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New Zealand is a country in Oceania that is famous for its breathtaking natural settings, which include sandy beaches, hot volcanoes, lush forests and lush green hills. Moreover, the lifestyle is quite attractive, students are also coming to New Zealand to study and they should plan a budget to manage their living expenses effectively. On average, a person’s monthly cost of living in New Zealand, excluding rent, is around NZD 1676.
New Zealand is ranked in the second position as the most peaceful country in the world and boasts of prestigious universities recognised worldwide and offers its students a wonderful and pleasant environment to study. If you wish to know about the Cost of Living in New Zealand, continue reading the blog to find out more.
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Cost of Living in New Zealand
The average cost of living in New Zealand is NZD 1676 for an international student without rent. Whereas, renting a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from NZD 14,00 to NZD 2,750. The overall cost of living in New Zealand can differ based on an individual’s budget and lifestyle choices. The cost may change depending on your city of residence.
The cost of living in New Zealand for an individual is influenced by several key factors, including housing rent, food and grocery expenses, public transportation costs, and utility bills. These costs can vary based on personal preferences and living standards you prefer. Here are some categories that contribute to the overall cost of living in New Zealand:
Also Read: Cost of Living in Seoul: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison
Cost of Food in New Zealand
The price range of eating out in a restaurant may vary significantly. However, the average cost for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around NZD 10 to NZD 45. Whereas at a mid-range restaurant expect to pay roughly NZD 80 to NZD 170 for a meal for two, which often includes three courses.
Restaurant food can be expensive for a student and can impact the cost of living in New Zealand. Therefore preparing food at their residence is a better idea. This will save you a lot of money. For your consideration, we have included the prices of some groceries below. Take a look at the price of essential grocery items in New Zealand:
| Items | Approx Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | NZD 3.03 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | NZD 3.32 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | NZD 3.20 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | NZD 11.13 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | NZD 14.14 |
| Apples (1kg) | NZD 4.66 |
| Banana (1kg) | NZD 3.86 |
| Oranges (1kg) | NZD 5.10 |
| Tomato (1kg) | NZD 9.13 |
| Potato (1kg) | NZD 3.74 |
| Onion (1kg) | NZD 3.27 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | NZD 4.27 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | NZD 1.90 |
Cost of Accommodation in New Zealand
The accommodation cost in New Zealand is counted along with the university charges. It is around NZD 270 per week. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in New Zealand typically costs around NZD 1805 per month for a single occupant whether you choose outside or inside the city centre, whereas a three-bedroom apartment can reach up to NZD 2909 monthly. However, the overall housing expenses in Irvine vary based on factors like the apartment’s location and size.
Do you know, that housing costs hold a large portion of the cost of living in New Zealand? By looking at the table below, you can understand the average housing cost in New Zealand, both inside and outside the city centre:
| Rental Types | Average Cost |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | NZD 1805 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | NZD 1490 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | NZD 2909 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | NZD 2437 |
Utility Cost in New Zealand
The basic utility expenses while living in New Zealand are around NZD 229. It is inclusive of electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. A mobile plan along with mobile data is around NZD 60. The internet or WiFi bill is estimated at NZD 87.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Helsinki: A Comprehensive Guide
Costs of Transportation in New Zealand
The ways of transportation in New Zealand are buses, trains, ferries, rental cars, rideshares, RV and campervan. The fares involved, are generally reasonable, starting at around NZD 4.00 for a ride. Transport costs depend on the type of service and distance travelled.
Public transportation may be a budget-friendly way to get around New Zealand, but one should consider this cost in the average cost of living in New Zealand. To give you an idea, given below are the transportation costs in New Zealand:
| Type of Transportation | Average Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | NZD 4.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | NZD 172.50 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | NZD 4.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | NZD 3.35 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | NZD 2.81 |
Average Tuition Fees in New Zealand
The primary expenses for students pursuing higher studies at universities in New Zealand are the cost of living in New Zealand and the tuition fees. The average tuition fees at New Zealand Universities can vary based on the chosen program and level of education.
