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.

How much money will you need?

Basic costs

In addition to your fees for study, you will need between $20,000 and $25,000 per year ($380–480 per week) for:

Accommodation
Food
Transport
Phone
Internet
Entertainment

Other costs

You may have further expenses during your study, including:

Textbooks and stationery
Medical and dental appointments
Bank account fees
Insurance
Clothing
Holidays and trips

Housing costs

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)

Cost of living in Auckland

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 2012 Quality of Living survey.

Prices of common goods and services

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

General expenses	Cost (in NZ dollars)
Rent (per week)	$200–$350
Groceries (per week)	$100–$150
Gym membership (per year)	$257
Entertainment (per week)	$50
Lunches/takeaways (per week — see below for more individual prices)	$10–$100

Individual items	Cost (in NZ dollars)
Takeaway pizza (large)	$16
Panini	$7–$10
Takeaway pie	$2.50–$3.50
Milk (per litre)	$2.50
Coca Cola (per can)	$2
Coffee, cappuccino or latte	$3.50–$5
Jug of beer at student bar	From $5
Lunch from University food hall or campus café	$7–$12
Main meal at restaurant (off campus)	$15–$40
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–$10.30
Monthly bus pass (travel within Auckland and suburbs — student discount also available)	$123–$240
Ferry ride: return ticket Auckland to Devonport (North Shore)	$11
Taxi - 5 km ride	$10–$12
Movie ticket (student price)	$10.50–$14
Admission to major sports event at Eden Park	From $15
Haircut (campus hairdresser)	$30–$55
Visit to doctor	$45–$85
Visit to dentist	$150–$500

Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year plus return airfare or additional $2,000.