Is Auckland Really That Expensive? A First-Hand Look at the Cost of Living

We emigrated to New Zealand just over 2 years ago, and lived in Auckland for about a year and a half. Here is the question we most often see asked: Is $30 per hour enough to live in Auckland? This is quite tough to answer though, as everyone has their own unique needs. The best way to go about it, is to do your own research and put your own budget together. So, instead of answering this question, we'll give you resources to help you with this process. Please keep in mind that the following info is all based on our experience and personal preferences and we are not financial advisers.

You can find a downloadable spreadsheet here!

Housing: The Big Ticket Item

Housing is the biggest expense and in New Zealand, is a weekly rate (which we pay bi-weekly). We haven't bought property, so we're not able to give advice about that. We do rent though, which can differ significantly depending on where you decide to settle.

• City Center and surrounds: Want to live in the bustling heart of the city? Be ready to pay around NZD 650 weekly for a small two-bed, one-bath apartment and about NZD 850 for a more spacious two-bed, two-bath flat. Yes, it’s vibrant and filled with life, but it can certainly drain your finances. But, on the other hand, is very convenient and you can save on other costs like transport. We love the areas on the city fringe, like Ponsonby, Mt Eden, Eden Terraces, New Market and Parnell.

  
  

• Suburbs: If you're open to commute, you might find rentals for the same price, but the property will most likely be a bit (or a lot) bigger. The north shore is certainly a popular area for South Africans, specifically Browns Bay ;) Friends of ours lived in Northcote, which offers a lot of new developments and is also close to the harbour bridge, making it more convenient to go into the city. All the coastal suburbs going up along the north shore are really nice, each with a beautiful bay and from what we can tell, a strong sense of community. We highly recommend looking at public transport routes and how close bus stops or train stations are to your chosen location. If you want to be close to a train line, then you'll have to look on the city side of harbour bridge (trains don't serve the north shore). Mount Wellington has a lot of new developments as well, and has a train station. We've also heard of a lot of South Africans living in the Howick, Botany Downs and Halfmoon Bay area. For us, that is a bit too far from the cbd.

  
  

Our top tips!

• Make sure to be prepared for upfront costs when moving into a rental, as many landlords request a bond equivalent to four weeks' rent.

• Do a lot of research before you choose an area. Consider the location of your workplace, if you live close-by it will mean a lot less time in traffic. Being able to cycle or walk to work is absolutely life-changing! And in bad weather, we have a bus stop close to home, which makes it super convenient.

Now that you have an idea of places to live, you can look at the following sites to give you an idea of what the costs are:

The breathtaking skyline of Auckland, New Zealand, showcasing apartment buildings and gorgeous views.

Utilities: Keeping the Lights On

Here are a few costs relating to your home. For us, these costs vary between NZD 300 and NZD 400 (including electricity, water, gas, streaming services and internet). Here are the providers that we use:

• Electricity and Internet: Contact Energy

  
  

• Water: Included in our rent

  
  

• Gas: Nova

  
  

Transport: Getting Around

Let’s talk transportation. We bought a used car when we arrived in New Zealand from Turners. We decided to pay in full, so we don't have any monthly repayments. To be honest, we hardly ever use our car since moving to Auckland, so we don't spend too much on petrol. If you're wondering about the price of petrol, check out Gaspy.

The cost of petrol in November 2024. Prices vary between stations.

• Car related expenses: Other than insurance, there are a few yearly expenses that you need to be aware of and be prepared for. Like a Warranty of Fitness (WOF), Car licence and car service. The cost of this depends on the type of car you have, for us, the total this year was about $600.

  
  

• Public transport: We love being able to make use of buses, trains and ferries. We spend around $100 in total per month on this. For more information about the costs of specific trips, you can visit Auckland Transport.

  
  

Random Costs: The Little Things

Sometimes it's the small expenses that add up quickly.

• Mobile plans: We use Skinny, use our code for some extra free data: P7CN5AH

  
  

• Entertainment: A simple night out featuring dinner and a movie could run at NZD 120 to NZD 180 for two, based on the venue and menu choices. Craig's go-to after work drinks have NZD 6 beers during happy hour. A coffee can be from NZD 5.50 to NZD 10. There are many free activities for Auckland residents, like the museum and a lot of places also offer discounts for residents, like the zoo.

  
  

• Gym Memberships: For those who enjoy fitness, there are various gyms at various price points. We love Les Mills.

  
  

These expenses can significantly impact your total cost of living, so keep them in mind when planning your budget.

Groceries: Eating Well

Food expenses form a significant part of the budget. In New Zealand, there are three major grocery stores: Pak n Save, Woolworths and New World. Pak n Save is the cheaper option out of the three, so we try to do a big shop there at least once or twice a month. Depending on your personal preferences, the amount spent per month may vary. But we'd recommend around $250 - $300 per week. As always, check out the grocery store websites for yourself in order to come up with your own budget :)

Pak'nSave

Miscellaneous: Don't Forget the Extras

Lastly, don’t ignore the miscellaneous costs that can pop up. Expenses like social outings with friends can vary widely. Especially in a place like Auckland, where there is always something going on.

Don't forget things like shopping trips and getting your hair done. It’s always a good idea to have a buffer for unexpected costs.

We know that savings should come first, but that is a very personal thing. So, remember to put an amount aside each month in a separate savings account ;)

Final Thoughts on Auckland's Living Costs

After a year and a half in Auckland, we've come to appreciate the city's charm and opportunities. It's a dynamic place filled with people of many different cultures and stunning sights. While the costs can be tough to digest at first, many residents find that the quality of life compensates for the financial burden.

So, is Auckland really that expensive? The answer varies based on your lifestyle and budgeting choices. For anyone considering a move, we hope this breakdown clarifies what you might encounter. Planning ahead can help you embrace all the benefits Auckland has to offer without feeling financially strained. We hope you enjoy your potential journey here!

Our vlog will be available on our YouTube channel soon. Feel free to leave comments that will be helpful to others looking to make the move.

Have a great day :)

Craig and Chantal