Cost of Living in Auckland 2025: What You Need to Know

Did You Know? In 2025, average rent in Auckland ranges from NZD 2,751 to NZD 5,732 (INR 1.4L to INR 2.93L), depending on location and apartment size. Grocery costs have risen by 3.5%, with basics like eggs at NZD 10.51 (INR 537)  per dozen. Public transport now averages NZD 320.80 (INR 16K) per month, reflecting a noticeable increase.

Auckland is the most expensive city in New Zealand in 2025, with average monthly living costs (excluding rent) at NZD 1,738 (INR 89K) for a single person. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from NZD 2,751 (INR 1.4L) outside the city center to NZD 3,177 (INR 1.62L) in central areas.

Public transport now costs around NZD 320.80 (INR 16K) per month, and groceries have seen a 3.5% price increase compared to 2024. Despite the high costs, Auckland remains home to the best education system in New Zealand, with the University of Auckland attracting over 45,000 students alone.

This guide provides a clear breakdown of living expenses in Auckland for 2025, helping you make informed choices as you prepare to study in New Zealand.

An Overview of Cost of Living in Auckland for Indian Students

Auckland ranks among the most expensive student cities, with an average living cost of around NZD 1,700 (INR 86K), which is about 180 percent higher than Delhi. Indian students typically spend between NZD 1,738 (INR 87K) and NZD 2,280 (INR 1.16L) per month, excluding tuition. Housing, transport, and groceries make up the bulk of monthly expenses.

Here's a breakdown of the typical monthly cost of living in Auckland for students:

Particulars	Details
Average Rent	NZD 1,400 – 1,900 (INR 71K – INR 97K)
Cost of Studying	Bachelor’s Degree: NZD 38K – 55K (INR 19L – INR 27L)  Master’s Degree: NZD 37K – 70K (INR 18L – INR 35L)
Most Affordable Place	Otahuhu: ~NZD 1,600 (INR )
Most Expensive Place	Ponsonby: ~NZD 4,112 (INR )
Top Institutions in Auckland	University of Auckland AUT University Unitec Institute of Technology Auckland Institute of Studies

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and may vary depending on current exchange rates.

Also Read: Study in New Zealand Without IELTS

Now that you have a clear idea of the monthly cost of living in Auckland for students'​ living expenses, it’s equally important to understand the academic costs you’ll incur. Let’s explore them as well.

Cost of Studying in Auckland for International Students

Tuition fees in Auckland vary depending on your degree level and university. In 2025, undergraduate programs, like BBA, typically range from NZD 22,000 to 45,000 (INR 11L to INR 23L), while postgraduate courses such as MBA  and MBBS can go up to NZD 70,000 (INR 35L).

PhD in New Zealand is often more affordable, with some offering domestic rates for international students.

Let’s take a closer look at the average tuition fees for each degree level to help you understand what to expect financially in 2025.

Degree Level	Estimated Annual Tuition (NZD)	Estimated Annual Tuition (INR)
Bachelor’s Degree	38K – 55K	INR 19L – INR 27L
Master’s Degree	37K – 70K	INR 18L – INR 35L
PhD Programs	8.3K per year	INR 4L
Vocational Diplomas/Certificates	9.5K – 22K	INR 4.86L – INR 11L

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and may vary depending on current exchange rates.

Choosing an affordable university can make a big difference if you’re planning your study abroad journey on a budget. Let’s look at some of the cheapest universities in Auckland that offer quality education without overwhelming costs for Indian students.

Choosing an affordable university doesn’t mean settling for less. Auckland hosts several well-regarded institutions offering globally recognised degrees, often at lower tuition costs compared to studying in Australia, which costs from AUD 22K (INR 12L) to AUD 50K (INR 27.5L) per year. 

Whether you’re planning to do an MS in New Zealand at an Auckland-based university or other degrees, use this comparison to plan your studies and budget. 

