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Help to work out how much it could cost to live

Example costs of basic things when working out a budget

The figures quoted here are only approximate.

It doesn't include:

anyone else you may be supporting
special food requirements
insurance
leisure eg, sports, movies and hobbies
fines or debt repayments
savings
giving eg, church, koha, charity.

Your costs will depend on where you live and your accommodation type, eg renting, flatting, hostel. A lot of places offer student discounts, so look around for the best deal you can.

To do a complete budget, use Sorted:

Sorted Budgeting Tool

Below are examples of what it could cost to live in various areas in New Zealand.

Auckland

Your share of living expenses	Weekly amount
Renting with others (3 bedrooms) - based on Mt Eden	$202
Food – basic dietary requirements	$64
Power	$13
Bus – with regional bus card discounts	$23
Phone – minimum phone and text plan	$5
Internet – unlimited broadband	$7
Other (includes clothing/toiletries/make-up)	$20
Total	$334

That's $334 weekly.

Hamilton

Your share of living expenses	Weekly amount
Renting with others (3 bedrooms) - based on Hamilton East/University	$127
Food – basic dietary requirements	$64
Power	$16
Bus – with regional bus card discounts	$17
Phone – minimum phone and text plan	$5
Internet – unlimited broadband	$7
Other (includes clothing/toiletries/make-up)	$20
Total	$256

That's $256 weekly.

Wellington

Your share of living expenses	Weekly amount
Renting with others (3 bedrooms) - based on Kelburn/Aro Valley	$170
Food – basic dietary requirements	$64
Power	$14
Bus – with regional bus card discounts	$28
Phone– minimum phone and text plan	$5
Internet – unlimited broadband	$7
Other (includes clothing/toiletries/make-up)	$20
Total	$308

That's $308 weekly.

Christchurch

Your share of living expenses	Weekly amount
Renting with others (3 bedrooms) - based on Riccarton	$132
Food – basic dietary requirements	$63
Power	$16
Bus – with regional bus card discounts	$25
Phone – minimum phone and text plan	$5
Internet – unlimited broadband	$7
Other (includes clothing/toiletries/make-up)	$20
Total	$268

That's $268 weekly.

Dunedin

Your share of living expenses	Weekly amount
Renting with others (3 bedrooms) - based on University/Maori Hill	$147
Food – basic dietary requirements	$65
Power	$15
Bus – with regional bus card discounts	$23
Phone – minimum phone and text plan	$5
Internet – unlimited broadband	$7
Other (includes clothing/toiletries/make-up)	$20
Total	$282

That's $282 weekly.