Understanding the expenses in New Zealand is crucial for anyone planning to move to this beautiful country. From groceries and transportation to utilities and entertainment, having a clear idea of monthly costs helps in better financial planning. According to the latest data from Numbeo, a single person spends approximately 1,688 NZD per month, excluding rent, while a family of four needs around 6,091.4 NZD to cover their basic expenses.
These costs include essentials such as food, healthcare, transportation, and other daily necessities. In this blog, we will provide a detailed breakdown of Cost of Living in New Zealand and provide useful information about student accommodation.
Table of contents
- Average Cost of Living in New Zealand: City-Wise
- Cost of Accommodation in New Zealand
- Cost of Studying in New Zealand
- Cost of Food and Restaurants in New Zealand
- Cost of Transportation in New Zealand
- Cost of Utilities and Internet in New Zealand
- Cost of Living in New Zealand Compared to Other Cities
- How To Reduce Cost Of Living In New Zealand?
- FAQs on Cost of Living in New Zealand
Average Cost of Living in New Zealand: City-Wise
While calculating the cost of living in New Zealand, it is really important to make yourself aware of all the expenses in various cities. Cities like Auckland may have a high cost of living while the cities like Hamilton and Wellington have a lower cost of living. Here’s a table of the average costs of living in New Zealand as per the popular cities.
| Cities | Other costs (without rent) | Average Rent per month |
| Auckland | NZD 1,800 | NZD 2,215 |
| Wellington | NZD 1,900 | NZD 2,500 |
| Christchurch | NZD 1,584 | NZD 2,300 |
| Hamilton | NZD 1,582 | NZD 1,600 |
Cost of Accommodation in New Zealand
Accommodation is one of the most important components of the cost of living in New Zealand. It is something that may vary as per your budget and preference while residing in this foreign country. There are various kinds of student accommodations in New Zealand from which you can choose.
Always remember that on-campus housing accommodation is more affordable and cheaper than off-campus student housing properties in New Zealand. Check out the average rent of the properties you may need to pay during your academic stay in New Zealand.
| Type of accommodation in New Zealand | Cost of Accommodation |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | NZD 1,848.38 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | NZD 1,542.91 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | NZD 2,892.39 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | NZD 2,461.00 |
| On-campus accommodation | NZD 140–400 per week |
Cost of Studying in New Zealand
The cost of studying is another important component of the cost of living in New Zealand. If you are planning to study in New Zealand, be sure to check out the top universities, their rankings, and the tuition fees charged by them for international students.
The cost of living may vary as per the choice of the course and university you have made. Here, we have compiled a list of the top 5 universities that you may consider for your further education, along with their average tuition fees.
Top Universities in New Zealand | Average Tuition Fees |
| University of Auckland | NZD 30,000-NZD 80,000 |
| University of Otago | NZD 39,000-NZD 80,000 |
| Massey University | NZD 35,000-NZD 75,000 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | NZD 31,000-NZD 50,000 |
| University of Waikato | NZD 29,000-NZD 65,000 |
Cost of Food and Restaurants in New Zealand
Food is another important component of the cost of living in New Zealand. According to Stats NZ Tauranga Aotearoa figures released, the food prices in New Zealand are 6.0 per cent higher than a year ago. Here, we have compiled a list of dining in restaurants in New Zealand with the cost of food.
| Restaurants in New Zealand | Cost |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | NZD 25.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | NZD 125.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | NZD 15.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | NZD 11.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | NZD 11.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | NZD 5.65 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | NZD 3.81 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | NZD 3.47 |
To reduce the cost of living It is always advisable to cook your food at home rather than dining frequently at restaurants in New Zealand. Cooking at home will save a lot of money and will also reduce the cost of living. Here’s the list of average prices for groceries and other eatables.
| Groceries and Eatables | Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | NZD 3.01 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | NZD 3.28 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | NZD 3.16 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | NZD 10.88 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | NZD 13.96 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | NZD 15.81 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | NZD 21.57 |
| Apples (1kg) | NZD 4.60 |
| Banana (1kg) | NZD 3.81 |
| Oranges (1kg) | NZD 5.08 |
| Tomato (1kg) | NZD 9.02 |
| Potato (1kg) | NZD 3.62 |
| Onion (1kg) | NZD 3.17 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | NZD 4.13 |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | NZD 1.96 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | NZD 16.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | NZD 5.29 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | NZD 6.20 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | NZD 40.00 |
Cost of Transportation in New Zealand
Transportation is another expense you should allocate the budget while calculating the cost of living in New Zealand. New Zealand has nationwide buses and trains local trams and ferries, and various other options to commute.
But, be sure to check out all the discounts especially provided to international students to commute to the university and explore the city. Let’s quickly go through the cost of transportation in New Zealand from the table below.
| Modes of Transportation | Cost of Transportation |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | NZD 4.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | NZD 191.22 |
| Cycle (Rental per hour) | NZD 1 |
| Ferry (both long and short distance) | NZD 4.7 – 73 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | NZD 4.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | NZD 3.45 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | NZD 60.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | NZD 2.80 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | NZD 45,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | NZD 35,499.02 |
| Domestic Flights | NZD 50 – 70 |
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Cost of Utilities and Internet in New Zealand
Electricity, Internet, and other utilities also require some budget from the cost of living. Various things like power, gas, electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage are included in the utilities. Always be sure to ask your landlord about the inclusion of the cost of utilities in the amount of the rent.