University	Estimated Annual Tuition (NZD)	Approx. in INR
Unitec Institute of Technology	14K – 20K	INR 7L – INR 10L
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)	15K – 22K	INR 7.5L – INR 11L
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)	24K – 28K	INR 12L – INR 14L
Massey University (Albany Campus)	27K – 31K	INR 13.5L – INR 15.5L
University of Auckland	35K – 40K	INR 17.5L – INR 20L

Note: These tuition fees are approximate for 2025 and may vary by program. INR equivalents are calculated at NZD 1 ≈ 50 and may fluctuate.

Also Read: Top 10 MBA Colleges in New Zealand in 2025

After tuition, your Auckland neighborhood choice can majorly affect your budget. Let’s compare the city’s most and least affordable areas.

Cost of Living in Auckland: City List

Accommodation in New Zealand can make or break your budget. Some areas, such as Parnell and Mount Eden, offer a high-end lifestyle with premium rent, while others like Papakura, Manurewa, and Ranui are more student-friendly with shared spaces and a lower cost of living in Auckland for students​.

Let’s begin by exploring the expensive places in Auckland first. 

Top 8 Expensive Suburbs in Auckland

With the average monthly salary in Auckland ranging NZD 82000 (INR 41L), living in upscale areas, like Ponsonby,  may require careful budgeting, especially for students and early-career professionals.

Here’s a quick look at the top 8 pricey suburbs in Auckland:

Suburb	Average Monthly Rent (1BR) (NZD)	Average Monthly Rent (INR)
Ponsonby	~NZD 4.1K	INR 2.09L
Grey Lynn / Westmere	~NZD 3.9K	INR 2.00L
City Centre (Parnell, Grafton & Newton)	~NZD 3.5K	INR 1.79L
Epsom (Newmarket & Royal Oak)	~NZD 3.2K	INR 1.66L
Mt Eden (Kingsland & Balmoral)	~NZD 3.1K	INR 1.62L
Remuera	~NZD 2.8K	INR 1.47L
Takapuna / Milford	~NZD 3.4K	INR 1.73L
Devonport	~NZD 3.5K	INR 1.79L

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and may vary depending on current exchange rates.

Want to stay within budget while still enjoying student life? Using a cost of living calculator can help you estimate expenses more accurately based on the suburb you choose.

Also Read: Highest-Paying Jobs in New Zealand for Indians

Now, let’s explore the suburbs that are much easier on your wallet, perfect for students managing their finances smartly.

Top 8 Affordable Suburbs in Auckland

Areas like Otahuhu and Avondale are ideal for students looking for budget-friendly accommodation without sacrificing access to basic amenities. Although they may be farther from the city centre, public transport makes them accessible and manageable.

Below are 8 budget-friendly suburbs in Auckland where 1BR rent stays relatively low:

Suburb	Average Monthly Rent (1BR)	Average Monthly Rent (INR)
Otahuhu	~NZD 1.6K	INR 81.4K
Mt Roskill	~NZD 1.7K	INR 87.8K
Sandringham	~NZD 1.8K	INR 92.9K
Mt Albert	~NZD 1.8K	INR 92.9K
Onehunga	~NZD 2K	INR 1.02L
New Lynn	~NZD 2.04K	INR 1.04L
Avondale	~NZD 2.1K	INR 1.08L
Papakura	~NZD 2.2K	INR 1.12L

Quick Tip: Suburbs like Papakura, Avondale, and New Lynn offer lower rent than central Auckland. Living slightly outside the city can cut monthly costs noticeably. The savings can help cover groceries, travel, or study materials with minimal trade-off on convenience.

Also Read: 10 Top Reasons to Study in New Zealand

Now that you've mapped out where to live, it's time to zoom in on the other monthly expenses you’ll need to plan for, like groceries, phone plans, and utilities. Let’s break those down next.

Cost of Living in Auckland: Additional Costs

The overall cost of living in New Zealand is about 202 percent higher than India, making it essential to plan for daily expenses beyond rent and tuition. Utility bills, transport, food, and personal spending can quickly add up for Indian students. 

