If you plan to head to New Zealand, Auckland is undoubtedly one of your options, right? To decide on this incredible metropolis, there are many things you’ll need to consider, and one of the most important is the cost of living in Auckland.
Creating a realistic budget is essential. You need to calculate Auckland’s living expenses including housing costs, food, transportation, activities like studying, services, and also some extra for fun. Because a budget out of balance can ruin your experience!
That’s why here we’re going to try to clarify this matter a bit. We’ll talk about the cost of living in Auckland, so with this information, you can have a much clearer view when you decide to live a Kiwi-style adventure.
*Disclaimer: Keep in mind that these costs are illustrative and can vary at any time. You should also know that these are average costs, and you may find them at a higher or lower price in different areas of the city
What is the cost of living in Auckland?
Auckland’s living expenses vary between approximately 2,000 NZD and 4,000 NZD monthly.
It seems like a broad range, and it’s because giving an exact figure is very complicated, since everyone has a different lifestyle.
On one hand, you can live in Auckland in a homestay, meaning living in a room with a Kiwi family, or you can also share an apartment and split expenses. On the other hand, you can decide to rent a flat just for yourself or a house.
The final budget will depend a lot on everyone’s lifestyle. It’s not the same as buying groceries and cooking at home as dining out every day at five-star restaurants, right?
Let’s look at some basic costs that give us a better idea of the cost of living in Auckland. This way, it will be easier to create a budget tailored to your needs.
Cost of rent in Auckland
Choosing where you’re going to live determines a big part of the budget for the cost of living in Auckland. Many factors influence the cost of your accommodation, from whether it’s a homestay or a shared flat to whether it’s an apartment just for you.
Another factor to consider is the size of the space you’re renting and the area where it’s located. It’s not the same to live in the downtown and heart of Auckland as to live in the outskirts.
In terms of costs, you can find a homestay starting at 200 NZD per week. If you’re not interested in living with a Kiwi family, you could get a shared flat with other roommates for around 300 to 500 NZD per week.
Now, if you decide that having your apartment is your thing, your budget will increase considerably. You can find apartments between 670 and 850 NZD per week, depending on the size of the property and the area.
Regarding where to live in Auckland, here are what we consider the best areas of the city. Choose the area that suits you best and calculate the cost of living in Auckland.
- Downtown
It’s the heart of the city, where everything starts and everything “moves.” Here, you’ll find a myriad of businesses, bars, restaurants, fashion stores, and local markets. Additionally, art galleries, museums, and theaters make this area a vibrant and very interesting place.
The cost of accommodation usually varies a lot but can range between 1,200 and 1,500 NZD per month. Being in the eye of the storm is not cheap, but it’s definitely worth it.
- Ponsonby
Ponsonby is a suburb very close to the center, and it’s the favorite neighborhood of students who come to live in Auckland. Why? Because of its lively bars with live music, cafes with delicious food, vintage clothing stores, and several other attractions.
In this area, accommodation usually costs between 1,000 and 1,200 NZD per month. The price may seem somewhat high, but this area is excellent, and being so close to the center is worth every penny, don’t you think?
- Parnell
If you’re a history lover, Parnell is the neighborhood where you should live in Auckland. This is one of the oldest suburbs in the center, and therefore, it looks like an old town. The lifestyle in this area of the city is quite calm, and the cost of accommodation is considerably lower, which is good for tight budgets if you’re calculating the cost of living in Auckland.
- Newmarket
Considered the “fashion capital of Auckland,” Newmarket is an excellent area to live in. Located southeast of the center, you’ll find very exclusive fashion stores, elegant restaurants, and modern art galleries.
Being such an important commercial area, accommodation prices are high. Here you can spend between 1,600 and 1,800 NZD per month; however, there are great opportunities to find work, so one thing compensates for the other.
- Howick
Another attractive historical suburb, and also coastal, to live in Auckland is Howick. Here you’ll find some of the most important historical buildings in Auckland and the country. Oh, and let’s not forget its lively bars and restaurants that will make your mouth water.
Howick is very well-connected to the center, so moving from one place to another won’t be a problem. The cost of accommodation usually varies between 900 and 1,100 NZD per month, but if you look carefully, you can find it for a lower price.
Cost of utilities in Auckland
Auckland living expenses don’t end just with renting a place, as you’ll also have to pay for the property’s utilities. In New Zealand, electricity, gas, water, and digital services are not free.
Some rents may already include services in the rate, but that doesn’t always happen. So it’s best to know the approximate costs of services to have them included in your budget; they are part of the cost of living in Auckland.
For the basic services of a home (water, gas, and electricity), the average cost is from 180 to 250 NZD per month for one person. As for digital services, they can vary a bit more.
Many Kiwi companies offer data and telephony packages. That is, you can hire your cell phone service and have a very large data package; this way, you can use your cell phone as a modem for your other devices. Depending on the company and the service package, the cost can vary between 40 and 80 NZD per month.
Cost of food in Auckland
Another factor to consider in the cost of living in Auckland is food. This is very important, as the expense can be variable depending on your diet, preferences, and lifestyle.
Let’s look at some basic food costs to give you a better idea:
- 1 litre of whole milk: 2.61 NZD
- 1 dozen eggs: 11 NZD
- 1 kg of potatoes: 3.64 NZD
- National beer from the supermarket (16 oz): 4 NZD
- Bottle of national red wine: 21 NZD
On average, the cost of food for cooking at home amounts to about 260 to 330 NZD per month. As a recommendation, frequent supermarkets that regularly have offers, such as Pack n Save or Countdown.
Cost of transportation in Auckland
Another thing that adds to Auckland’s living expenses is public transportation. This is very important to calculate the cost of living in Auckland, as you’ll use this service daily during your stay in New Zealand.
The cost of transportation will depend on whether you’re in New Zealand as a tourist or a student. If you want information on this, you can visit our specialized article on New Zealand visas.
- Cost for students: long distance from 2.97 NZD, short distance 1.70 NZD.
- General cost: long distance: from 3.90, short distance 2.20 NZD.
Don’t miss the chance to live your next great adventure in Auckland! Discover our educational experiences and choose your favorite, we’ll help you with all the paperwork!
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