Determining the average tuition fees at universities in New Zealand can be challenging for scholars. Therefore, the table below provides the cost of pursuing your education in New Zealand:
| Course Level | Average Tuition Fees |
| Diploma and Short Term Courses | NZD 12000 – NZD18500 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | NZD 22000 – NZD 32000 |
| Master’s Degree | NZD 26000 – NZD 37000 |
| PhD | NZD 6500 – NZD 9000 |
Cost of Living in New Zealand Compared to Other Cities
New Zealand is a dream city for some students but be prepared for a cost of living that reflects its desirability. Compared to other countries New Zealand, is significantly affordable, Individuals need to thoroughly research the cost of living in nearby countries to determine how affordable it is to align their financial goals with their lifestyle in New Zealand.
For your reference, we have given the cost of living in New Zealand compared to other Countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, Germany, Dubai, the UK, South Africa, and Singapore. So to give you an idea of how affordable it is to live in New Zealand to pursue higher education compared to other cities. Please have a look:
| 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 |
| Cost of Living in the UK | NZD 1680 | Approximately equal to New Zealand |
| Cost of Living in South Africa | NZD 940 | Lower than New Zealand |
| Cost of Living in Singapore | NZD 1819 | Higher than New Zealand |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Monaco: A Comprehensive Guide
Why Choose New Zealand to Study Abroad?
Along with the amazing lifestyle and reasonable cost of living in New Zealand, there are many reasons to choose it to study abroad, the following are the reasons to study in New Zealand:
- The popularity of studying abroad in New Zealand among students is growing as it offers a huge selection of courses that students can choose based on their interests.
- New Zealand is home to many top-ranked universities that offer top-notch education and have outstanding teachers to give students the knowledge, cutting-edge skills and practises they need to succeed in the professional world.
- It offers abundant opportunities in many other sectors, including physics, medicine, geology, engineering, computer science, astronomy, agriculture etc.
- The research facilities are fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and provide scope for technological innovations as it is the hub of technological development.
- Studying in New Zealand has many benefits, including allowing students to work 20 hours per week while taking classes and full-time when classes are not in session.
- Students benefit from getting the extra financial assistance they need to live in the nation and pay for their studies. With so many options for research in New Zealand, it is a haven for PhD students
Things to Consider When Moving to New Zealand
Apart from the amazing quality of life and affordable cost of living in New Zealand, there are many reasons that one should consider when moving there, please check out the following reasons to live smartly and peacefully in New Zealand:
- If you like living in a peaceful environment and do not prefer to live in a crowded population then New Zealand is a perfect place for you.
- Before moving you must familiarize yourself with New Zealand’s culture, customs, and way of life. Learn about the indigenous Māori culture, local traditions, and social norms.
- Connect with expatriate communities or local groups to establish a social network before you move.
- You must familiarize yourself with the local slang and phrases used in the country like cling film is called ‘glad wrap’, a cool box is a ‘chilli bin’, and a holiday home is a ‘bach’.
- Climate and geography can vary significantly across the country. Research the weather patterns and understand the implications for your lifestyle, clothing, and activities. Take into account the type of environment you prefer, such as coastal, urban, or rural areas
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FAQs on the Cost of Living in New Zealand
Ans: The average cost of living in New Zealand is around NZD 1667 without rent for a single person. The cost may change depending on your city of residence.
Ans: The average cost of living in New Zealand is around NZD 1667 without rent for an international student. The cost may be a little bit expensive for students. But it is much less than in European and US cities.
Ans: To live comfortably in New Zealand and manage expenses, one would need NZD 3500 per month as this amount is equal to the total cost of living in New Zealand including rent.
Ans: New Zealand citizens earn an average monthly net salary after tax of around NZD 5,164 and one can earn even more if they have the skills and experience. The average monthly net salary here after tax is much higher than the average cost of living in New Zealand. This means you can live your life comfortably and also save some money.
We hope that this blog has provided you with relevant information on the Cost of Living in New Zealand. And if you wish to study abroad, contact Leverage Edu for full assistance. You can also call us at 1800572000 and book a free session today!
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