Cost of Living for International Students in New Zealand

Generally, your cost of living in New Zealand as an international student depends on various factors including your location, type of accommodation, transportation, personal preferences, and lifestyle choices. However, the estimated cost of living in New Zealand per month is up to NZ$1250 to NZ$2500. Here is how you can manage your living expenses in New Zealand as an international student.

1. Find a cheap and budget-friendly option such as shared flats, homestays, on-campus dorms or homestays, etc. 
2. Find accommodation in the outskirts or cities with low rents. 
3. Cook at home instead of dining out. 
4. Use public transportation or commute by walking.
5. Look for student discounts on everything from groceries and clothing to textbooks and transportation.

Accommodation Cost

The accommodation cost in New Zealand for international students varies, depending on their location, the type of accommodation they choose, and the facilities they get. However, an estimated amount of rent is up to NZ $700 to NZ $1,200 per month. 

Accommodation in popular cities like Auckland and Wellington is pricier than in smaller towns and other cities. However, you can always find budget-friendly accommodation options including shared apartments and homestays are cheaper than on-campus dorms and private apartments. 

Food Cost

Your food expenses completely depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle choices. Generally, the food cost in New Zealand per month for international students is around  NZ $600 - NZ $800. However, buying groceries and cooking your meals at home is a more budget-friendly option than dining out which is quite expensive for students. Moreover, your dietary choices also affect your food expenses. So if you follow any specific diet plan, then it might cost more. That’s why, look for discounts on grocery items. 

Education cost

The education cost in New Zealand depends on your university, your chosen program of study, course duration, location, and additional expenses including textbooks and study materials. However, you can expect to pay tuition fees up to NZ$25,000 to NZ$50,000 per year, depending on the program of study and its duration. A Master’s program may have higher tuition fees than a Bachelor’s program. Moreover, the average amount for a New Zealand student visa is around NZ $375. 

Utilities Cost

Well, the total cost of utilities including electricity, water, gas, and internet in New Zealand for international students depends on various factors including your location, type of accommodation, and usage. However, the estimated utilities cost in New Zealand per month is up to NZ$300 (NZ$3,600 per year). 

Popular Cities like Auckland may have more expensive utilities. Moreover, private apartments have more utility expenses than shared apartments. However, you can save your utility costs by splitting utility bills with your roommates and considering prepaid plans. 

Transportation Cost

Your transportation expenses depend on your location as well as on your mode of transportation. However, the average transportation cost in New Zealand per day for international students is up to NZ$5 to NZ$10. 

Popular cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Hamilton have better transportation options including taxis, which can be really expensive for international students. However, as an international student, you can always use public transportation or commute by walking or cycling.

It is a more convenient and budget-friendly option. Apart from that,  how often you travel from your home to university or any other place also affects the transportation costs for you. So, consider traveling only when necessary.

Top 5 Most Affordable Cities to Live in New Zealand

The New Zealand living expenses for international students depend on which city or location they choose to study and live in. Popular cities like Auckland may offer a great city life for international students, but it can be really expensive for your student pocket. However, there are many affordable cities in New Zealand for international students with top colleges and universities. 

Here we have listed 5 most affordable cities in New Zealand for international students.

Budgeting Tips for Living in New Zealand

The cost of living in New Zealand for one person can be easily managed if you make a budget plan and follow it strictly. Here are our best tips for you to save your pocket while studying in New Zealand as an international student. 

1. Budget: Setting up a budget plan is essential to keep a track record of all your spending and avoid extravagance. 
2. Accommodation: Rather than renting a private apartment or dorm, you should find a shared apartment or homestay. In this way, you can split rent with your roommates. 
3. Food & Grocery: Instead of dining out every day, you should buy groceries and cook your meals at home on your own. 
4. Transportation: Use public transportation or commute by walking.  

Average Salary in New Zealand for International Students

The average salary in New Zealand for an international student depends on his visa type, professional profile, relevant skills, the field of expertise, and various additional factors. However, you can expect to get paid up to NZ $23 per hour, depending on your job type. 

Here’s how you can increase your chances of finding a good job in New Zealand. 

1. Have a strong professional profile: The competition is quite high. So, you must have relevant skills or expertise for the job. 
2. Search on job platforms: Find different jobs that match your professional profile by using job search websites like Trade Me Jobs or Seek. 

The best part-time jobs for international students in New Zealand include:

1. Waiter
2. Tutor
3. Bartender
4. Translator
5. Barista
6. Retail Sales Assistant