Cost of Living in New Zealand
(The costs provided are an approximate guide only.)
Cost of living in New Zealand might differ from your own country expenses. The comparison should consider of these elements; where you come from and where you settled in New Zealand. The cost of living for an individual living by himself in New Zealand especially international students are as follows (monthly in NZD):
Food - $494.00; Depending on your originated country, food may be more costly in New Zealand compared to what you are used to in home country. There are a lot of supermarkets in New Zealand that offer online shopping. To get the best rate, try different supermarket for every week. Kiwi Supermarket give discounts regularly for you to save up.
Clothing and footwear - $66.73; Clothing and footwear prices differs greatly in New Zealand. You can find global brands such as Top Shop, Nike, H&M, and Zara in large cities. Low-cost shops are The Warehouse, Cotton On, and Number One Shoes. Medium-cost shops are Glassons, Farmers, Hannahs Shoes, and Hallenstein Brothers. High-cost shops are Cue, Karen Walker, Marcs, and Mi Piaci.
Housing and household utilities - $1,189.50; Renting or purchasing a house vary greatly in New Zealand depending on the different areas. This cost includes electricity and rent for individual cost. For international students who share with one or more people, the cost should be less.
Household contents and services - $152.10; Most of residence for rental in New Zealand are unfurnished and you need to purchase household items for your residence. Many large retailers in New Zealand offer online shopping where you can compare prices. To save more money, you can buy second-hand items at these shops: Harvey Norman, Smith City, The Warehouse, Briscoes, Trade Me Marketplace, and Op Shop Directory.
Healthcare costs - $92.30; New Zealand public health system is subsidised by the government but with part-chargers when private provider involved. Qualified if you are citizen, resident, or hold work visa for two years or more.
Transportation costs - $397.37; This amount is the combine average for owning a car or using public transports.
Communication costs - $90.57; Mobile services are provided by Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees. For internet and phone communication provider, there are about 70 telecommunication retailers available in New Zealand.
Recreation and culture costs - $307.67; This amount is the average for activities as such skiing, kitesurfing, rugby, tennis, swimming, horse riding and many others. Musical festivals may cost between $50 to $200.
Miscellaneous goods and services - $278.63; This cost includes salon haircut, gym membership, car insurance and other types of insurance (health, life, etc.).
