The cost of Christmas: Kiwis set to spend $5.4 billion this festive season
Kiwis are splashing out this holiday season, according to new research from Finder.
The average person is set to spend a whopping $1,467 this Christmas, for a total national outlay of $5.4 billion, according to a new nationally representative survey of 1,120 respondents.
Travel and gifts top the list of festive expenses, with Kiwis expected to splurge $439 each on accommodation/flights and $411 on presents.
Men ($1,515) are on average set to fork out slightly more than women ($1,424).
Angus Kidman, Finder’s editor-at-large in New Zealand, urged Kiwis to avoid going into debt this festive season.
“Christmas is a notoriously expensive time of year – and soaring inflation and cost of living pressures will make it even more difficult for many.
“Expensive gifts, holiday decorations and Christmas lunch can easily blow your December budget. Think twice before you splash out.”
Finder’s research shows Kiwis will be well-fed this Christmas, spending $273 each on groceries and $123 on eating out.
Some will be having a boozy Christmas, with alcohol expected to cost the average person $86.
Gen Z will be the biggest spenders this festive season, forking out on average $1,553, while millennials will spend the least ($1,329).
Kidman said it was a good idea to set a budget before Christmas.
“Festive fun isn’t worth financial strain in 2023.
“Set a price limit on gifts. You could also suggest each family member buys a present for just one other person.
“Reconsider whether you need to deck the house with ornaments and lights. You can be kinder to your wallet and the environment – and save yourself the post-Christmas cleanup – by ditching the disposable decorations this year.
“Remember it’s not about how much money you spend. Families can replace gifts with options like acts of service or a picnic in the park,” Kidman said.
| How much do you think you’ll spend on the following items this Christmas? | |
|---|---|
| Travel costs | $439 |
| Presents | $411 |
| Groceries | $273 |
| Eating out | $123 |
| Alcohol | $86 |
| Charity | $65 |
| Decorations | $43 |
| Christmas hampers | $28 |
| TOTAL | $1,467 |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,120 Kiwis, November 2022 |
