Cost of Living for International Students in New Zealand

New Zealand, a country in Oceania, immediately springs to mind as a stunning country with incredible locations. It is made of two mainland islands i.e. the North Island and the South Island, and around 700 smaller islands.

The country is filled with unmatched natural attractions. It is also known for its rich culture, well-organized settlements, and excellent food and wine.

However, the nation is more than just its beautiful scenery, the country’s education infrastructure and quality are also top-notch. The country has some of the top universities, including the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, and many others.

Here are a few justifications for choosing to study in New Zealand.

• Quality of life

• You can work to support your education

• Globally recognised qualifications

• Excellent research-based teaching

• Highly experienced faculty

• Great opportunities for PhD scholars

• Laboratories with the latest equipment and technology

• Safe and peaceful

• NZQA and NZQF-authorised courses

• Many merit-based scholarships

• Recognised education by agencies like QS World Uni Rankings 2025, US News &World Report and Times Higher Education Ranking.

New Zealand has 8 universities in total, all of which are ranked among the top universities globally by QS World Rankings 2024. These universities provide international students with a high-quality education that helps them achieve their objectives and learn to tackle difficulties, collaborate with others, and develop and invent.

These universities are listed below. 

• The University of Auckland 

• The University of Otago

• Victoria University of Wellington

• The University of Canterbury 

• Massey University 

• The University of Waikato 

• Lincoln University 

• Auckland University of Technology

According to NZ universities, you will need to budget between NZ$15,000–$20,000 (South Island) and NZ$18,000 – $25,000 (North Island) per academic year for New Zealand expenses, depending on where you live.

An international student's annual cost of living in New Zealand is 1,500 NZD (78,600 INR). New Zealand cost of living for students is roughly 225.5% more expensive than India's. So, it is recommended that you budget an additional expense of 32,000–35,000 NZD (16.77–18.35 lakhs INR) to study in New Zealand.

A master's degree costs between NZD 26,000 (13 lakhs) and NZD 37,000 (19 lakhs) for an academic year, while a PhD may cost between NZD 6,000 (3 lakhs approx) and NZD 9,000 (4 lakhs approx) depending on the amount of funding they receive in New Zealand for their studies.

Moreover, an undergraduate degree typically costs an academic year between NZD 22,000 (11 lakhs approx) and NZD 32,000 (16 lakhs approx). The immigration agency requires the applicant to have at least NZD 10,200 (5 lakhs approx) in their account to demonstrate that they can afford to support their studies, according to the official criteria. After demonstrating this amount, candidates are only given a visa to study in New Zealand.

In addition to your tuition and insurance expenditures, NZD 20,000 (10lakh to 11 lakh) and NZD 25,000 (13 lakhs approx) a year (NZD 380 - 480 per week) living expenses in New Zealand for international students must consider for housing/rent, food, transportation, phone bills, internet usage, and entertainment.

The typical living expense will be the same regardless of your tuition or course fee. Note that these figures are only suggestions; the requirements for immigrating to New Zealand are $15,000 per year plus return flights or an additional $2,000. The table below shows the average cost of living in New Zealand for international students. 

Also, Read: Scholarships to Study in New Zealand

Here are the regional house prices in different cities in New Zealand.

To apply to universities in New Zealand, you must prove to have around 7,88,255 NZD to cover all the New Zealand expenses. The table below shows the average cost of living in New Zealand for different cities.

Here is a detailed overview of the Cost of Living in New Zealand for different cities.

Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, stands out as both a hub for high-paying jobs and the most expensive place to reside in the country. While the city boasts some of the nation's top-salaried positions and a robust job market, the Auckland, New Zealand cost of living for students in terms of rent, property, and dining is notably high.

As per Glimp, a comparison website, an individual looking to live independently in Auckland should aim for a monthly income of at least NZ$5,000, while a family's comfortable living requires around NZ$7,984 per month. Housing expenses, whether in rent or mortgage payments, are steep in Auckland. Living alone in the central business district can cost approximately NZ$2,280 per month, and renting a three-bedroom suburban flat may set you back NZ$2,360. Overall, the average house price in Auckland stands at NZ$1.04 million.

