Did you know that New Zealand welcomed 73,535 international students between January and August 2024? This represents a significant 24% increase compared to the same period in 2023, showcasing the country's growing appeal. With its stunning landscapes, high quality of life, and world-class universities, it is no surprise that the country is becoming a top choice for students from around the globe, including a growing number from Sri Lanka.
But have you ever wondered about the cost of living in New Zealand? On average, the living expenses in New Zealand for international students, including those from Sri Lanka, typically range between NZ $15,000 and NZ $25,000 per year, depending on your lifestyle and the city you choose. From accommodation costs in New Zealand to the most affordable cities to live in, this blog unpacks everything you need to know about managing your monthly expenses in New Zealand as a Sri Lankan international student.
Monthly Cost of Living in New Zealand
Have you wondered, What is the Monthly Cost of Living in New Zealand for Sri Lankan Students? The monthly cost of living in New Zealand for international students, including those from Sri Lanka, varies depending on your lifestyle, chosen city, and accommodation type. Larger cities like Auckland and Wellington are generally more expensive than student-friendly, affordable cities such as Hamilton or Dunedin.
Your biggest expense will typically be accommodation, which can differ based on whether you're renting a private flat, staying in university halls, or sharing a flat. Other costs like food, transport, internet, and leisure also contribute to your monthly budget for studying in New Zealand.
Here's a detailed monthly breakdown of average living expenses to help you plan better:
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Particulars
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Expense (in NZD)
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Expense (in LKR)
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Rent
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NZ $140 - $595 per week
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LKR 2,557 - 108,696 (per week)
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Groceries
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NZ $80 - $120 per week
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LKR 14,615 - 21,922 (per week)
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Transportation
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Up to NZ $37 per week
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Up to LKR 6,760 per week
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Utilities
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NZ $200 - $300/ month for Power
NZ $90/month for Internet
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LKR 36,536 - 54,805 monthly for Power
LKR 16,442 monthly for Internet
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Entertainment
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NZ $55 per week
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LKR 10,048 per week
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Cost of Living in New Zealand by City
To plan your stay in New Zealand more realistically, it's crucial to have a broad idea about the city-wise cost of living in New Zealand. Here's a breakdown of five major cities in New Zealand:
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City
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Average Living Cost (NZD)
|
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Auckland
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NZ $20,000 - $27,000
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Wellington
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NZ $20,000 - $27,000
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Christchurch
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NZ $20,000
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Hamilton
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NZ $20,000
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Dunedin
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NZ $18,000 - $21,000
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Cost of Living in New Zealand: Accommodation Costs
A major chunk of your money, while calculating the cost of living in New Zealand, should be accounted for by your accommodation. The cost of accommodation varies with the city and the type of accommodation you have chosen. Broadly, there are two types of accommodation: on-campus and off-campus. Here's a quick breakdown to get an idea of the costing:
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Accommodation Type
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Expenses (in NZD)
|
|
Hall of Residence
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NZ $300 (uncatered) to $484 (catered) per week
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Homestay
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NZ $285 per week onwards
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Studio Room
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NZ $235 - $370 per week
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Room in a Shared Flat
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NZ $140 - $293 per week
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3 or 4 Bedroom House
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NZ $535 or $595 in Auckland per week
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Accommodation Costs by City
Here's a city-wise estimate of accommodation expenses to help you choose your location:
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City
|
Average Weekly Cost (in NZD)
|
|
Auckland
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NZ $650
|
|
Canterbury
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NZ $570
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Gisborne
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NZ $500
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Otago
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NZ $590
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West Coast
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NZ $465
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Wellington
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NZ $625
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Accommodation expenses vary greatly by region, the general weekly rent for a three-bedroom house was $565, while in Auckland it was $650. Depending on the lifestyle and place, the cost of lodging will vary. The average cost of living in New Zealand for a three -to four-bedroom house will be around NZ$565 per week or NZ$215 per room.
Practical Tip to Find the Ideal Accommodation
- Begin your search early: Start your search at least 2–3 months before arrival, especially if you are aiming for popular cities.
- Go for trusted platforms: Some of the popular platforms for accommodation search you can consider include University housing offices, realestate.co.nz, Trade Me, and local Facebook groups.
- Inspect before signing: It will be a good idea to visit or have someone inspect the property before you sign. Check for compliance with Healthy Homes Standards.
- Account for some upfront costs: Expect to pay a bond (up to 4 weeks' rent) and possibly 1–2 weeks' rent in advance.
- Consider shared living: If you want to reduce the cost, then sharing an apartment or house can help, especially in high-rent areas.
Tip: You can talk to AECC experts regarding accommodation services to ease your search for the ideal stay in New Zealand.
