Cost of living in Auckland
Living in Auckland can be expensive, but you have options.
Whether you’re planning to live in University Accommodation or in a flat off campus, it is important to be aware of the kinds of costs you can expect to pay when living in Auckland.
Where do you want to live?
There is a range of accommodation options available to you at the University. Offers and move in dates for campus accommodation are set to coincide with the University of Auckland academic semesters.
Find out more about University of Auckland Accommodation
If University accommodation is not for you, or if you are arriving in Auckland outside of our application period, you may choose to rent a house or apartment. The University offers an advisory service for students looking for private accommodation.
For more information on flatting in Auckland, including where to look and how to seek advice on tenancy agreements or disputes see Private Accommodation.
Different types of accommodation come with different costs:
Living costs
The necessities
Below is a list of some of the costs you can expect to pay on a weekly basis, per person, living in rented accommodation in Auckland.
Please note: These costs are approximate, and were set in August 2018. All prices are quoted in NZD.
| Electricity (and maybe gas) Based on a one-third share of a 3 bedroom apartment, with an average monthly electricity account of $280 – note this is averaged on higher use in winter, lower in summer. |
$23 per week |
| Internet (Unlimited on an average $90 per month plan) |
$8 per week |
| Mobile phone Calls, texts and data |
$10 per week |
| Insurance Based on insuring household items |
$8 per week |
| Food Food, drink, cleaning items – shared or bought separately in a 3 bedroom flat. (excluding meat/fruit/vege) |
$120 per week |
| TOTAL $169 |
The non-essentials
| Transport One zone return, five days per week |
$35 per week ($14.40 student discount) |
| Entertainment Dinner out/movies/sports event per week |
$55 per week |
| Student Recreation Centre Per year |
$319 per year |
Other costs to consider
| Medical visit (not enrolled) | From $60 |
| Dental visit | From $150 |
| Haircut | From $30 |
For international students, you can convert these prices on www.xe.com to compare costs against those in your own country.
For more information on the cost of living in Auckland, contact the Accommodation Solutions team or check out the living in Auckland guide.
Accommodation Solutions
Call us
0800 61 62 63
Visit us
Level 3 - Room 393
Kate Edger Information Commons Building
2 Alfred Street
Auckland