Cost of Living in New Zealand

RESTAURANTS

Eating out will, for sure, cost you more than cooking by yourself.

Since New Zealand is known for its relatively high prices, you can expect to eat in an inexpensive restaurant for no less than 16$.

A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around 77.88$, while a pint of domestic beer will cost you around 6.5$.

MARKETS

Food and essentials are relatively more expensive than in places like the UK where more competitive markets exist.

For example, only two corporations are involved in the grocery store sector and that’s why groceries cost more, too.

Vegetables, for example, are insanely expensive in winter, and you’re better off buying them in a farmer’s market.

TRANSPORTATION

Public transport is not as widespread here, which means a car is a necessity, and that – naturally, leads to more costs.

You really need a car if you want to get around Auckland and major cities, as the transport infrastructure is not that great and the motorways are congested.

A one-way ticket for public transport will cost you around 2.30$.

UTILITIES (MONTHLY)

Utilities are not too expensive in New Zealand if you look at the price of all included utilities for an apartment of a larger structure (85m2): for such an apartment, all basic utilities – including electricity, along with heating and cooling, water, gas and garbage services – costs around 140$.

Internet is pretty pricey though, amounting to 55$.

SPORTS & LEISURE

Compared with the prices of everything else, enjoying some sports and fitness activities isn’t that expensive at all.

Becoming a member of a gym or a fitness club will cost you around 40$ a month.

Going to the cinema costs nearly the same as it does in most popular European destinations – around 12$ per ticket.

CLOTHING & SHOES

Clothes are available at many shopping centers but are only occasionally priced at reasonable rates.

For example, a pair of quality jeans like Levi’s costs more than 70$, a pair of quality running sneakers like Nike are around 100$, while simpler items of clothing like shirts cost around 40$.

The best thing to do when it comes to shopping for clothes is to wait for a sale!

RENT PER MONTH

Rent is definitely one of the more expensive aspects of living in New Zealand.

Don’t expect to find a cute apartment anywhere near the center of any of the major cities for less than 1200$ – and that goes for one-bedroom apartments!

If you want to move in with your family in a larger apartment, then prepare to cash out at least 2000$.

HEALTHCARE

New Zealand provides public healthcare funded through taxes, covering most hospital and primary care services.

Private insurance is optional and costs roughly 50 to 120 USD per month.

Out-of-pocket expenses average about 400 to 800 USD per person per year, mainly for prescriptions, dental care, and specialist visits.

With average monthly salaries of around 4,000 USD, healthcare costs are well contained and affordable.

EDUCATION

Public primary and secondary schools do not charge tuition for residents, though families pay for books, uniforms, materials, and optional activities, roughly $300 to $700 per year.

Private schools charge $10,000 to $25,000 annually.

Public universities charge tuition of $6,000 to $9,000 per year for domestic students, while international students pay $20,000 to $35,000 annually.

Students also cover housing, food, transport, and textbooks.

Average monthly income is about $4,500, making public education affordable, while private schooling and university tuition are significant expenses.