Cost of Living in New Zealand for Students and Workers

Last updated on June 6th, 2024 at 03:11 pm

New Zealand is known as the filming location for The Lord of the Rings. The cost of living in New Zealand is a key factor to consider if you plan to live in this country, as New Zealand has a relatively high cost of living. 

Here, we’ll discuss the estimated cost of living that international students or workers who want to study or work in New Zealand need to prepare for. So, check out the full details below!

Breakdown of Living Expenses for Students and Workers in New Zealand

The expenses you’ll need to cover on a regular basis if you live there include food and drink, rent, healthcare, electricity, water, transportation, trash collection, phone service, and internet. Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs.

1. Food and Drink Costs in New Zealand

The cost of meals in New Zealand can vary depending on each person’s portion size. In general, the estimated cost of eating out versus cooking at home differs significantly. Eating out can be a good option if you want to save time on cooking; affordable restaurants start at around NZD 25 per person, or about Rp237,000. 

However, in major cities like Auckland and Wellington, the cost of eating out at restaurants can be higher. For mid-range restaurants, the budget is around NZD 120, or about Rp1.1 million, for two people, while fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s are more affordable, costing around NZD 15, or the equivalent of Rp142,000. 

2. Transportation Costs

Transportation costs in New Zealand can also vary depending on location, mode of transportation, and frequency of use. For public transportation such as buses, ticket prices in major cities like Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch range from NZD 2.50 to NZD 5, or about Rp23,000 to Rp47,000, depending on the distance of the trip. 

Meanwhile, taxi fares typically start at around NZD 3.50 to NZD 5.50 for the initial charge, with an additional charge per kilometer thereafter. For those using private vehicles, costs include fuel—which is generally more expensive than in other countries—as well as parking and vehicle maintenance fees. 

To rent a car, rates can range from about NZD 50 to NZD 150 per day—or the equivalent of Rp474,000 to Rp1.4 million—depending on the type of vehicle and the rental duration. Meanwhile, for specialized transportation such as flights or inter-island ferries, ticket prices depend on the airline, type of vessel, and booking date. 

Therefore, it’s important to always check the latest fares and promotional offers so you can manage your transportation budget more efficiently if you live in New Zealand.

3. Housing Costs

Housing costs are a key factor in planning your living expenses in New Zealand. There are two options to choose from: living without renting an apartment (such as living in a dormitory or homestay) or rent an apartment on your own.

If you choose to live in a dormitory or homestay, the monthly cost of housing ranges from NZD 800 to NZD 1,500, or approximately Rp7.5 million to Rp14.2 million. This price includes the cost of a bed and access to shared facilities. 

Some universities also include meals in the package. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit the university’s official website first to get information about the prices and amenities offered by the dormitories.

Apartment rental costs in New Zealand vary widely depending on location, size, and amenities. Generally, rent for a 1- to 3-bedroom apartment in major cities such as Auckland or Wellington ranges from NZD 1,800 to NZD 3,000 per month, or approximately Rp17 million to Rp28.4 million. 

If you want to find more affordable rent, choose an apartment on the outskirts of the city or in smaller cities, with prices ranging from NZD 1,500 to NZD 2,500—or about Rp7.5 million to Rp23.7 million—for a 1- to 3-bedroom apartment.

4. Healthcare Costs

New Zealand has a healthcare system managed by both the government and the private sector. New Zealand citizens have access to healthcare services through the public system known as the National Health Service (NHS). Under this system, most of the costs of basic healthcare—such as visits to general practitioners and public hospitals—are covered by the government.

However, there are some healthcare costs that foreign nationals or immigrants may have to pay out of pocket, especially if they are not eligible for free or subsidized healthcare. These costs may include:

1. The cost of a visit to a specialist not covered by the NHS.
2. Hospitalization costs at a private hospital.
3. The cost of certain medications that are not subsidized by the government.

To reduce the risk of high healthcare costs, it is recommended that you obtain private health insurance or ensure that you are eligible for the free healthcare services provided by the New Zealand government.

5. Other Expenses

The cost of living in New Zealand isn’t limited to housing, food, transportation, and daily necessities. For those planning to study there, education costs are also an important factor to consider. Education costs include tuition, textbooks, extracurricular activities, and so on. 

In addition, there are monthly expenses for electricity, heating, trash collection, and water, totaling about NZD 223, or the equivalent of Rp2.1 million. For phone and internet costs, the budget ranges from NZD 60 to NZD 80 per month, or about Rp569 ribu to Rp759 ribu. 

Total Monthly Cost of Living in New Zealand

Estimated monthly living expenses in New Zealand vary depending on lifestyle and location. In general, here are the estimated monthly costs in New Zealand for students and workers.

1. Monthly essential expenses: about NZD 600–800
2. Food expenses: about NZD 200–300
3. Accommodation costs excluding apartment rent: approximately NZD 800–1,500
4. Apartment rent: approximately NZD 1,500–3,000

The estimated total monthly cost of living, excluding apartment rent, is approximately NZD 1,650 per person, or NZD 5,952—or about Rp15.7 million to Rp56.5 million—for a family of four.

In addition to these costs, there are also additional expenses such as health insurance, transportation, and entertainment. It’s important to plan your budget and manage your expenses wisely to stay within your monthly income. The average take-home pay in New Zealand is about NZD 4,722 per month after taxes.

Tips for Choosing a Place to Live or an Apartment in New Zealand

When choosing a place to live or an apartment in New Zealand, careful consideration is necessary. One factor to consider is selecting a suitable location, such as one that’s close to your workplace or university and has easy access to public transportation. Your budget should also account for the cost of rent, as well as other expenses such as electricity, water, and internet. 

Be sure to check the building’s facilities and condition, and review the rental policies before making a decision. References or reviews from previous tenants can also give you an idea of the quality of life there. 

You should also visit the location in person, if possible, to get more accurate information so you can choose a place that meets your daily needs and ensures your comfort.

Here’s an overview of the cost of living in New Zealand for students and workers. If you If you want to send money to New Zealand, you can use the service Easylink Since it is officially licensed by Bank Indonesia, sending money to New Zealand is safer, easier, and faster. So what are you waiting for? Download the app Easylink now and enjoy the convenience!