Cost of Living in New Zealand: Food and Grocery Costs
Another factor that adds to the cost of living in New Zealand is the food. You have two options: either cook at home or eat out. The economic choice would be cooking rather than eating out. But to make an informed decision, here is a breakdown:
Eating Out Expenses in New Zealand
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Particulars
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Average Cost (in NZD)
|
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Meal at an inexpensive restaurant
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NZ $25
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Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (three-course)
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NZ $122
|
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McMeal at McDonald's (or similar combo meal)
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NZ $15
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Cappuccino (regular)
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NZ $5
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Coke/Pepsi (0.33-litre bottle)
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NZ $3
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Grocery Expenses in New Zealand
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Item
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Average Cost (in NZD)
|
|
Milk
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NZ $2.35 - 4.50
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Bread
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NZ $3.30 - 5.00
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Cup Noodles
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NZ $0.60 - 1.20
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Rice (1kg)
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NZ $2.00 - 4.00
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Peanut Butter
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NZ $4.00 - 8.00
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Fresh Chicken (small packet of two chicken breasts)
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NZ $7.00 - 15.00
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Bananas
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NZ $2.89 - 5.00
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Orange juice (1 L)
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NZ $3.00 - 6.00
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Tip: Some of the best grocery shopping outlets you can consider include Pak'nSave, Countdown, or New World (if you want premium products).
Cost-Saving Tips While Grocery Shopping in New Zealand:
- Every supermarket has weekly deals and discounts. Check their websites or apps to uncover such deals to save more.
- You can also make the most of the loyalty programmes in supermarkets. For instance, the Onecard from Countdown to save money.
- Buying in bulk from stores like Pak'nSave is cost-effective, while Countdown and New World offer more specialised products.
- Always shop during the off-peak hours to avoid long queues. Either shop in the morning or late at night.
Cost of Living in New Zealand: Transportation Costs
Apart from accommodation costs in New Zealand and food expenses, transportation also plays a key role in determining your budget for studying abroad. The transportation cost would vary depending on your city and mode of transport. Being an international student, public transport would be more cost-effective than other means of transport. However, to give you a better idea, here's a breakdown:
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Mode of Transport
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Average Cost (in NZD)
|
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One-way ticket (local transport)
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NZ $4.00
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Monthly pass
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NZ $177.50
|
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Taxi Tariff (1 km)
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NZ $3.40
|
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Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (new car)
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NZ $45,000
|
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Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 l 97 kW Comfort (new car)
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NZ $35,971
|
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Commuter bike (new purchase)
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NZ $1,169.10
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Petrol (1L)
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NZ $2.80
|
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Cycle (Rental per hour)
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NZ $1
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Cost of Living in New Zealand: Healthcare Costs
Every international student needs to have health insurance while travelling to New Zealand. Broadly, there are two types of health insurance: university-offered or arranged insurance, and private insurance. The cost of private insurance will change based on the provider (i.e., Southern Cross Health Insurance, OrbitProtect, or Allianz Partners). However, here's a quick breakdown of insurance called StudentSafe offered by Massey University:
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Length
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Who’s it for?
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Amount (in NZD)
|
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One academic year
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Individual student
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NZ $855
|
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One semester
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Individual student
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NZ $427.50
|
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Short courses of less than one month
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Individual student
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NZ $142.50 minimum cover (2 months)
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One year
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Couple cover – student and partner, or student and child
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NZ $1,710.00
|
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Family cover – student and 2 or more family members
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NZ $2,137.50
|
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One semester
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Couple cover – student and partner, or student and child
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NZ $855.00
|
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Family cover – student and 2 or more family members
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NZ $1,068.75
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Apart from health insurance, the basic fees to see a doctor are around NZ $80 - $120, and to get your teeth examined by a dentist are around NZ $74 - $98. Here are some tips to manage healthcare in New Zealand as an international student:
- Find a local general practitioner (GP) upon arrival to ensure you have access to medical services when needed.
- Understand the coverage offered by your health insurance to avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Make use of student health care centres for cheaper medical access. Some universities offer medical services at a lower cost.
- Keep the contact information of your emergency contact, insurance provider, and nearby health facilities handy.