Auckland's central city and nearby suburbs are more conducive to walking or public transportation. However, beyond these areas, the city may not be as pedestrian-friendly, making it advisable to consider purchasing a car for convenient travel throughout the broader metropolitan area.

The capital city of New Zealand, holds the distinction of having the highest rental rates in the country. However, it is comparatively more affordable than Auckland when considering expenses such as groceries and other living costs.

According to the statistics given by Trade Me Rental Price Index, Wellington's median weekly rent stands at NZ$640, and the average house price has reached NZ$1.018 million. Typically, two-bedroom properties in Wellington command rents ranging from NZ$520 to NZ$650 per week, while three-bedroom properties range from NZ$670 to NZ$850 per week.

Living in Wellington offers a cost-saving advantage through its extensive public transport system. Unlike some other cities, owning a car in Wellington is not a necessity, thanks to the availability of buses, trains, and ferries that serve the inner city, Kapiti Coast, and Hutt Valley Regions.

Also, Read: Top 10 Jobs in New Zealand for Indians

Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, has made significant strides in recovery since the impactful earthquake of 2011. Serving as a major business hub, the city boasts a thriving economy, and the ongoing reconstruction efforts have contributed to preventing a sharp increase in housing prices and rents.

In comparison to other major cities in New Zealand, Christchurch stands out as the most affordable. While the cost of living is higher than in smaller towns, it remains notably more budget-friendly than even smaller cities such as Gisborne, Napier, or Tauranga.

For an individual in Christchurch, the cost of living in New Zealand is around NZ$4,298 per month. However, a family of four should aim for a minimum monthly income of NZ$6,224 to meet living expenses in the city. In 2023, the average weekly rent in Christchurch stood at NZ$505. These figures serve as practical benchmarks for understanding the financial aspects of residing in Christchurch, encompassing various essential expenditures like housing, groceries, and utilities.

Despite its small size, Queenstown has gained a reputation for having some of the most expensive housing in New Zealand. Over the past three decades, it has transformed from a modest village into a town synonymous with luxurious accommodations and thrilling activities. The town has grappled with a housing shortage in recent years, a challenge attributed to its geographic location and popularity among tourists and affluent investors. This scarcity has contributed to an overall increase in the prices of goods, food, and services in the area.

As per the latest figures, in Queenstown, the average weekly rent is NZ$700, marking a year-over-year increase of $110 (18.6%). Typically, individuals share this cost among two, three, or four flatmates. For a satisfying solo living experience, a single person should budget at least NZ$5,000 per month, whereas living in a shared flat may require around NZ$4,000 monthly. Supporting a family of four necessitates a minimum monthly income of NZ$8,000. These financial considerations are higher than those in larger cities like Wellington, mainly due to the elevated costs of groceries, dining out, and entertainment in Queenstown.

Some of the most affordable cities in New Zealand are given below. 

• Christchurch 

• Dunedin 

• Whanganaui 

• Rotorua 

• Hamilton 

• Whangarei

Also, Read: Best Courses in New Zealand for International Students After 12th

Accommodation is an important factor when deciding to study at a university. Many universities provide accommodation options to students. Although availing of them is tough, they help reduce the cost of living in New Zealand.

The table below shows the accommodation fees at the top universities in New Zealand. 

The cost of living in New Zealand per month varies, with a single person in a major city requiring around NZ$4,000-NZ$5,000 per month. The monthly cost for a family of four rises to NZ$8,000-NZ$9,000. These estimates encompass accommodation, food, transportation, and other necessities. Hence, it is essential to consider these figures when planning your budget to live in New Zealand.

Below, you can check the average New Zealand expenses on everyday items.

Living in New Zealand is great. Still, there are some unexpected living expenses in New Zealand for international students. You can check those elements below. These will help you to plan your budget better and enjoy your time in New Zealand.

Flights within New Zealand can be a bit expensive. Going between the North and South Islands or flying around the country might cost more than expected. International flights, especially the long ones, can also be pricey. The country only has two main airlines. Flights within the country can range from as low as NZ$60 to NZ$399 during busy times. To save money, booking your flights in advance is a good idea.

