New Zealand stands among the modern choices of the current generation for their higher education. The reason can be attributed to the new age opportunities and modern technologies adopted by the educational institutions of New Zealand. Apart from the quality education, development prospects, and university rankings, students evaluate a country as their ideal study destination is the cost of education and living. Following is a comprehensive guide, throwing light on the expenses and budget that a student should consider while planning a study trip to New Zealand. 

Accommodation 

Accommodation expenses account for around three fourth living expenses in New Zealand. While deciding a perfect accommodation, you should consider factors like environment, the proximity of college/university as it will help in reducing transportation costs. Following are the costs of 1BHK and 3BHK in both the city center and outside of the city center: 

1 bedroom Apartment in City Centre – NZ$ 1,620.11

1 bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre – NZ$ 1,284.47 

3 bedroom Apartment in City Centre – NZ$ 2,767.40 

3 bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre – NZ$ 2,173.30 

We agree that these average costs are negligibly high but you can cover them up if you indulge in part-time jobs while studying, which are highly paid as well (considering the skyrocketing prices in the country).

Tuition fees

The tuition fees is the prime expenditure while your education abroad. It majorly depends on whether the educational institute is publicly funded or privately funded, the discipline of your study like science and technology, MBA, etc demands higher costs. Moreover, the cost varies at different levels of higher education. Following are the average costs at various study levels in New Zealand: 

Bachelor level – NZ$ 20,000 – NZ$ 25000

Master Level – NZ$ 18,000 – NZ$ 32,000

Doctorate level – NZ$ 7,000 – NZ$ 10,000

Management Courses like MBA – NZ$ 30,000 – NZ$ 55,000

Transportation Cost 

The cost of transportation within the country depends on who holds a stake in the transportation system – government or private. And private has the ownership which makes the prices higher. However, New Zealand doesn’t have an extensive railway system like India and thus, the connectivity of trains is in big cities only. People feel that buses and taxis are more steadfast. But that doesn’t mean they are cheaper as bus ticket starts from NZ$ 10 and taxis charge around NZ$ 3 per km. 

Monthly Expenses 

Apart from rent and travel costs, there is a lot more than you have to spend like food, mobile calling packages, internet charges, laundry, shopping, etc. In some cases, you need to bear electricity, gas, and water bills as well as they are not included in monthly rent. The average monthly cost of all these things is mentioned below:

• Food – NZ$ 230

• Eating in restaurants or cafes – NZ$ 120-160

• Daily essentials – NZ$ 56

• Clothing – NZ$ 215-310

• Mobile & Internet services – NZ$ 55

• Medical Expenses – NZ$ 45-110

• Entertainment – NZ$ 55-105

Most expensive cities in New Zealand 

New Zealand is a popular choice among people when it comes to exploring the world. The glorious and tranquil islands lure students and tourists from every realm. Due to such popularity and demand in the world, some cities have soaring prices. Following are the most expensive cities in New Zealand.

1. Auckland

2. Christchurch

3. Wellington

4. Napier

5. Queenstown

Most inexpensive cities in New Zealand 

But not all places in New Zealand have skyrocketing costs of living. There are many cities where living is affordable and provides satisfactory facilities. Some of the cheapest cities in New Zealand are: 

1. Invercargill

2. New Plymouth

3. Whanganui

4. Dunedin

5. Whangarei

6. Hamilton

7. Rotorua

Among the list, Whanganui is the cheapest place in New Zealand.