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Cost of Living in New Zealand for International Students & Family
New Zealand is famous for its picturesque sceneries, dynamic cities, and excellent living standards. Whether you're a student, a professional, or planning to settle with your family, it's essential to factor in the cost of living in this island nation.
This article summarises living expenses and familiarises you with the necessary costs before moving to New Zealand.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is gathered from online platforms as of 14th September 2024. The sources are provided below.
Table of Contents
Average Cost of Living in New Zealand for International Students
New Zealand is a top choice for international students for its high-quality education. Here's a breakdown of the typical expenses for International students:
Average Cost of Living in New Zealand for Bachelors, Couples & Families
Understanding the average cost of living in New Zealand is crucial if you are planning a move with your family or for higher studies.
Here's an overview of the average living costs in New Zealand that will help you plan your expenses:
Cost of Living in Major Cities in New Zealand
Cost of Living in Auckland
The cost of living in Auckland is as follows:
Cost of Living in Wellington
The cost of living in Wellington is as follows:
Cost of Living in Christchurch
The cost of living in Christchurch is as follows:
Cost of Living in Hamilton
The cost of living in Hamilton is as follows:
Cost of Living in Dunedin
The cost of living in Dunedin is as follows:
Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in New Zealand
Several factors affect living costs in New Zealand. Some of them are mentioned below:
Location
The price of accommodation is cheaper in areas outside big cities or in the countryside. Auckland and Wellington are more prominent cities, meaning living costs are more significant than other areas.
Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle choices like eating out affect expenditure hugely.
Housing Costs
Depending on the place or area and type of house, rent takes the most significant chunk of monthly expenditures.
Transport
Public transport is cheaper in cities, while having your car may entail other expenses such as fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.
Groceries and Utilities
The prices of foods and other essentials vary depending on the place. Local products are usually relatively cheaper than imported goods.
What is the Average Income in New Zealand?
The average salary in New Zealand depends on various factors, such as education level, job, industry, location, and age. However, it is generally NZD 4,420 per month.
The required income for a comfortable life in New Zealand depends on personal circumstances:
- Students: Monthly student expenses typically range from NZD 1,200 to NZD 1,800.
- Bachelors: A single person may need between NZD 4,000 to NZD 5,000 per month for comfortable living.
- Couples: Couples generally require a combined income of NZD 5,000 to NZD 6,000 monthly.
- Families: A family of four might need between NZD 6,000 and NZD 7,000 monthly to cover living costs.
The following table lists the average salary of popular jobs in New Zealand:
How Expensive is New Zealand Compared to Other Countries?
New Zealand is more expensive than many countries due to its high-quality services, healthcare, and education. However, living costs are still lower than in cities like New York, London, and Sydney.
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in New Zealand
Here are some tips to save money while living in New Zealand and maintaining a budget:
- Try sharing apartments with others to reduce the cost of accommodation, especially in cities.
- The Public transport system is quite inexpensive in New Zealand, and it can effectively reduce the expenses of having a car.
- Buying foods from the local markets may be cheaper than buying those from supermarkets.
- Use energy-saving appliances and switch off lights whenever they are not required to save on electricity bills.
- Cooking at home rather than ordering food from restaurants is way cheaper. Reduce eating out to save on expenses.
- Try participating in cheap or free events in New Zealand, including outdoor activities such as hiking, which would keep entertainment costs low.
- Keep an eye on discount offers and coupons when buying at supermarkets.
- Look into your subscriptions and cancel the ones that are not used often.
- Lower heating and cooling costs can be achieved by properly insulating and sealing windows and doors.
- Try buying furniture, appliances, and clothes from thrift stores. These are relatively cheaper than purchasing new ones from the market.
New Zealand offers a high quality of life and various opportunities, depending on their preferences. Focusing on your expenditure patterns is essential to control the average cost of living in New Zealand and make wise financial decisions.
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