Cost of living

This page lists approximate values for what you can expect to pay for basic items in Auckland. This information can help you plan your budget.

Living in Auckland is much cheaper than living in Sydney or London. Auckland is also in the top five cities worldwide for quality of living, according to the Mercer's 2009 Quality of Living survey.

In addition to your fees for study, you will need to allow between $NZ18,000 and NZ$24,000 per year ($NZ350-450 per week) for:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • transport
  • communication (phone/internet)
  • entertainment.

You may have further expenses during your study, including:

  • textbooks/stationery
  • medical/dental appointments
  • bank account fees
  • insurance
  • clothing
  • holidays/trips.

If you choose not to stay in University accommodation, you will also have extra charges such as:

  • a bond/finder’s fee
  • utility bills (power/gas/phone/internet).

The following tables list prices of common goods and services to give an idea of the cost of living in New Zealand.

General costs

$NZ

Rent – per week

120.00 - 200.00

Groceries – per week

80.00 - 100.00

Gym membership - per year

225.00 - 305.00

Entertainment - per week

40.00

Lunches/takeaways - per week (see below for more individual prices)

50.00

Individual items

$NZ

Takeaway pizza (large)

13.00

Panini

7.00

Takeaway pie

2.50 - 3.50

Milk per litre

2.25

Coca Cola per can

1.80

Coffee, cappuccino or latte

3.50 – 4.00

Jug of beer at student bar

from 5.00

Lunch from University Food Hall or Campus Cafe

5.00 - 10.00

Main meal at restaurant (off campus)

15.00 - 40.00

Local calls made from a public telephone (per minute)

0.50

Local calls made from a cell-phone (peak/off-peak per minute)

0.24 - 1.39

Single bus fare per trip (from inner city ride to 8 stages)

0.50 - 9.70

Monthly bus pass (travel within Auckland and suburbs)
(Student discount also available)

110.00 - 170.00

Ferry ride: return ticket Auckland to Devonport (North Shore)

10.00

Taxi - 5 km ride

10.00 - 12.00

Movie ticket

10.00 - 15.00

Admission to major sports event at Eden Park

from 15.00

Haircut (campus hairdresser)

30.00 - 35.00

Visit to doctor

20.00 - 65.00

Visit to dentist

50.00 - 150.00

Top



Please give us your feedback or ask us a question

This message is...


My feedback or question is...


My email address is...

(Only if you need a reply)

A to Z Directory | Site map | Accessibility | Careers | Copyright | Privacy | Disclaimer | Feedback on this page