Cost of Living in New Zealand: Discover the Expenses and Plan Your Budget!

Are you dreaming of living in New Zealand? Wondering if it’s within your reach? The good news is, yes! Let’s break down the cost of living in New Zealand in detail now.

*Disclaimer: all prices are referential, costs may vary at any time.

Cost of living in New Zealand

New Zealand boasts a fantastic quality of life, with its major cities ranking among the best in the world to call home. Of course, such a lifestyle comes with a price tag, and the cost of living in New Zealand is indeed a bit high.

It’s essential to note that these costs align reasonably well with wages. The minimum wage in New Zealand for 2024 stands at 22.70 NZD* per hour. Pursuing a more specialized job, like hospitality and tourism in New Zealand, could lead to a higher salary than the minimum – worth considering.

Working in New Zealand often means earning more than in your native land, even in entry-level positions.

Now, if you’re after specific numbers, setting a universal budget proves challenging due to the vast differences in lifestyles. Despite this, it’s fair to mention that the average monthly cost of living in New Zealand typically falls between 2,000 and 4,000 NZD*.

Crunch the numbers on the hours you’d need to work to earn that amount, and suddenly, the cost of living in New Zealand doesn’t seem as daunting, does it? Consider the possibilities!

Food prices in New Zealand

On average, your monthly spending on groceries will range from 260 to 330 NZD.

As with any place worldwide, the cost of living in New Zealand is influenced by the supermarket you opt for when purchasing groceries. PAK’nSAVE, known for its affordability, operates in several cities across New Zealand.

Now, for a closer look at specific prices you might encounter on the shelves:

• Milk (1 liter): 2.61 NZD*.
• Eggs (one dozen): 11 NZD*.
• Potatoes (1 kilo): 3.64 NZD*.
• Apples (1 kilo): 4 NZD* (depending on the time of the year)
• Minced meat (1 kilo): 20.32 NZD*.

New Zealand Leisure Price

Renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and national parks, New Zealand provides abundant leisure opportunities without requiring hefty expenditures.

While there might be an initial investment for acquiring suitable footwear and warm clothing, it typically ends there.

Contrastingly, a night out in New Zealand, encompassing dinner, drinks, and cab fare, tends to total around 150 NZD*. Here are some prices for your reference as you calculate the cost of living in New Zealand:

• A coffee: 5 NZD*.
• One beer: 4 NZD*.
• Take-out: 15 NZD*.
• Big Mac combo: 15 NZD*.
• A meal in a restaurant: 25 NZD*.

Accommodation prices in New Zealand

When considering rental prices in New Zealand, a significant contrast exists between the two primary cities, Auckland and Wellington, both located on the North Island and the remainder of the country.

Moreover, variations in prices are inevitable, influenced by factors such as the neighborhood, views, and amenities offered by each property.

Given that rent is the factor that most significantly impacts the cost of living in New Zealand, securing affordable accommodation goes a long way in addressing this challenge. In Auckland or Wellington, it’s commonplace to opt for shared apartments.

This approach not only reduces rental costs but also spreads out the expenses for services. In New Zealand, it’s customary to quote prices weekly, aligning with the prevalent method of salary payments.

For instance, in Auckland:

• Renting a room in a shared apartment starts at 400 NZD* per week.
• Renting a complete house to share between three people can cost up to 1,100 NZD* per week.
• Staying in a homestay ranges from 250 to 450 NZD* per week.

If you want to see prices on your own, we recommend you to visit nzflatmates. There you will be able to see real offers from people looking to share their apartments and the amenities they offer.

General costs in New Zealand

Now that you’ve got a grasp of accommodation, food, and entertainment costs in New Zealand, let’s delve deeper into understanding the overall cost of living in New Zealand. However, before we conclude, let’s not overlook one often-forgotten aspect – miscellaneous expenses:

• Transportation: for Student Visa holders, short distances cost 1.40 NZD*, while bigger distances are priced at 2.20 NZD*. InterCity tickets start at 10 NZD*.
• Gym: monthly tuition at an affordable gym is around 60 NZD*. Beyond that, you’ll find a range of prices to suit your preferences.
• Cell phone: The cost depends on the plan you choose. A basic Vodafone plan, for instance, comes in at 40 NZD* per month.
• Fixed Internet: Companies like Contact offer plans starting at 80 NZD* per month for fiber optic internet.

With all these numbers, you may be overwhelmed, worrying about the affordability of staying in New Zealand. Take a breath!

Information and resources on cost of living in New Zealand

As mentioned earlier, this budget is just an approximation.

Ideally, creating a personalized budget that aligns with your lifestyle is key to avoiding surprises. For this purpose, we suggest utilizing resources tailored to help you calculate your own cost of living in New Zealand:

The New Zealand government’s Immigration Department provides a handy Cost of Living Calculator. By inputting a few details about yourself, you can discover estimates for your potential salary and the amount needed to live comfortably in New Zealand.

Additionally, this page assists in determining the salary required in New Zealand based on your accustomed or desired lifestyle. A brief form prompts you to indicate your spending level (frugal, modest, or high) across various items.

Lastly, Expatistan offers practical comparisons for the cost of living in different cities in New Zealand, helping you identify the most suitable option for your needs. Explore these resources to tailor your understanding of the cost of living in New Zealand.

Study and work in New Zealand with GrowPro

While the cost of living in New Zealand may be on the higher side, the encouraging news is that you have the opportunity to work while pursuing your studies. This is a common choice for many young individuals embarking on educational journeys in the country.

If studying in New Zealand is your dream, achieving it is not as challenging as it may seem. Explore the study and work experiences curated by GrowPro, and take the first step by filling out the form to request more information!

We trust that this article has provided valuable insights. As evident, while the cost of living in New Zealand may be relatively high, it becomes entirely affordable through work opportunities. Opting to travel with us ensures we assist you with any queries, leaving you free to savor the entire experience.

So, with no more excuses in your way, why wait any longer to kick-start your adventure in New Zealand? If you’re still seeking reasons, stay with us and discover more motivations – start packing, and we’ll see you in New Zealand!