Cost of Living in New Zealand

The cost of living in New Zealand is relatively high, and the part of the country you choose has a lot to do with your overall budget. Living in the North Island, especially in Auckland or Wellington, is more expensive than in the South Island. Auckland tends to be the priciest place of all.

Both cities are still cheaper than several major international hubs, Sydney and Singapore among them. Accommodation, groceries, utilities, and transport tend to be the biggest expenses, although plenty of residents feel the lifestyle and scenery are worth the outlay.

Cost of accommodation in New Zealand

The cost of accommodation in New Zealand is likely to be your highest expense when you move there. Rents in the larger cities also tend to be steeper than in the suburbs or rural areas. To make up for the high cost, properties in New Zealand tend to be spacious, and furnished housing is usually well appointed.

Budget for utilities on top of your rent, since landlords rarely include them and the bills can be steep. New Zealand has warm summers and cold winters, so you may need to run heating or cooling at different times of the year.

Renting Expat Accommodation in New Zealand

Cost of transport in New Zealand

The cost of transport in New Zealand is fairly reasonable, and you can trim it further with monthly or annual passes. You do not strictly need a car in the larger cities, but your own vehicle is well worth having if you want to get out and see the country. Used cars are affordable, as importers bring in large numbers of second-hand vehicles from Japan.

Public Transport and Driving in New Zealand

Cost of groceries in New Zealand

The cost of groceries in New Zealand tends to be high, and rising food bills have long been a common gripe among residents. Because New Zealand is so far from major suppliers, retailers import a lot of goods, food among them, and you pay more for the freight. Local produce is excellent, though, and shopping at farmers’ markets is a smart way to eat well for less.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in New Zealand

Free and cheap entertainment in New Zealand is easy to come by, from national parks and hiking trails to beaches and museums, many of which are free. Most cities also have cinemas and concert venues, although you pay more for a night at either.

Eating out in New Zealand can be pricey too, especially in the cities. Many restaurants have early-bird or lunchtime specials that are easier on the wallet, and food trucks and markets are other cheap and tasty options.

Cost of education in New Zealand

The standard of education in New Zealand is high, from primary school through to university. Public schools are largely free for residents, but you should still budget for uniforms, stationery, school trips, and extracurricular activities. Private school fees can be fairly steep, although you often get smaller class sizes, better facilities, a wider choice of subjects, and more extracurricular activities in return.

Education and Schools in New Zealand

Cost of healthcare in New Zealand

What you pay for healthcare in New Zealand comes down mainly to your visa and whether your treatment counts as accident related. If you hold a work visa valid for two years or more, you can use the public health system for free or at low cost, and time on an earlier visa can count towards that two-year mark. Accidents are a separate matter: the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) usually covers the medical costs of an injury, whatever your visa status, tourists included. ACC pays out for injuries only, not illness, which is one reason to take out private cover.

Many people go private for quicker treatment and a wider choice of services, although this comes at a price. Taking out health insurance is a sensible move, since out-of-pocket costs for treatment or procedures can be steep.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in New Zealand