New Zealand has different weather in different places. You might need lots of different clothes. Buying good quality clothes here can be a bit expensive, and you might spend more than you planned. On average, you might spend NZ$50 on tops, NZ$120 on sweatshirts, NZ$150 on shoes, and NZ$130 on jeans from mid-priced stores.

Some people like having their own car for the freedom it gives. But owning a car costs money – not just buying it, but also fuel, fixing it, and paying for insurance and registration. On average, a litre of petrol costs around NZ$2.624.

Food prices in New Zealand went up by 12.1% in 2023, according to government data. Fresh food, especially fruits and veggies, got more expensive by 22%, and groceries increased by 14%. Some things, like eggs, went up by 63%, yoghurt by 21.7%, pastries by 17.6%, and poultry by 15.2%.

Shopping online is convenient, but it can come with extra costs. Shipping fees and taxes can make things more expensive. It's a good idea to check local options first before buying from other countries.

In New Zealand, salaries might not be as great as in some other Western countries, but the cool thing is, it is a super fair place with fewer really rich and really poor folks compared to other spots.

According to the 2024 details, the average salary in New Zealand is NZ$29.66 per hour, adding up to around NZ$61,692 for a full workweek of 40 hours. However, the salary amount may change depending on where you are and what job you're doing in New Zealand. Mostly, large cities like Auckland and Wellington pay high salaries to match the higher prices for things.

Now, if you are thinking about going for higher education in New Zealand, then this is a smart move. With a Bachelor's degree, you could end up making 40% more than the usual income. The minimum wage is NZ$22.70 per hour, even if you are starting from scratch.

Below, you can check the highest-paying professions in New Zealand.

Based on information from the job-search platforms, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in the field of accounting are being offered some of the highest annual salaries in the country, reaching NZ$198,644.

However, candidates have to pay tax on their income. The tax system in New Zealand is pretty straightforward and works in tiers based on your income. Your salary or earnings may be subject to different tax rates, depending on how much you make. Here is a breakdown of the tax rates:

• 10.5% tax on income from NZ$0 to NZ$14,000.

• 17.5% tax on income from NZ$14,001 to NZ$48,000.

• 30% tax on income from NZ$48,001 to NZ$70,000.

• 33% tax on income from NZ$70,001 to NZ$180,000.

• 39% tax on income from NZ$180,001 and above.

In conclusion, understanding the cost of living in New Zealand for international students is crucial for managing finances and having an enjoyable experience. Although the country offers a high-quality education system, picturesque landscapes, and a vibrant culture, the living expenses in New Zealand for international students may be slightly higher. Above, we have covered the cost of living in New Zealand for major cities. Budgeting for accommodation, transportation, food, and other daily expenses is essential.

We hope the above information regarding the cost of living in New Zealand has proved useful. Moreover, students who wish to study in New Zealand may contact our expert New Zealand study consultants/counsellors at any branch of Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). They will guide you for admission and New Zealand study visa requirements. You can also take free online counselling through our website. For more queries or further information, contact application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

Q1. What is the average cost of accommodation for international students in New Zealand?

Ans. The accommodation cost varies, but on average, international students can expect to spend between NZ$300 to NZ$600 per week on rent, depending on the city and type of housing.

Q2. How much should I budget for food and groceries as an international student in New Zealand?

Ans. On average, monthly grocery expenses for a single person can range from NZ$150 to NZ$300. However, individual spending habits and dietary choices can impact this estimate.

Q3. Are there part-time job opportunities for international students in New Zealand?

Ans. Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks. This can help offset living expenses.

Q4. What is the average cost of public transportation for students in New Zealand?

Ans. Public transportation costs vary by location. Monthly transportation expenses can range from NZ$50 to NZ$150, depending on the city and usage frequency.

Q5. Are there financial assistance programs available for international students in New Zealand?

Ans. Some institutions offer scholarships, and there may be external organisations providing financial assistance to international students. Exploring these options and inquiring with the respective educational institutions is recommended.