The cost of living in New Zealand

The first few days in a new country are usually quite expensive. You’ll need to budget for transportation, food and accommodation, as well as having enough money upfront for big purchases such as a vehicle or a deposit on a long-term housing option.

The New Zealand government requires you to arrive with a minimum of $4,200. Try to arrive with more because you may spend this amount quickly (especially if it takes you a while to find a job).

Here are a few prices to help you plan your budget for the first few days:

• Bus from the Auckland Airport to the CBD: $20 (about $75 by taxi and about $35 by shuttle).
• Bus from the Wellington Airport to the city centre: $11 ($18 by shuttle and about $40 by taxi).
• A week in a shared room in a hostel: about $175 per person.
• Food budget for a week if you eat out (fast food, food courts, cheap restaurants, etc.): around $200.
• Food budget for a week if you’re cooking (on a tight budget): around $110.
• Bond for accommodation: this can be up to the equivalent of 4 weeks’ rent, or around $1,200-$1,800 (more information in the accommodation chapter).
• CV printing: approximately $10 for 10 two-page CVs.
• A celebratory drink: around $9-$15.