New Zealand Cost of Living Guide
This page features up-to-date information about the cost of living in New Zealand, with tips on how to budget and make the most of your funds as an international student. The figures on this page are updated regularly to ensure an accurate reflection of current comparative costs.
​​
All figures quoted on this page are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) unless otherwise stated.
At a glance: example item costs (based on national averages)
Essentials
Rent - From Shared Rooms to Entire Homes​​​​
$1600-$3800 / month
Groceries: Supermarkets & Prices​​​
$300-$400 / month
Utilities: Household Costs​​
​
$200-$300 / month
Transportation: Getting Around​​​
$150-$250 / month
Rent - From Shared Rooms to Entire Homes​​​​
$1800-$3800 / month
Rent: From Shared Rooms to Entire Homes
Housing costs vary widely depending on the city and type of accommodation. Here's what you can expect:
​
-
1 bedroom ~ $1600 / month
-
2 bedrooms ~ $2500 / month
-
3 bedrooms ~ $3400 / month
-
4 bedrooms ~ $3800 / month
​
Larger cities like Auckland and Wellington tend to have higher rents, while smaller towns offer more affordable options
For more details on housing quality, locations, and current rental prices, check out Trade Me —New Zealand’s most popular rental listings website.
​
Grocery Shopping
​
Grocery Shopping in New Zealand
When moving to New Zealand, knowing where to shop for groceries can help you budget effectively. Most cities and towns have well-established supermarket chains, each offering a different balance of price and selection.
Major Supermarkets
While prices vary by location, here’s a general ranking from highest to lowest in terms of cost:
​
​
​
New World – A premium supermarket with a wide selection and higher prices.
Woolworths – A mid-range option with a convenient online store.
​
​
Pak’nSave – The most budget-friendly option, offering bulk discounts and a warehouse-style shopping experience.
​
Let’s look at an example grocery basket for two people when shopping at Woolworths—not the cheapest supermarket, but one that offers a convenient online store for price comparison and meal planning. This estimate reflects current average prices across a range of essential items.
​
-
Milk (2L) ~ $4.43
-
Eggs (12pack) ~ $9
-
Rice (1kg) ~ $3.5
-
Chicken fillet (1kg) ~ $15
-
Beef mince (1kg) ~ $18
-
Apples (1kg) ~ $5
-
Bananas (1kg) ~ $4
-
Tomatoes (1kg) ~ $6
-
Potatoes (1kg) ~ $3
-
Bottle of wine ~ $15
-
Beer (6x330ml) ~ $20
​
Utilities: Household Costs​​
​
$200-$300 / month
Utilities: Household Costs
​
Utility bills depend on household size and usage. On average, you can expect:
​
-
Basic (Electricity, Gas, Water) ~ $180 / month​
-
Water - depends on the region. In many areas, landlords include it in the rent. For example, in most of Wellington, water is free, while in other cities, separate water charges may apply ~ $40 / month
​
​Electricity and gas providers often offer discounts for customers who sign an annual contract. Choosing the right plan can save you money on your bills. A popular provider in New Zealand is Genesis Energy, but there are several others to compare.
​
​
Transportation: Getting Around​​​
$150-$250 / month
Transportation: Getting Around
​
New Zealand offers a mix of public and private transport options. Here’s what you need to know:
​
-
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) ~ $4
-
Taxi (uber) ~ $30 / 10km
-
Gasoline (1L) ~ $2.8
​
If you plan to buy a car, prices can vary significantly depending on the model, year of manufacture, mileage, and other specifications. For the latest listings and price comparisons, check out Trade Me —New Zealand’s most popular site for buying and selling cars
​
​
Optional / Situational
Meal at normal restaurant​
​
~$25 per person
Mobile phone plans​
​​
$40-$60 / month
Home wi-fi plan​
​​
$90 / month
Gym membership​
​​
$40-$60 / month
Cinema ticket, per person​
​​
~$20
Cup of coffee, normal café​
​​
~$5
Full-day childcare​
​​
$1,300 / month
Visit to private doctor​
(depending on visa + insurance)
​​
$60-$120
Detailed breakdown by category
Rent
The cost of rent varies greatly depending on the area of New Zealand, whether it's a property in the city or outside the city center, and the property type. The city centers in Auckland and Wellington are the most expensive places, while living further outside the city will significantly reduce rental costs - but also require more use of transportation.
Grocery Shopping
Although many costs are lower in New Zealand compared to other OECD countries, groceries and food shopping are one area where things can get pricey. The cost of imported goods in particular can spike upwards sharply.
