Pakistanis have it tough. The currency devaluation and exchange rates make one think twice before immigrating.
Hence it is important for any Pakistani intending to immigrate to New Zealand cost of living in New Zealand before making any big move.
Pakistani seeking better opportunities consider New Zealand for its lush landscapes, top-notch healthcare, and world-class education. The high living standards add to the total cost of living.
If you are planning to move to New Zealand from Pakistan, this guide will dissect the living expenses in New Zealand for you.
Cost of Living in New Zealand ǀ Not Impossible for Pakistani Immigrants
Living expenses in New Zealand is difficult for newly moved Pakistani immigrants. An expert consultant will help you move abroad immigration successfully.
But once you have landed, you are pretty much on your own. If you are planning to study in New Zealand or try your luck for jobs, this guide would help you navigate some of the expenses until you get a better job.
Read each section of the guide to save in the best possible way.
Housing and Accommodation Costs in New Zealand
Just like any city in the world, rent and housing costs in New Zealand vary depending on property type and location.
Auckland is the largest and most expensive city in the country. If you are looking for affordable options, Hamilton and Dunedin are the best bets.
According to listings on realstate.co.nz, one-bed room apartments in Auckland city center average 2000 NZD. If you travel slightly away from the city center, it drops to 1200- 1800 NZD.
Christchurch has better lower prices at 1200 NZD a one-bedroom apartment in the city center.
Similarly, a 3-bedroom apartment in suburban Auckland ranges from 2300 NZD per month, and in small cities like Palmerston North, at 1500 NZD. Rent and housing costs in New Zealand vary significantly in smaller cities.
Pakistanis share accommodations to reduce rent and housing costs in New Zealand.
Food and Grocery Expenses in New Zealand
The grocery costs in New Zealand aren’t as high compared to European countries.
For a single person, the grocery bill is an average of 300 to 400 NZD. The estimate includes essentials like milk, bread, rice, and chicken.
Pakistani immigrants in New Zealand can take advantage of reduced grocery costs in New Zealand in stores like Pak’n’Save.
Dining out is pricier when you are looking for halal options. A meal cost at an inexpensive restaurant is somewhere between 20 – 30 NZD.
Transportation costs in New Zealand
The transportation costs in New Zealand vary from metropolitan cities like Auckland and Wellington compared to locations away from the city center.
When you use public transport, you should expect to spend around 150 NZD a month. If you have a car, you would be spending a similar amount on fuel cost as public transport.
To reduce transportation costs in New Zealand, often, people residing in rural areas resort to cycle or walk for shorter distances.
Healthcare and Insurance Costs in New Zealand
New Zealand has a comprehensive healthcare system. Insurance is essential for residents or temporary residents. Most work visa holders who are staying in the country for two or more years have access to the public healthcare system.
It covers the cost of hospital visits, outpatient, and medicines. The immigrants who aren’t eligible for public healthcare must get private health insurance.
Non-eligible immigrants’ healthcare expenses in New Zealand are approximately 700 annually.
When you visit a general practitioner without insurance, it costs 50-100 NZD. Accident Compensation Scheme (ACC) covers healthcare and insurance costs in New Zealand for injury-related issues.
Education and Childcare Costs in New Zealand
If you have children, the cost of living in New Zealand drastically changes. The public education system in New Zealand is one of the best in the world.
Children of residents and citizens get free education from ages 5 – 19 years. Meanwhile, international students who come to study abroad would have to pay 15,000 – 18,000 NZD annually.
If you want to reduce tuition fees, talk to expert education consultants and look for scholarship options. Enroll in an IELTS preparation to get better chances for a scholarship.
Higher education for international students reaches 35,000 NZD per year.
Childcare for preschoolers is 20 hours free for children with ages 3 – 5 years. After the free twenty hours, it costs 10 NZD per hour.
Entertainment and Lifestyle Expenses in New Zealand
Entertainment and lifestyle add up in living expense in New Zealand. The country is the hub of entertainment. With its vast landscapes and adventure-driven culture, living expense in New Zealand increase without even trying.
A movie ticket costs 10-14 NZD, concert ticket 80-150 NZD, bungee jumping 50 NZD, and gym membership 50 NZD per month. Outdoor hikes, beaches, national parks and trekking trails are very low-cost activities.
Cost of Living for Students in New Zealand
The cost of living in New Zealand for students is a tricky slope. An average student who lives on campus spends approximately 400 to 500 NZD a week.
Annual expenses can amount to 25,000 NZD. The cost includes accommodation, transportation, and food (on-campus).
Students who live in New Zealand from Pakistan can use these cost-saving tricks:
- Use student discount for traveling and entertainment
- Share apartment
- Cook at home
- Indulge in part-time work
- Look for the options for scholarships
Regional Variations in Cost of Living in New Zealand
Here is the complete breakdown of cost of living in New Zealand with regional variations
- Auckland 1700 NZD
- Christchurch 1400 NZD
- Dunedin 1200 NZD
- Palmerston North 1200 NZD
Rural areas like Hamilton and New Plymouth have even more affordable cost of living in New Zealand, but the job market is not as lucrative as in Auckland.
Budgeting Tips for Living in New Zealand
Here are some smart ways to manage living expenses in New Zealand for Pakistani immigrants:
- Grocery: to reduce grocery cost in New Zealand, look for discount stores and deals. Making home cooked meals significantly cut the cost of living in New Zealand.
- Housing: To curb the rent and housing cost in New Zealand’s busy cities, you can opt for shared accommodation and live outside the city center.
- Transportation: It is very easy to avoid extra transportation costs in New Zealand. Choose to travel via public transport on student discounts. Also, walk or cycle to shorter distances.
- Utilities: Utilities and internet costs in New Zealand reach approximately 200 to 250 NZD depending on apartment size. Sharing accommodation helps reduce the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of living in New Zealand per month?
For a single person, the average cost of living in New Zealand accumulates to 4000 NZD in busy cities.
How much does rent cost in New Zealand?
In the city center of Auckland, rent and housing costs in New Zealand range from 1200 to 2000 NZD. In remote towns like Dunedin, rent is approximately 800 – 1200 NZD.
Is New Zealand expensive for international students?
Yes, it is. New Zealand living expenses for international students that would include tuition, accommodation, food, travel, and modest entertainment can reach 20,000 – 25,000 NZD annually. It’s best to look for scholarship opportunities and reduce some tuition costs.
What are the cheapest cities to live in New Zealand?
Dunedin, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Palmerston North are some of the remote and affordable cities in New Zealand.
How much does healthcare cost in New Zealand?
If you are an eligible resident/citizen, healthcare is free. For non-eligible residents, a General Physician is 50 NZD and 200 NZD annually for insurance.
What are the average grocery expenses in New Zealand?
If you buy the essentials only, grocery costs in New Zealand amount to 300 – 400 NZD a month.
How much do utilities cost in New Zealand?
Utilities and internet costs in New Zealand for an 85² apartment are approximately 200 – 250 NZD monthly.
Managing Living Expenses in New Zealand
For a Pakistani student, managing these high tuition fees is the biggest issue. Students enroll in odd jobs in the hours eligible for work.
It helps them cover some costs. Also, taking advantage of student discounts and being aware of deals and discounts on holidays help navigate some of the expenses and cost of living in New Zealand.
If you live in New Zealand, with your family, a student’s education is free until they are nineteen. Monthly expenses in New Zealand for Pakistani immigrants can be curbed with some smart steps while maintaining high quality of life.