Christchurch has gone from being one of the the cheapest New Zealand cities in which to build a new home to the most expensive.

The latest figures from QV show it's $6000 pricier to build a typical three bedroom home in Christchurch than Auckland.

It's also more than $20,000 more expensive to build one in Christchurch than in Wellington.

JD Homes owner Jesse Dewys said the increase in costs is down to a number of factors.

"Demand has factored in to it, but the other thing too that has made it safer for all of us that work on a site is the health and safety regulation."

More regulation, changed land conditions and the earthquake have all pushed up the cost of homebuilding in Christchurch.

Mr Dewys said costs have been pushed up by recent events.

"The earthquake has driven it. Where prior to the earthquake I think we were one of the cheapest places in New Zealand to build with."