Cost of Living in Auckland: Living Expenses & Affordable Cities

Are you considering the beautiful city of Auckland as an option for higher education? Auckland, incredibly unique in many ways, is the largest city in New Zealand. It is a popular destination for international students, but deciphering the cost of living in Auckland in advance is necessary. Uncover essential facts about living expenses in Auckland before deciding to make Auckland your second home.  

Why Choose Auckland to Study Abroad

Auckland has a long list of benefits when it comes to providing the perfect environment for international students. Seven reasons to move to Auckland are detailed below:

World-Class Education

Auckland is home to 2 of the 6 top educational institutions in New Zealand that offer state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-renowned faculty, and a plethora of research opportunities.

Multicultural Diversity

Auckland is the most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand, with ethnic groups from around the world living within its boundaries. It also has a much higher percentage of Asian people than anywhere else in the country. This multicultural environment allows you to discover different cultures, languages, and insights. 

Natural Scenery

Auckland is a paradise with its beautiful beaches, dense forests, and scenic bushwalks. It is ideal for all nature lovers.

Ample Job Opportunities 

As the economic hub of the country, Auckland has a very low unemployment rate. On the other hand, the employment rate in Auckland stands as high as 69.8% as of the June 2023 quarter. From multinational companies to budding start-ups, Auckland provides a wide range of job opportunities across various industries.

Safety and Security 

New Zealand is regarded as the world’s second-safest country, and Auckland is one of the most livable in the world, with very low crime rates.

Perfect Weather

Blessed with a temperate climate, Auckland offers pleasant weather throughout the year with regular rainfall. Summers are sunny and warm, while winters are cool.

Abundant Recreation Options

Auckland offers many recreational and adventurous activities. It has famous attractions such as the Sky Tower, the Auckland Museum, and the Auckland Zoo. Auckland’s numerous cafes, live music venues, and hiking trails are suitable entertainment options.

Average Cost of Living in Auckland

While the cost of living in Auckland is slightly higher than in other parts of New Zealand, it is lower than in several other major cities worldwide. Factors such as accommodation, transportation choices, and food preferences influence the average living expenses in Auckland. 

Here's a quick look at how much the average living expenses in Auckland might come out to for a single person: 

The total average cost of living in Auckland for a student primarily depends on the type and place of accommodation. Living expenses at the University of Auckland include rent, electricity, water, food, laundry, Wi-Fi access, and membership to the gym.

The average cost to live in Auckland for a student varies from NZ$2,400 to NZ$2,500 per month (excluding tuition fees). The estimate can fluctuate depending on your lifestyle and personal choices. 

Affordable Places to Live in Auckland 

Lower-Cost living options can be found in cities outside of Auckland's city center but still within commuting distance to the main campuses. 

Manukau– Location: South Auckland. Distance from Central Business District (CBD): 25-minute drive. 

Franklin– Location: South Auckland. Distance from CBD: 50-minute drive.

Waitakere– Location: West Auckland. Distance from CBD: 30-minute drive.

North Shore– Location: North Auckland. Distance from CBD: 20-minute drive.

Rodney– Location: North Auckland. Distance from CBD: 30-minute – 1h15-minute drive.

Food, utilities, and other costs of living in Auckland for Indian students will be similar to the City Center.

Things to Know When Moving to Auckland

When moving to Auckland, it is always good to keep a few things in mind before taking the plunge. 

- Secure your student visa: To study in Auckland as an international student, you will need a student visa from the Immigration New Zealand website.

- Find suitable accommodation: Comparing different types of accommodations as early as possible is essential to find the cheapest and best one.

- Calculate cost of living: Determine your average living expenses in Auckland well in advance to plan your budget accordingly.

- Know the culture: Acquaint yourself with the local customs, norms, and language to fit in smoothly.

Disclaimer: The mentioned costs are indicative and subject to change at any time.

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