Cost of Living NZ 2026
Cost of Living in the NZ Election 2026
The cost of living is a major election issue for disabled people, older New Zealanders, carers, people living with sickness, low-income households, families and whānau.
Rising costs for food, housing, electricity, transport, healthcare and insurance can place significant pressure on people living on fixed or limited incomes. For many disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, ordinary household expenses are combined with additional disability-related costs.
How the Cost of Living Affects Different New Zealanders
Cost-of-living pressures do not affect every household in the same way. Some people can respond to rising prices by working additional hours, changing jobs or reducing optional spending. These choices may not be available to disabled people, older people, carers or those unable to work because of sickness or long-term health conditions.
People who depend on New Zealand Superannuation, the Supported Living Payment, Jobseeker Support, the Disability Allowance or other forms of income assistance need confidence that their income will keep pace with essential living costs.
Rising food prices can make it difficult for households to afford healthy meals, specialist diets and essential household supplies.
Rent, mortgage payments, rates, maintenance and insurance can consume a large proportion of a household’s income.
Disabled people, older people and those with health conditions may need additional heating, cooling or electricity for medical and mobility equipment.
GP visits, prescriptions, dental care, specialist appointments and travel to medical services can create ongoing financial pressure.
Fuel, public transport, mobility taxis and accessible vehicle costs can limit people’s ability to reach work, education, healthcare and community activities.
Mobility equipment, personal care, home modifications, medical supplies and accessible services can add substantial costs to everyday life.
Benefits, pensions and allowances must provide enough income for people to meet essential costs and participate in their communities.
Family carers can face reduced employment opportunities, additional household costs and limited access to financial support.
Questions Political Parties Should Answer
Before the 2026 General Election, political parties should clearly explain how their policies will improve financial security for households facing the greatest cost-of-living pressures.
- How will essential food and household costs become more affordable?
- What action will be taken to reduce housing insecurity and high rental costs?
- Will benefits, pensions and allowances keep pace with the true cost of living?
- How will disabled people be supported with additional disability-related expenses?
- What assistance will be available for electricity, heating and medical equipment costs?
- How will healthcare, dental care and prescription costs be made more affordable?
- What financial support will be provided to family carers?
- How will accessible and affordable transport be improved?
- What protections will be provided for older people living on fixed incomes?
- How will low-income households be supported to participate fully in their communities?
Cost-of-living policy must consider more than average household expenses.
Disabled people and those living with sickness may face unavoidable costs that other households do not experience. These can include specialist transport, mobility equipment, medical supplies, home support, accessible housing and higher electricity use.
As political parties release their policies, this page will be updated with information about income support, housing, food, transport, healthcare, power costs and the additional expenses associated with disability, sickness and caring responsibilities.
Explore more information in our NZ Election 2026 Disability Issues section and visit our page about disability healthcare, employment and income issues .
Child Poverty and Disability
Families raising disabled children often face higher everyday costs, reduced earning opportunities and greater financial pressure. Learn more about the connection between child poverty, disability and material hardship in New Zealand.
Read About Child Poverty and Disability