Jul 25, 2024

Cost of Living in Auckland, New Zealand: Expenses, Saving Tips, Loan Options & More

The bustling city of Auckland lies on the Northern island of New Zealand, surrounded by the Hauraki Gulf and the Manukau Harbor and framed by the mountain ranges in the distance. As the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland boasts highly developed resources for professionals and international students alike. With a culturally diverse population, several world-class Universities, and the top companies across diverse fields, Auckland is the ideal place for personal and professional growth. 

The City of Sails, as Auckland is otherwise known, is ranked at 25 in the QS Best Student City Rankings 2026 and earns particularly high ranks for desirability, student mix, and student view. However, students keen to study in Auckland need to consider various expenses, from tuition fees to accommodation costs and travel. This article will guide them through these costs thoroughly and explore how to manage these expenses.

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Cost of Living in Auckland, New Zealand Highlights

An overview of the major living costs in Auckland is valuable for international students, as it provides a detailed analysis of living expenses over the duration of a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in New Zealand. Read on for an average estimate of all the costs to budget for while living in Auckland, from tuition fees to accommodation and transport.

Students can make their budget and consider options for education loans for New Zealand or scholarships according to these major costs. Now that we have a bird’s eye view of all the major costs to study in Auckland, New Zealand, let us get a detailed idea of each aspect, starting with the cost of education in the city.

Cost of Studying in Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is home to many excellent Universities and educational institutions, many of which are featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Get an aggregate cost estimate for Master’s and Bachelor's degrees at various institutions below.

The tuition fees make up a large portion of an international student’s total budget when living in Auckland. The other major part of the budget is the monthly accommodation cost, which we have detailed in the next section.

Cost of Accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand

As a rule of thumb, student accommodation in New Zealand can be clubbed into two types: On-campus accommodation and off-campus accommodation. On-campus accommodation includes halls of residence or hostels, while off-campus accommodation includes private flats and homestays. The average rent for different types of student accommodation near the Auckland city center can be found below.

The rent for various areas and accommodation types changes each year, so it is best to get more accurate estimates from various agencies catering to international students. While the annual rent certainly adds to the study abroad loan amount, it isn’t the only cost to consider when budgeting living expenses. Keep reading for more insights into additional costs.

Additional Costs in Auckland, New Zealand

Whether one chooses on-campus accommodation or rents a room nearby, there are certain necessary expenditures they incur throughout the day. From food to bus tickets and even the occasional movie, students need to plan a budget that reflects a realistic daily life. Read on for an estimate of these regular expenses.

During their course, international students tend to have limited sources of income – usually, just their savings, scholarship amount (if any), internship stipend, and living expenses from their education loan for New Zealand. This means they need to be careful about saving money. Next up, some tips to stick to the budget.

Tips to Save Money in Auckland, New Zealand for International Students

The first step to saving money as an international student is to create a realistic budget that splits the student’s sources of income into needs, wants, and savings. They can also follow the suggestions given below to make their budget as savings-heavy as possible.

• Look for low-cost areas or accommodation types in and around Auckland, considering commute timings and overhead costs as well.

• Consider co-living or sharing accommodation, furniture, and utilities with other students. Shared costs can considerably reduce the overall monthly expenses.

• Use utilities as efficiently as possible by taking shorter showers or using energy-efficient lighting to keep the bills as low as possible.

• Use public transport as much as possible, including buses and trains, to reduce costs. Students can also use bicycles or walk short distances.

• Look into free or discounted activities, courses, and events to enhance self-dependency for smaller repairs and issues around the house.

• Use student discounts or loyalty programs offered for public transport, at local grocery stores, movie theatres, restaurants, etc.

• Plan for home-cooked meals with groceries from farmers’ markets and smaller chain stores to maintain good health and save on eating out.

• Opt for prepaid international SIM cards and try to use the University’s Wi-Fi to limit mobile data usage as much as possible.

Living frugally as a student means less financial strain, but also enough savings to invest in travel, experience, or building a healthy emergency fund. Students can also add a source of income from part-time jobs, which we will talk about next.

Part-Time Jobs in Auckland, New Zealand for International Students

International students are allowed to work in part-time positions for up to 20 hours per week during their course. They can work on or off campus in Administration, Retail, Service, Hospitality, and Event roles. The minimum wage in New Zealand is NZD 23.50 per hour, although this may change based on the role and the skill level needed. Some common roles available for international students are mentioned below.

The wages that students get from part-time jobs can go towards their day-to-day expenses and boost their confidence and sense of independence. Another way to add to the daily budget is an education loan for New Zealand, so let us get some more details next.

Education Loan for Auckland, New Zealand through Élan Loans

After considering all these costs to study and live in Auckland, New Zealand, it is natural to wonder how to diversify one’s income sources and reduce financial strain. A common answer to this conundrum is an education loan for New Zealand, which covers the necessary expenditures for international students. Keep reading to see how our loan experts at Élan Overseas Education Loans can help find the best options.

• Students get the latest information about secured and unsecured education loans from over 20 lending partners.

• We help students understand different loan terms, processes, and benefits, including the overseas education loan tax benefit.

• The loan experts help students accurately assess the required loan amount needed as per the major costs and currency exchange rates.

• Élan helps students create their loan profiles with input about their academic records, financial records, and employment history of their co-applicant (wherever required).

• We cross-check the eligibility requirements of lenders, Universities, and visa authorities to help students find the perfect education loan for New Zealand.

• Élan ensures quick and efficient timelines from application to disbursement, with minimal efforts from students and their co-applicants.

With the help of our loan experts, students can confidently go through every aspect of the loan process, from documentation checks to pre-visa disbursement mechanisms. We keep in touch with students even after they reach Auckland to coordinate the disbursement and repayment process smoothly.

In short, the cost of living in Auckland, New Zealand, can be managed with a little smart planning and considering various sources of income. Students can add education loans for New Zealand to these income sources to ensure a student life free of financial stress. With the help of our experts at Élan Overseas Education Loans, one can negotiate for the lowest interest rate on education loans and manage their repayment amount effectively. Contact us today for a smooth transition from home to the top institutions in Auckland!

Cost of Living in Auckland, New Zealand FAQs

1. What are the popular student cities in New Zealand apart from Auckland?

Some popular student cities in New Zealand are Christchurch, Hamilton, and Wellington. Each has excellent Universities, promising career opportunities, diverse communities, and student-friendly infrastructure.

2. What are the public transport options in Auckland?

Auckland has well-connected bus routes, as well as four railway lines. It also offers ferry services to connect certain suburban parts to the main city.

3. Do I need to pay for health insurance as a student in Auckland?

Yes, health insurance is generally mandatory for all international students in New Zealand. It costs around NZD 600 to NZD 800 per year and covers most of the student’s medical needs.

4. Do the accommodation costs include deposits and other fees?

Not always. Deposits, cleaning fees, etc., are usually one-time expenses. Therefore, they are specified differently from the rent, maintenance, and other monthly charges.

5. What is the climate like in Auckland?

Auckland’s proximity to the Hauraki Gulf and the Manukau Harbor results in a mild oceanic climate, with warm yet windy summers and temperatures ranging from 11.3 °C to 24.4 °C. Winters are cooler, with temperatures ranging between 2 °C and 8.3 °C, warranting the need for portable heaters and proper insulation.