods and banking apps.
🔗 Blockchain & Crypto Adoption
50%
Weight: 15
Moderate adoption; regulatory environment is cautious but open.
🚆 Transportation
✈️ Airport Connectivity
63%
Weight: 30
Wellington Airport offers domestic and some international flights; major international hubs require connection.
🚇 Public Transit
65%
Weight: 20
Bus network is reliable but limited in coverage; no rail transit within city.
🚶 Walkability
78%
Weight: 20
Compact city center with pedestrian-friendly streets.
🚗 Ride-sharing Services
70%
Weight: 15
Uber and local ride-sharing services are available but less prevalent than in larger cities.
🚲 Cycling
62%
Weight: 10
Growing cycling infrastructure but hilly terrain can be challenging.
🚄 Intercity Travel Options
60%
Weight: 15
Bus and ferry services connect Wellington to other cities; limited train options.
🛵 Scooter/Bike Rental Availability
55%
Weight: 10
Some bike rental options; electric scooters less common.
📡 Connectivity
📱 Mobile Network Coverage
80%
Weight: 20
Strong 4G coverage citywide; 5G expanding but not yet ubiquitous.
🔒 VPN Reliability
85%
Weight: 20
Reliable internet infrastructure supports stable VPN connections.
⚡ Power Grid Reliability
87%
Weight: 15
Stable and reliable electricity supply with minimal outages.
📶 Public WiFi Availability
68%
Weight: 10
Public WiFi available in libraries and some public spaces but limited in coverage.
⚖️ Legal & Administrative
🛂 Visa Ease
60%
Weight: 40
Standard tourist visas are straightforward; digital nomad-specific visas limited.
📊 Tax Friendliness
55%
Weight: 30
Moderate tax rates; complex for foreigners without local residency.
🗣️ Freedom of Speech
95%
Weight: 15
Strong protections for freedom of speech and expression.
🏛️ Political Stability
92%
Weight: 20
Stable democratic government with low corruption.
🏦 Ease of Opening Bank Account
65%
Weight: 15
Possible for foreigners but requires documentation and can be time-consuming.
📄 Ease of Business Registration
70%
Weight: 10
Relatively straightforward process with online options.
📄✈️ Digital Nomad Visa Availability
20%
Weight: 35
No dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2025; standard visas apply.
🌍 Digital Nomad Community
🌍 Nomad Friendly
65%
Weight: 50
Welcoming environment but limited infrastructure specifically for nomads.
🤝 Nomad Events & Meetups
58%
Weight: 25
Occasional meetups and events; community still developing.
🌐👥 Online Community Presence
60%
Weight: 20
Moderate online presence with active local groups on social media.
🛡️ Safety & Tolerance
🛡️ Safety
88%
Weight: 100
Low crime rates and safe public spaces.
♀️ Female Friendly
85%
Weight: 50
Generally safe and inclusive environment for women.
✊ Racial Tolerance
79%
Weight: 50
Multicultural society with ongoing efforts toward inclusivity.