Living and Food Costs in New Zealand
New Zealand is home to people from many different cultures. This means we enjoy a varied diet of traditional New Zealand and ethnic meals.
It is generally cheaper to buy food from large supermarket chains (Foodtown, Pak’nSave, Woolworths, New World, Countdown). Fresh fruit and vegetables can also be bought cheaply from local fruit and vegetable shops. New Zealand meat (including halal) can also be purchased at competitive prices from local butcheries. A variety of foods can be purchased in Auckland from locally run ethnic stores. You can enjoy food from around the world in most main towns in New Zealand, including traditional Indian curry, Japanese sushi, Korean kimchi or Turkish pide.
You should allow $250-$300 per week for food and living costs. Typical weekly costs may include (in NZD):
- Homestay per week (includes most meals) $210
- Rent per week (shared house/apartment) $100-$200
- Transportation (bus/train) $20
- Entertainment $30
- Telephone $10
- Clothing $20
- Sports and hobbies $20
- Cinema ticket $12-$15
- Bread $2-$3
- Milk (2 litres) $2.50
- Butter (500g) $2.50
- Cheese (per kilo) $10-$15
- Takeaway meal (i.e. hamburger) $4+
- Café lunch $5-$6
- Café style cup of coffee $4
- Restaurant meal for one (no drinks) $18-$25
- Postage stamp (standard overseas letter) $1.50
