Department of Engineering Science
Cost of living
This page lists approximate values for what you can expect to pay for basic items in Auckland. This information can help you plan your budget.
How much money will you need?
Basic costs
In addition to your fees for study, you will need between $20,000 and $25,000 per year ($380–480 per week) for:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transport
- Phone
- Internet
- Entertainment
Other costs
You may have further expenses during your study, including:
- Textbooks and stationery
- Medical and dental appointments
- Bank account fees
- Insurance
- Clothing
- Holidays and trips
Housing costs
If you choose not to stay in University accommodation, you will also have extra charges such as:
- A bond/finder’s fee
- Utility bills (power/gas/phone/internet)
Cost of living in Auckland
Living in Auckland is much cheaper than living in Sydney or London. Auckland is also in the top five cities worldwide for quality of living, according to the Mercer's 2012 Quality of Living survey.
Prices of common goods and services
The following tables list prices of common goods and services to give an idea of the cost of living in New Zealand.
| General expenses | Cost (in NZ dollars) |
|---|---|
| Rent (per week) | $200–$350 |
| Groceries (per week) | $100–$150 |
| Gym membership (per year) | $257 |
| Entertainment (per week) | $50 |
| Lunches/takeaways (per week — see below for more individual prices) | $10–$100 |
| Individual items | Cost (in NZ dollars) |
|---|---|
| Takeaway pizza (large) | $16 |
| Panini | $7–$10 |
| Takeaway pie | $2.50–$3.50 |
| Milk (per litre) | $2.50 |
| Coca Cola (per can) | $2 |
| Coffee, cappuccino or latte | $3.50–$5 |
| Jug of beer at student bar | From $5 |
| Lunch from University food hall or campus café | $7–$12 |
| Main meal at restaurant (off campus) | $15–$40 |
| Local calls made from a public telephone (per minute) | $0.50 |
| Local calls made from a cell-phone (peak/off-peak per minute) | $0.24–$1.39 |
| Single bus fare per trip (from inner city ride to 8 stages) | $0.50–$10.30 |
| Monthly bus pass (travel within Auckland and suburbs — student discount also available) | $123–$240 |
| Ferry ride: return ticket Auckland to Devonport (North Shore) | $11 |
| Taxi - 5 km ride | $10–$12 |
| Movie ticket (student price) | $10.50–$14 |
| Admission to major sports event at Eden Park | From $15 |
| Haircut (campus hairdresser) | $30–$55 |
| Visit to doctor | $45–$85 |
| Visit to dentist | $150–$500 |
