A Quick Breakdown of the Cost of Living in New Zealand

Perhaps one of your greatest considerations for a study destination is the cost of living. Naturally, you’d want to pick a country that offers a high-quality yet affordable way of life. 

It’s true that some of the best things in life don’t come for free. But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to experience greatness. At most, you just need adequate research and ample time to compare your options.

If you’ve been eyeing New Zealand as your study destination, you must know the typical costs of studying there. These include daily expenses for necessities, leisure, and study.

To help make up your mind, here’s a quick breakdown on the cost of living in New Zealand:

Cost of Living in New Zealand

If you want to study in New Zealand, you need to obtain a student visa. During this process, you will be required to present proof of sufficient funds. You may only be exempted from this requirement if you’ve been granted a scholarship.

If you’re studying in New Zealand for less than a year, you must have at least NZD 1,250 for every month of your stay. But if you’re staying for longer than one year, you must have at least NZD 15,000.

Basically, you must have that required amount before you can obtain a student visa. Without those funds, your application may be denied.

Another thing that influences your cost of living is the city you’ll be studying in. Naturally, schools situated in major and bigger cities cost more. The cost may even go higher if you’re studying in a private university.

But don’t get disheartened by these costs. New Zealand offers plenty of ways to offset your expenses. They offer different scholarships and part-time work opportunities.

Breakdown of Living Costs

Here’s an overview of typical expenses in New Zealand:

Accommodation

Average monthly rent for accommodation for student ranges from $565, or $640 in Auckland. This can go cheaper if you’re staying in halls of residence or studying in a smaller city. 

Transportation

Every city in New Zealand has buses. These services are often offered at a discount to students. Another transportation option are trains in cities such as Wellington and Auckland. 

Food

Food costs are estimated to be around $71 per week. This already constitutes a healthy, full three-meal-per-day diet. Depending on where you eat out, this cost can go lower or higher.

Internet and Mobile Services

Fortunately, there is free WiFi in places such as Auckland, Rotorua, and Dunedin. You have two options for mobile services: a monthly plan or a prepaid mobile. A prepaid service usually starts at $19.

Entertainment

To prevent academic burnout, you can try out various adventures and activities in New Zealand. Some are cheap. Some are even free. You can visit museums, gardens, or attend festivals during your break.

Have you chosen New Zealand as your study destination? Learn more about it by checking out MSM Unify’s articles about New Zealand.