Cost of Living for International Students in New Zealand in 2025–26: What You Should Expect

New Zealand is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, and students from India seem to favor it the most. Before setting off, it is necessary to understand one of the most crucial aspects of study-abroad planning, namely: the cost of living.

In New Zealand, the cost of living depends heavily on which city you choose, the type of accommodation you live in, and your lifestyle. Possessing a clear picture of how much things are actually going to cost you is not just useful to add to your financial planning: in some instances, the budget could be an indispensable part of your visa application for entry into the country.

Here is a full argument of what to expect in 2025–2026.

1. Cost of Living City-Wise

You will get varyingly high per-month or yearly expenses depending on where you will be living going forward. The following list of cities is a snapshot of what the major student cities look like:

Auckland

New Zealand’s largest and most expensive city.
Prices per month: NZD 1,620 – 2,400.
Rent only: NZD 880 – 1,200.

Wellington

The capital city with high demand is rigorously competing.
Monthly cost: NZD 1,580 – 2,140.
Way less expensive than the leading metros, offering even more bang for the buck.
Monthly cost: NZD 1,380 – 1,960

Hamilton, Dunedin, and Small Cities.

Preferred by students in very tight fiscal straits.
Monthly cost: NZD 1,320 – 1,900

2. Breakdown for Monthly Expenditure

Here is how a typical student budget is shared out.

Largest cost: Rent.

Food & Groceries: 15-22%

Transportation: 6-9%

Utilities: 5-6%

Internet & Phone: 3-5%

Personal & Entertainment: 6-15%

These might differ according to lifestyles and individual choices.

3. Compulsory Health & International Insurance

All international students must have health insurance validated for themselves as part of their stay. Coverage includes:

Medical care
Hospitalization
Mental health support
Emergency repatriation
Travel-associated accidents

Longer than 2 years, student visa holders can have limited access to the public health system in New Zealand; however, private health insurance is still a must. The most popular service providers are Uni-Care, Orbit Protect, Southern Cross, and endorsed plans for various colleges.

4. What this Means for Students from India

If NZ is your destination and you plan on coming here, there are essentials you should keep in mind:

Keep your spending smart: The expected cost will range between NZD 1,300–2,400 according to the city.
Find residential options that sound like a heavy blow to your pocket when actually lighter, like shared flats or student accommodations.
Plan for insurance: Generally between NZD 600–800 annually.

Be real about how much money you could actually earn from part-time employment; it may not cover all expenses, especially in Auckland.

Are You All Set to Study in New Zealand? Contact Us Today

Starting right from the university list, study visa finance, documentation, and visa advice, Abhinav Immigration guides students so that they come up with a strong application to apply for studying in New Zealand.

Contact Abhinav Immigration Services for bespoke services and with a straightforward plan tailored toward the achievement of your goal.

Approve your position with our Study Abroad team. Let’s prepare your New Zealand journey appropriately.