Cost of Living in New Zealand: Utility Costs
Utilities expenses also add to the cost of living in New Zealand for international students. Utilities like gas, electricity, water, internet may cost additional to your rent. Always check with your landlord whether the utilities are included in your rent or not. Here's a cost breakdown to give you an idea:
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Utilities
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Cost (in NZD)
|
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Power
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NZ $200 - $300 per month
|
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Mobile Phone Monthly Plan (calling+texting+Data)
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NZ $19 per month
|
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Internet (WiFi shared among flatmates)
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NZ $90 per month
|
Cost of Living in New Zealand: Entertainment and Leisure Costs
When you are living in a new country, it's expected of you to have some fun and entertainment. When you are accounting for the monthly expenses in New Zealand for international students, knowing the cost of entertainment and leisure can help you plan better. Some people enjoy outdoor activities while others are into movies and concerts. Here's a quick breakdown for your reference:
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Activity
|
Cost (in NSD)
|
|
Glass of Wine
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NZ $9-$18
|
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Pint of Beer
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NZ $8-$12
|
|
Movie tickets
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NZ $10-$17
|
|
Show (Ballet or Theatre)
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Free to NZ $100
|
|
Concerts
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Free to NZ $100
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Cost of Living in New Zealand: Tips to Save Money
Here are some tips for you to minimise the cost of living in New Zealand:
Create a realistic budget: Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track and monitor your spending. Demarcate your source of income and spending categories to set a realistic budget.
Utilise student discounts: Always carry your student ID with you to take advantage of discounts at grocery stores, public transport, restaurants, and other attractions. Platforms like myunidays.com, studentcard.co.nz, and studentbeans.com can help you find deals and exclusive student offers.
Cook at home: Try cooking at home rather than eating out. Plan your meals weekly to stock up on groceries accordingly. Consider shopping at budget-friendly supermarkets to minimise the cost.
Choose public transport or a bike: These are much cheaper than taxis or cars. You can purchase monthly bus passes and enjoy discounted rates on buses, trains, or ferries. You can also use a bike to commute to nearby places.
Consider shared accommodation: Rent is one of the major living expenses for international students in New Zealand. Choosing shared accommodation can significantly reduce the cost of living. However, you need to start your accommodation search early and look for housing options near your college or university.
Manage healthcare effectively: Cut down on unnecessary expenses and make use of university health centres for medical services. Use your insurance efficiently and understand the extent of its coverage to pay less from your own pocket.
Consider part-time jobs: International students in New Zealand can work part-time (typically up to 20 hours a week during term, full-time during holidays, with no limit for Masters by Research or PhD students) to make extra income. However, please ensure it does not affect your studies.
Studying in New Zealand offers international students a world-class education in a safe, welcoming environment. While the cost of studying varies depending on the university, course, and lifestyle choices, it's important to plan ahead for tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and other essentials.
With smart budgeting, access to part-time work, and potential scholarships, many students find the experience to be a rewarding investment in their future. Ultimately, the quality of education, career opportunities, and cultural experience make New Zealand a compelling destination for higher studies. If you need guidance on the student visa process, accommodation, or scholarships, AECC Sri Lanka is right here to help you. You can book your free counselling session with us today to get started.
Cost of Living in New Zealand FAQs
What are the specific financial requirements for a Sri Lankan student visa for New Zealand?
Sri Lankan students applying for a New Zealand student visa must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. As of now, you need to show access to NZ $20,000 for each year of study if your course is 1 year or more, or NZ $1,667 for each month if your study is shorter than 1 year. Evidence of funds can include recent bank statements, pay slips, employment agreements of sponsors, or a Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) with an approved bank like ANZ. Always verify the latest specific requirements on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Is New Zealand affordable for Sri Lankan students compared to other popular study destinations?
New Zealand is generally considered to be a more affordable study destination compared to countries like the USA or the UK, particularly outside of major cities like Auckland and Wellington. While some expenses like groceries might be perceived as high, the overall cost of living, combined with opportunities for part-time work and scholarships, can make it a viable option for Sri Lankan students seeking quality education without exorbitant costs.
What kind of support can Sri Lankan students expect in New Zealand?
New Zealand universities and communities offer various support services for international students, including dedicated international student offices, orientation programmes, academic assistance, and counselling services. Additionally, there are active Sri Lankan communities and associations across New Zealand (such as the Sri Lanka Association of New Zealand - SLANZ in Wellington) that provide cultural support, events, and a sense of belonging, helping students adjust to their new environment.
Can Sri Lankan students work while studying in New Zealand?
Yes, Sri Lankan students on a student visa in New Zealand are generally permitted to work part-time. Typically, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled holidays. This can significantly help in managing living expenses. It's crucial to check your specific visa conditions and minimum wage rates on the official Immigration New Zealand website.
How does the health insurance system work for Sri Lankan students in New Zealand?
It is mandatory for all international students in New Zealand, including Sri Lankans, to have approved medical and travel insurance for the entire duration of their student visa. This insurance covers medical costs and emergencies. Many universities offer their own student-specific insurance plans (like StudentSafe mentioned in the article), or you can arrange private insurance from approved providers. It's important to understand your policy's coverage to avoid unexpected expenses.
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Nidhi Mehrotra, with extensive experience in Australian education, has helped countless students achieve their dreams of studying in Australia. Known for her expertise in visa applications and course selection, her guidance ensures success. Outside work, she enjoys reading and exploring new recipes, adding a personal touch to her mentoring.