Whether you're living in a student apartment or a shared flat, here's a typical breakdown of the monthly cost of living in Auckland for students​.:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (NZD)	Estimated Monthly Cost (INR)
Groceries	400–600	INR 20.4K – INR 30.5K
Public Transport	200–250	INR 10.2K – INR 12.7K
Mobile Phone & Internet	30–50	INR 1.5K – INR 2.5K
Utilities	80–120	INR 4.1K – INR 6.1K
Dining Out	100–150	INR 5.1K – INR 7.6K
Entertainment	50–100	INR 2.5K – INR 5.1K
Gym Membership	27	INR 1.37K
Miscellaneous (Personal items, toiletries, and unexpected expenses)	50–100	INR 2.5K – INR 5.1K

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and may vary depending on current exchange rates.

Based on the above information, it's clear that everyday expenses can quickly add up. To keep your monthly costs manageable, consider cooking at home, using public transport, and comparing utility providers for better deals.

Also Read: New Zealand Student Visa: How to Apply & What You Need to Know

While these expenses are inevitable, they don’t have to overwhelm your wallet. Before you worry too much about the costs, know that there are plenty of ways to live well in Auckland without overspending. Let’s explore them.

How to Reduce Your Living Costs in Auckland?

Auckland is a top study destination in New Zealand and is often ranked among the best countries to study abroad. The average monthly expense is around NZD 1,738 (INR 89K), excluding rent. Costs vary based on lifestyle and location, with areas like Manurewa and Papakura offering more affordable housing.

Here are some proven ways to save across key spending categories:

• Housing and Accommodation
  • Choose shared housing or university accommodations to split rent and utility bills with roommates.
  • Explore outer suburbs like Papakura, Ranui, or Henderson for lower rent and good public transport access.
  • Look for furnished rentals to avoid upfront expenses on furniture and appliances.
• Food and Groceries
  • Plan your meals and cook at home to save money and eat healthier.
  • Buy in bulk from local markets or affordable stores like Pak’nSave to cut grocery costs.
  • Take advantage of student discounts at university cafeterias, food courts, and select local restaurants.
• Transport and Mobility
  • Use an AT HOP card for discounted public transport fares across buses, trains, and ferries.
  • Walk or cycle for short distances to save money, stay healthy, and reduce emissions.
  • Avoid taxis and ride-hailing apps unless absolutely necessary, as they are costly compared to public options.
• Phone and Internet
  • Opt for prepaid SIM cards to manage costs and prevent unexpected charges.
  • Use university Wi-Fi and public internet hotspots to limit mobile data usage.

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in New Zealand for International Students

By adopting these habits and making informed choices, you can ease financial stress and enjoy your time without constantly worrying about the cost of living in Auckland.

If you're planning your move and feeling unsure about the next steps, you're not alone. That’s where expert guidance can make all the difference.

How Can upGrad Support Your Study Abroad Journey?

Studying abroad is a big step, but it can be simple with the proper support. upGrad offers complete guidance, from choosing courses and visa help to budgeting, housing, and pre-departure preparation. Here’s how upGrad makes moving to Auckland easier for you:

• Personalized Course & University Guidance: Get matched with programs that suit your academic background, career interests, and budget, ensuring a better fit.
• Visa & Documentation Support: Receive step-by-step guidance for your New Zealand student visa application, including SOP writing, financial documents, and embassy paperwork.
• Accommodation Help: Access verified housing options near your university, such as hostels, PGs, and shared apartments arranged through trusted local providers.
• Scholarship Advice: Find and apply for scholarships customized to Indian students studying in New Zealand, helping reduce tuition and ease overall financial load.
• Pre-departure Preparation: Get assistance with essential tasks like packing lists, currency planning, health insurance, and local SIM card setup before leaving India.
• On-ground Support & Indian Student Community: Join student communities, access arrival assistance, and connect with peers in Auckland to settle in faster and feel supported from day one.

Confused about where to begin your New Zealand study journey? Book a free 1:1 session with an upGrad expert and get personalized guidance on selecting the right university and course, understanding fees and scholarships, and planning your admission process smoothly.