Living Expenses
The cost of living differs between cities in New Zealand. However, approximate living costs are
Accommodation
Homestay fees are $290 (18 years and older) and $320 (under 18 years) per week.
If you are in a homestay, you may spend about $100 per week on lunches during the week, bus fares, entertainment etc.
Flats / Apartments
Average prices for flatmate positions range from $120 to $250 per week (+ expenses), and average rent for houses starts from about $500 per week (3 bedrooms, unfurnished).
If you are living alone, you may spend about:
| NZ$ | |
| Electricity: | $30 per week (summer); $45 per week (winter) |
| Telephone: | $15 per week |
| Bus fares: | $25 per week |
| Food: | $100 per week |
| Total: | $170 per week (summer); $185 per week (winter) |
If you are sharing, you may spend about:
| NZ$ | |
| Electricity: | $15 per week (summer); $25 per week (winter) |
| Telephone: | $8 per week |
| Bus fares: | $25 per week |
| Food: | $80 per week |
| Total: | $128 per week (summer); $138 per week (winter) |
A lot more information about this can be found at this link.
A really useful place to look for information on life as an international student in New Zealand is the NauMai NZ website https://naumainz.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/ The website has a lot of information to help you before you arrive in the country and also to help once you are studying and living here. You will find help about our New Zealand culture and lifestyle, working, laws, driving in New Zealand and healthcare.