A simple NZ household budget calculator: enter take-home pay and what you spend in each category (weekly, fortnightly or monthly — mix and match), and see what's left, how it splits between needs and wants, and whether you're hitting a savings target.
Sorted suggests paying yourself first — even 5% builds an emergency fund.
Income per week—
Spending per week—
Left over per week—
Left over per year—
Needs (housing, bills, food, transport)—
Wants (eating out, fun, subs, personal)—
General information only — not financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are estimates from the inputs you enter. Confirm with your adviser, accountant, lender or insurer.
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Prices exclude GST. Illustrative tools only — not legal, tax or financial advice.
How to use it without lying to yourself
Pull the last two months of bank and card statements and put real averages in, not what you intend to spend. Groceries, eating out and transport are where most NZ budgets are 20–30% under-estimated. Put annual bills (rego, insurance, school fees) in as their weekly equivalent so they stop being surprises.
Needs, wants, savings
A common rule of thumb is roughly 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and debt repayment. With NZ housing costs many households can't get needs under 50% — that's a structural issue (rent, mortgage, childcare), not a discipline one. If your needs are over 60%, the answer is usually a bigger move (flatmate, refinancing, childcare subsidy check on Work and Income) rather than cutting subscriptions.
Assumptions and sources
Frequencies
Everything normalised to a weekly figure (÷52) for comparison; annual = weekly × 52.
Needs vs wants
Needs = housing, utilities, insurance, groceries, transport, debt, kids, health; wants = the rest. Change categories as you see fit.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026. Rates and thresholds change — check the linked sources before relying on a figure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 50/30/20 budget rule?
Spend about 50% of take-home pay on needs (housing, bills, food, transport, minimum debt payments), 30% on wants, and put 20% toward savings and extra debt repayment. It is a guide, not a law — adjust the split to your situation.
How much should I save each week in NZ?
Sorted suggests starting with whatever you can automate on payday — 5–10% of take-home is a common first target, building an emergency fund of three months' expenses before longer-term goals.
What is the average weekly household spend in NZ?
Stats NZ's Household Economic Survey puts average household expenditure well over $1,500 a week, with housing the largest item, but averages hide huge variation by region and household size. Your own statements are the better benchmark.
Where can I get free budgeting help in NZ?
MoneyTalks (0800 345 123) connects you to free financial mentors nationwide; Sorted.org.nz has free tools and guides; Work and Income can check what support you may be eligible for.
