Are you planning to study abroad? Be it an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree, studying in New Zealand could be your personal gateway towards success. New Zealand is home to prestigious universities that offer students a cream-quality industry-focused learning experience. Although to study abroad, you must be aware of the living costs so it doesn’t strain your budget. As an international student, studying abroad could be a little over the top and that’s why RBS Intellect encourages you to find a way to make living expenses more cost-effective. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the topic Study in NZ: Living Cost Comparison (City Wise).
The biggest reason behind New Zealand rapidly becoming one of the most desired student destinations is due to its affordability and student-friendly cost of living. Did you know you could cut your expenses by choosing a city according to your budget? Let’s look at the expenses across different cities in New Zealand:
1. Auckland
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, thus, students can expect higher costs as compared to other cities except Wellington. International students can expect an average expense of NZD 2,000 – 2,500 monthly on rent making it fairly expensive for student accommodation.
| EXPENSE | AVERAGE MONTHLY COSTS |
| Transport | NZD 100 – 200 (Rs 4k – 9k) |
| Food | NZD 150 – 300 (Rs 7k – 14k) |
| Rent | NZD 2000 – 2500 (Rs 98k – 1L) |
| Miscellaneous | NZD 30 – 50 (Rs 1k – 2k) |
| Total | NZD 2,280 – 3,050 (Rs 1L – 1.5L) |
With miscellaneous expenses at NZD 30-50, international students would be expected to allocate around NZD 2,280-3,050 a month.
2. Wellington
The capital city Wellington offers an urban lifestyle, with higher transport costs at NZD 180-250 per month. Rent is significantly higher at NZD 2,000-3,000.
| EXPENSE | AVERAGE MONTHLY COSTS |
| Transport | NZD 180 – 250 (Rs 8k – 12k) |
| Food | NZD 150 – 200 (Rs 7k – 9k) |
| Rent | NZD 2000 – 3000 (Rs 98k – 1.4L) |
| Miscellaneous | NZD 20 – 30 (Rs 987 – 1k) |
| Total | NZD 2,350 – 3,480 (Rs 1.1L – 1.7L) |
Food costs are roughly NZD 150-200, and miscellaneous spending is approximately NZD 20-30. The student should, therefore, budget about NZD 2,350-3,480 for the month.
3. Christchurch
Christchurch is comparatively cheaper for international students, with NZD 1,500-2,500 per month in rent. Transport expenses are expected at NZD 100-150, and food prices are roughly similar to Auckland at NZD 150-300.
| EXPENSE | AVERAGE MONTHLY COSTS |
| Transport | NZD 100 – 150 (Rs 4k – 7k) |
| Food | NZD 150 – 300 (Rs 7k – 14k) |
| Rent | NZD 1500 – 2500 (Rs 74k – 1.2L) |
| Miscellaneous | NZD 30 – 40 (Rs 1k – 1.9k) |
| Total | NZD 1,780 – 2,990 (Rs 87k – 1.4L) |
Considering the miscellaneous costs which stand at NZD 30-40, the student’s total monthly living costs would be at NZD 1,780-2,990, thus being way cheaper than Auckland or Wellington.
4. Hamilton
Hamilton can also be considered as one of the affordable options. The monthly rent is between NZD 1,500-2,000, and transport costs are relatively low at NZD 80-100.
| EXPENSE | AVERAGE MONTHLY COSTS |
| Transport | NZD 80 – 100 (Rs 3k – 4k) |
| Food | NZD 100 – 200 (Rs 4k – 9k) |
| Rent | NZD 1500 – 2000 (Rs 74k – 98L) |
| Miscellaneous | NZD 20 – 30 (Rs 987 – 1k) |
| Total | NZD 1,700 – 2,330 (Rs 83k – 1L) |
Food costs are moderate at NZD 100-200, and miscellaneous costs are NZD 20-30. International students would require a total monthly budget requirement of NZD 1,700-2,330.
5. Dunedin
Accommodation in Dunedin is relatively affordable for international students due to rents being cheaper than the other cities.
| EXPENSE | AVERAGE MONTHLY COSTS |
| Transport | NZD 80 – 100 (Rs 3k – 4k) |
| Food | NZD 100 – 200 (Rs 4k – 9k) |
| Rent | NZD 1500 – 2000 (Rs 74k – 98L) |
| Miscellaneous | NZD 30 – 50 (Rs 1k – 2k) |
| Total | NZD 1,710 – 2,350 (Rs 84k – 1L) |
Dunedin can be easily considered as one of New Zealand’s affordable cities for student life.
Please note – This is just an estimate to provide you with an idea of what the average student living expense could be. Actual expenses can vary based on individual lifestyle and accommodation choices.
For any further queries or doubts, contact our team at RBS Intellect.
Apply Through Us
There are many ways to be cost-effective, choosing a perfect city that financially aligns with you can help you in the long run. Contact our study abroad experts at RBS Intellect to apply to your desired university in New Zealand.