New Zealand is routinely recognized as one of the greatest places to live, but it comes at a cost. It is estimated that the cost of living in New Zealand for a single person for one month is INR 1,85,209, which is 218.13% more than in India. To study in New Zealand, you will need to pay an additional tuition charge of NZD 32,000-35,000. As a result, overseas students may find it challenging to accumulate adequate financial resources to pay all of this.
However, by sticking to a strict budget, one may do their best to reduce living expenditures. There are also a variety of scholarships available, such as the University of Otago worldwide Master’s Research Scholarship, which provides winners with a stipend to cover living expenses. Aside from scholarships in New Zealand, your student visa may enable you to work up to 20 hours per week and even full-time during holidays.
New Zealand’s Cost of Living: A Travel Guide
A one-way flight to New Zealand would cost between INR 52,000 and INR 1,000,000. It is advised that you carry the following items with you when visiting New Zealand:
- Certificate of Birth
- Transcripts of academic work
- Statement of purpose, LORs
- CV
- Passport
- Student Visa for New Zealand
You must complete a Passenger Arrival Card, which will be distributed on the trip. You must submit this together with your supporting documentation to the New Zealand Immigration counter. Following that, you may proceed through Customs and declare any banned or dangerous products. Finally, you may collect your luggage and proceed to your lodging. Don’t forget to bring NZD 1,000 with you to cover all of your first travel charges in New Zealand, as well as extra expenses.
Transportation Costs in New Zealand
Traveling is a significant component of the cost of living in New Zealand. These are the primary types of transportation available in New Zealand for getting around:
- You may take a cab for NZD 3.3 per kilometer. The entire cost from the airport to the Auckland city center would be roughly NZD 90. In an Uber, the identical trip would cost only NZD 48.5.
- Trains and the rail system are widely available in New Zealand, although mostly in urban areas. The average ticket price ranges from NZD 4 to NZD 11.5.
- Buses are usually students’ favorite form of transportation, and the ticket price here is similarly NZD 4-11.5.
- Ferries are available in a few locations, with short-distance tickets costing between NZD 4.7 and NZD 6.7. However, some lengthier boat crossings cost between NZD 51 and NZD 73.
- If you live near campus, you may discover that riding a bike is the most convenient way to get about. You may either buy your own bicycle or hire one for NZD 1 per hour as needed.
- Because New Zealand is such a large nation with extensive stretches of unoccupied road, it may be simpler to travel between cities by domestic aircraft. These tickets might cost between NZD 50 and NZD 70.
Student Accommodation Costs in New Zealand
International students in New Zealand must locate a place to live throughout their studies. The student housing facilities might be
- Private or university-managed rental
- Whether furnished or not
- Self-catering vs. catered
Most colleges provide housing for overseas students, but if you don’t secure a spot there, institution websites also include information on private rents. The following are the most prevalent forms of student housing in New Zealand:
- Residence Halls – These are often completely furnished and provide services such as meals, laundry, internet, power, and water. The weekly rent goes from NZD 300 to 400.
- Homestays – You can opt to live with a New Zealand host family, who will offer you with a fully equipped room and three meals each day. This costs between NZD 110 to 370 each week and is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Kiwi culture.
- Flats – You may rent an apartment by yourself or with friends for NZD 215 per week. Find an apartment that is near to the university campus and offers basic amenities.
A three-four bedroom home may also be rented for NZ 565 per week, however this is only recommended if you have a large party of at least 4-5 persons looking for housing in New Zealand.
City Living Costs in New Zealand
You will have required to establish that you have at least NZD 15,000 that covers all of your expenditures in the first year of study, which amounts to NZD 1,250 per month of living expenses in New Zealand while applying for a New Zealand university and obtaining a visa for the same. The following items would be included in the cost of living in New Zealand:
- NZD 100-150 per week for groceries
- NZD 291 per month for utilities
- NZD 50 per week for entertainment
- NZD 19 for telecommunications (starting price)
To save money on data and internet consumption, use the free Wi-Fi offered in cities such as downtown Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua, and Dunedin. By not dining out as much, you may save money on New Zealand food, which costs roughly NZD 43 per day. To save money on groceries, you may discover a variety of deals in major supermarkets and even at your local farmers’ market. You can also work part-time to cover your living expenses (or full-time if you are studying in New Zealand as a Masters or PhD student).