New Zealand has a huge appeal to international students. Its fantastic opportunities and vibrant cities make it easy to understand why. But how much does it cost to live there? It’s important to ensure you’ve researched the financial factors linked to your destination before making any concrete plans.
In this article, we explore the cost of living in New Zealand, providing you with all the information you’ll need to see what your expenses might look like.
What costs can I expect?
What sort of costs should you budget for during your time in New Zealand? Some will come down to your lifestyle choices, but there are some fixed expenses you’ll need to think about too, such as:
- Accommodation
- Food and everyday essentials
- Travel and transport
- Entertainment
- Connectivity (internet, mobile phone, etc.)
- Hidden costs (things that are unique to you, for example, course supplies and visa fees)
Tuition fees
Tuition fees aren’t covered under our ‘cost of living’ expenses, but you’ll need to budget for them. Please read our separate article on tuition fees in New Zealand, but for a general idea, you can expect annual fees in the region of:
- NZD 35,000 to NZD 55,000 (undergraduate level)
- NZD 6,500 to NZD 45,000 (postgraduate level)
The difference in cost between regions
No matter which country you live in, there’s always a variation in expenses between regions. As with anywhere, in New Zealand, cities are usually more expensive than towns or villages.
Generally speaking, New Zealand’s South Island will offer a cheaper student experience than its bustling North Island. Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch all come with the appeal of being vibrant university cities. However, they are also some of the most expensive places to live in the country, while Dunedin in the south offers a lower cost of living.
In most university cities, you’ll find student-friendly districts with cheaper rental options, so don’t let location alone determine where to study.
Accommodation
Rent will almost certainly be your biggest expense as a student (excluding tuition fees). Most universities in New Zealand offer plenty of opportunities for students to live on or near campus in halls of residence owned by the universities.
Other options include privately renting (by yourself or sharing with flatmates or housemates) and homestay (living with a local family).
University residence
Student halls in New Zealand may be either catered or self-catered. While some halls follow the traditional dormitory-style accommodation, some are split into shared flats rather than individual rooms. Your room may be single or shared, and usually, you’ll have access to a range of communal areas, such as a kitchen and living room.
A real benefit of student halls of residence in New Zealand is that they often offer shorter leases than the typical 52-week rental, which is fantastic if you want to return home at the end of the academic year. You’ll have to research what your university offers, but 38, 42 and 48-week contracts are common.
Depending on the city and university, you’ll be looking at spending an average of NZD 346 to NZD 484 per week if you choose university-owned accommodation, with the more expensive properties being fully catered.
Some universities also provide shared student housing on or near campus. Since these are always self-catered, their rent will typically be comparable to that of low to mid-range halls of residence at the same university.
Private rentals
Private rentals in New Zealand are generally more expensive compared to university accommodation. However, they can be cost-effective if you manage your budget wisely.
Renting a room in a shared property is usually much cheaper than renting a place on your own and also offers the opportunity to live with flatmates. Private rentals may come furnished or unfurnished, so make sure to check before signing a lease.
The amount you'll be spending depends on the type, location, amenities and conditions of the property. You can expect to spend around:
-
NZD 140 to NZD 293 per week if you rent a room in a shared property
-
NZD 235 to NZD 370 per week if you rent a studio room by yourself
According to the University of Canterbury, renting a room in a four-bedroom house shared by four people in Ilam, Christchurch, will cost an average of NZD 196 per week.
Unlike many student halls, you’ll probably sign up for a 52-week lease if you rent privately. Most tenants are asked to pay one or two weeks’ rent before they move in, along with a security deposit (equivalent to two to four weeks’ rent). You’ll get your deposit back when you move out, as long as you return the property in good condition.
Most private rentals will not include utility bills in the cost of the rent. According to Numbeo, the average energy bill (gas, water and electricity) of a 915 square feet flat in New Zealand is around NZD 232. Your energy cost will be lower if you choose to rent with flatmates.
Groceries and food
If you’re living in self-catered accommodation, you’ll be learning to cook on a budget. This isn’t as hard as it might sound, so try not to get stressed about it.
