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More on Living costs in New Zealand

The cost of living in New Zealand is similar to that in Australia, and less than in Britain. Tertiary students (students in higher education, above high school level) should budget for up to NZ$ 15,000 (9,250 euro) a year in living expenses. This is also the amount the immigration authorities will want to see in your bank account as proof that you can pay your way in New Zealand.

Please note that all costs mention here are based on normal expenses, if your life style warrants a higher value, you should take that into consideration.

Indicative costs

  • NZ$ 100 to NZ$ 200 ( 65 – 130 euro) a week for accommodation
  • NZ$ 4.45 (2,73 euro) for a Big Mac at McDonald's
  • NZ$ 10 to NZ$ 15 ( 6,20 - 9,20 euro) to go to the movies
  • NZ$ 50-70 (31 – 43 euro) for  women's hair cut
  • NZ$ 10 - NZ$ 25 (6,20 – 15,50 euro) for a men's hair cut
  • NZ$ 13 (8,00 euro) take-out pizza (large)
  • NZ$ 5.50 (3,35 euro) for a coffee
  • NZ$ 3.00 (1,85 euro) for a Coca-Cola
  • NZ$ 5.00 - NZ$ 6.00 (3,10 – 3,70 euro) Light lunch
  • NZ$ 14-NZ$ 40 (9 – 24,75 euro) for a restaurant meal
  • NZ$ 1.50 (0,95 euro) for milk (per litre)
  • NZ$ 50 (31 euro) for entertainment per week
  • NZ$ 8.00 (5,00 euro) for a taxi 3km ride
  • NZ$ 150.00 (93 euro) for a pair of Levi jeans
  • NZ$ 40 - NZ$ 140 (25 – 86 euro) Woollen sweater
  • NZ$ 20 - NZ$ 45 (12,50 – 27,75 euro) for a T-shirt
  • NZ$ 600 (369 euro) per year for a gym membership
  • NZ$ 10 - NZ$ 20 (6,20 – 12,30 euro) for a game of golf
  • NZ$ 3.50 - NZ$ 12.00 (2,15 – 7,40 euro) for shampoo
  • NZ$ 2.00 - NZ$ 3.00 (1.30 – 1,85 euro) for toothpaste
  • NZ$ 5 - NZ$ 15 (3,10 – 9,30 euro) per item of medicine
  • NZ$ 50 -NZ$ 120 (31 – 74 euro) per visit to a dentist
  • NZ$ 20.00 (12,30 euro) for a student rate for visit to the doctor 


Education expenses additional to fees

Living and study costs vary according to your age, the course you are taking, and the type of accommodation you choose, so it is difficult to estimate an average cost of living in New Zealand, as it also depends on where you live as well as your lifestyle.
If you live in the city, drive a BMW and dine in expensive restaurants, your cost of living will be much higher than if you live in a suburb, drive a small Japanese car and live on lamb and kiwi fruit. You can live relatively inexpensively by buying New Zealand produce when possible and avoiding expensive imported goods, which are more expensive not only because of the distance they have to travel, but also because they’re considered fashionable.
Use the following estimates as a guideline.

Tertiary (higher education, above high school)

  • Textbooks and stationery NZ$ 500 (310 euro) a year
  • Student ID card NZ$ 20 (12,50 euro)
  • Students' association membership NZ$ 30 (18,50 euro)
  • Photocopy cards NZ$ 100 (65 euro)
  • Bus fares NZ$ 30 to NZ$ 60 (18,50 – 37 euro) a week
  • Coffee in student cafeteria NZ$ 1 to NZ$ 3 (0,65 – 1,85 euro) a cup
  • Hot meals in cafeteria up to NZ$ 7 (4,30 euro) for a one-course meal


Secondary school

  • Stationery NZ$ 150 (93 euro) a year
  • School trips NZ$ 30 (18,50 euro)
  • Special courses such as IELTS NZ$ 300 (185 euro)
  • Materials for special subjects such as art and photography NZ$ 50 to NZ$ 300 (31 - 185 euro)
  • Uniform NZ$ 300 to NZ$ 500 (185 - 310 euro)
  • Bus fares NZ$ 30 (18,50 euro) a week
  • Incidental expenses NZ$ 30 (18,50 euro) a week