However, most of the time, the cost of utilities is included in the amount of the rent. Here, we have compiled a list of utilities, you may require to pay, if not included in the rent of the student housing property.
| Utilities | Cost of Utilities |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85 sq.m. Apartment | NZD 228.94 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | NZD 59.35 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | NZD 86.55 |
Cost of Living in New Zealand Compared to Other Cities
New Zealand is a popular choice for students, but it’s important to consider the living costs. While generally more affordable than in some countries, comparing expenses with nearby nations helps in planning finances wisely.
To give you a better idea, we’ve compared the cost of living in New Zealand with countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, Germany and Dubai. Check out the details below to see how budget-friendly New Zealand is for students.
| Cost of living country-wise | Approx Costs | Comparison Cost of Living in New Zealand |
| Cost of Living in Australia | NZD 1,805 | Higher than New Zealand |
| Cost of Living in Canada | NZD 1,714 | Higher than New Zealand |
| Cost of Living in the USA | NZD 1,892 | Higher than New Zealand |
| Cost of Living in Germany | NZD 1726 | Higher than New Zealand |
| Cost of Living in Dubai | NZD 1767 | Higher than New Zealand |
Why Study in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers an excellent lifestyle and affordable living costs, making it a great choice for students. Here are some key reasons to study here:
- Wide Range of Courses – Students can choose from a variety of programs based on their interests.
- Top-Ranked Universities – Home to prestigious universities with excellent faculty and high-quality education.
- Diverse Career Opportunities – Strong job prospects in fields like engineering, medicine, computer science, agriculture, and more.
- Advanced Research Facilities – Cutting-edge technology and innovation opportunities in various sectors.
- Work While Studying – Students can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during breaks.
- Financial Support – Part-time work helps students manage expenses and fund their studies.
- Ideal for PhD Students – Extensive research opportunities make it a great place for doctoral studies.
How To Reduce Cost Of Living In New Zealand?
It is always a goal of a student to reduce the cost of living while residing in any other country. Here are some factors you may consider to reduce the cost of living in New Zealand in 2025.
- Try to prepare a realistic budget.
- Stick to your budget outlining your income and anticipated expenditures.
- Explore the cost-effective options during your academic stay.
- Keep an eye on student discounts and offerings.
- Utilise loyalty programs and discount apps to maximise value.
- Consider shared flats, homestays, or smaller abodes outside city centres.
- Research government housing assistance programs if eligible.
- Try to negotiate on rent and bills, wherever possible.
- Prioritise grocery shopping at discount supermarkets or local farmer’s markets.
- Plan meals to minimise food waste.
- Consider cycling or walking for shorter distances.
- Utilise efficient public transportation networks like buses or trains.
- Utilise energy-efficient appliances, practice responsible lighting habits and take shorter showers.
Further Read: Feeling overwhelmed by California’s rental rules? Check out our student-friendly guide to California landlord-tenant laws and get the essential tips for your lease with ease!
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FAQs on Cost of Living in New Zealand
The cost of living in New Zealand varies by location, but on average, students or individuals can expect to pay around NZD 1,500 to NZD 2,500 per month. This includes rent, groceries, transportation, and other daily expenses.
The cost of living in New Zealand is relatively high, particularly in cities like Auckland and Wellington. Rental prices and property values have increased over the years, though costs can be lower in smaller towns and rural areas.
While calculating the cost of living in New Zealand in 2024, allocate NZD 400 to NZD 600 for monthly groceries. Prices can vary based on location, dietary preferences, and shopping habits.
New Zealand has a public healthcare system funded by taxes, which provides many services at low cost or free. However, there are costs for certain services and prescriptions, and private healthcare can be expensive. Health insurance is available for those who prefer it.
Indeed, while calculating expenses and the cost of living in New Zealand, always allocate an amount for the additional cost or emergency expenses.
– Insurance: Health, car, and home insurance are additional expenses to consider.
– Entertainment and Leisure: Costs can include memberships, activities, and events.
– Miscellaneous Costs: Includes things like clothing, personal care, and unexpected expenses.
Eating out in New Zealand varies from NZD 10-20 for a casual meal. A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost NZD 30-50. Cooking at home is more affordable, with grocery costs typically around NZD 300-500 per month.
Compared to other countries like the US or UK, the cost of living in New Zealand can be higher, particularly in major cities like Auckland. However, it is generally considered affordable compared to cities like Sydney or London, especially in smaller towns.
The cost of living in New Zealand includes utilities, which typically range from NZD 150 to NZD 250 per month. This covers electricity, water, gas, and internet. Utilities may be included in the rent in some student accommodations.
Rent in New Zealand depends on the city. In Auckland and Wellington, one-bedroom apartments can cost NZD 1,200-1,800 per month. In smaller cities or towns, rents may range from NZD 800-1,200.
Public transportation costs around NZD 2.50-5 per trip in most cities. Monthly travel cards are available for NZD 100-150. If you’re living in a major city like Auckland or Wellington, public transport is the most cost-effective option.
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