Grocery prices vary with areas and types of shops, but here are the average prices of some of the everyday grocery items in New Zealand according to Numbeo:
- Milk (1L): NZD 3.03
- Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): NZD 3.27
- Chicken fillets (1 kg): NZD 16.11
- Apples (1kg): NZD 4.71
- Tomatoes (1 kg): NZD 8.28
- White rice (1 kg): NZD 3.04
- Eggs (12 pack): NZD 10.86
- Potatoes (1 kg): NZD 3.30
- Local cheese (1 kg): NZD 14.02
Cooking your own meals is a great way to reduce your cost of living, but you also deserve an occasional break from time to time. You may want to consider the cost of eating out on top of your grocery shopping.
Naturally, some cities have higher restaurant prices than others, so you'll have to adjust your budget according to the location of your university.
For instance, accordingly to Numbeo, in Rotorua, you will need a monthly food budget of about NZD 70 to NZD 200 if you wish to have dinner at a low-to-mid-range restaurant once a week. However, if your university is in Auckland, you will need approximately NZD 100 to NZD 260 every month to have the same lifestyle.
Transport
Transport costs will vary depending on where you live. For students living on-campus, their transport costs will be minimal as they can walk or cycle to most places.
The most common and cost-effective way to travel is by bus. Some cities also have commuter train services running.
Bus and train fares will increase in price the further you travel. However, student discounts are available. Depending on the city, you may be able to save more than 20% on your ticket so it’s worth looking into the options in your area.
There are no flat-rate fares in New Zealand. A one-way ticket will cost an average of around NZD 4. A monthly travel pass will cost around NZD 200 on average.
Most cities will offer ways to make travel cheaper for regular commuters. Some have pay-as-you-go style cards (which deduct credit from the overall balance) like Auckland’s ATHop card, which also provides significant travel discounts.
Other modes of public transport available in New Zealand include ferries (in some cities) and taxis, although the latter is not a cost-effective way to travel.
Leisure and entertainment
Leisure time and socialising are some of the most important parts of the student lifestyle. While managing your expenses in this area is vital, it's still necessary to budget for some fun.
New Zealand is well-known for its natural beauty. If you enjoy nature, you can visit beaches or go hiking for free. However, the country is also famous for adventure sports like bungee jumping and white water rafting, which come with a higher price tag.
Below are some examples of average leisure and entertainment costs in New Zealand:
- Local beer at a restaurant or bar (1 pint): NZD 11
- Cappuccino: NZD 5.82
- Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: NZD 130
- Cinema ticket: NZD 20
- Monthly gym membership: NZD 63.56
Also, keep in mind that many places offer student discounts, so be on the lookout for those.
Connectivity
Many international students are concerned about keeping in touch with family and friends back home. The easiest way to do this is by using WiFi and a phone with a good data connection.
In New Zealand, the average cost of broadband internet is NZD 85.75 per month for a speed of 60 Mbps or more. This cost is per household, so if you are in a shared house or flat, you'll split the cost with others. Student halls of residence usually provide internet connections at no extra cost.
New Zealand also offers various SIM-only deals to help you stay connected. We recommend having a phone plan with ample data so you can use apps to contact home instead of making expensive international calls.
For a SIM card with calls and at least 10GB of data, you can expect to spend around NZD 60 per month.
Miscellaneous and hidden costs
Unexpected expenses can pop up when you least expect them. It's always good to have an emergency budget just in case.
Also, consider what you'll need upon arrival - bedding and household items may be necessary depending on what your accommodation provides. And don't forget to budget for clothes shopping.
While university libraries should have many of the materials you need for your courses, remember to budget for textbooks, stationery and other study supplies.
If you want to know what expenses to expect before moving to New Zealand as an international student, check out our article about applying for your student visa in New Zealand.
The most important thing is not to get too stressed about these expenses. Keep an eye out for student discounts and, if your visa allows, consider getting a part-time job to support your lifestyle. Once you have your budget organised, everything else will feel easier.
Disclaimer: All figures in this article are indicative only and correct at the time of writing. Since the economy can be subject to rapid, unexpected changes at any time, we always recommend you do your own research before booking any travel.
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