Exchange in New Zealand: can you live on a minimum wage?

With one of the best minimum wages in the world, New Zealand attracts thousands of Brazilians annually — but does that amount really support the local cost of living? We analyzed real data from 2025 to show how exchange students can balance their accounts while exploring this paradise through the program Study and Work in New Zealand.

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The minimum wage

New Zealand has one of the most attractive minimum wages in the world. Currently, the value is NZ$23.50 per hour (approximately R$78.72 at the current conversion). For a 40-hour workweek, this represents:

• Weekly gain: NZ$940 (R$3,149)
• Monthly gain: NZ$4,069 (R$13,631)

For comparison, the Brazilian minimum wage in 2025 is around R$1,518 — which means that the New Zealand value is approximately 9 times bigger. This difference already provides a clue about the potential for quality of life that the country offers for exchange students.

It should be noted that these amounts are before taxes. In New Zealand, there is the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system, where taxes are deducted directly from the salary. For an exchange student with a minimum wage, the tax is around 17.5%, resulting in an approximate net amount of NZ$3,356 per month (R$11,242).

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The real buying power of the exchange student

The real differential of the New Zealand minimum wage is not only in the nominal value, but in the purchasing power it provides. With this amount, an exchange student can:

• Rent a shared room in a good location
• Cover basic expenses such as food, transportation, and utilities
• Keep a small budget for leisure and cultural activities
• Still save some amount for emergencies or trips

Purchasing power in New Zealand is approximately 5.17 times greater than in Brazil when comparing the minimum wage and the cost of living. This means that, even in more expensive cities like Auckland, the minimum wage provides a life with dignity and basic comfort.

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The cost of living in different cities

New Zealand offers unique experiences in each of its cities, and the cost of living varies significantly between them:

Auckland

The largest city in the country and also the most expensive:

• Rent (shared room): NZ$200-280 per week (R$670-938)
• Weekly food: NZ$80-120 (R$268-402)
• Monthly transportation: NZ$150-200 (R$502-670)
• Basic leisure: NZ$80-150 per week (R$268-502)

Wellington

The cultural capital, with slightly more affordable prices:

• Rent (shared room): NZ$170-250 per week (R$569-837)
• Weekly food: NZ$70-110 (R$234-368)
• Monthly transportation: NZ$120-180 (R$402-603)
• Basic leisure: NZ$70-130 per week (R$234-435)

Christchurch

Most economical option among large cities:

• Rent (shared room): NZ$150-220 per week (R$502-737)
• Weekly food: NZ$60-100 (R$201-335)
• Monthly transportation: NZ$100-150 (R$335-502)
• Basic leisure: NZ$60-120 per week (R$201-402)

Smaller cities (Dunedin, Hamilton, Tauranga)

Excellent options for those looking to save money:

• Rent (shared room): NZ$120-180 per week (R$402-603)
• Weekly food: NZ$60-90 (R$201-301)
• Monthly transportation: NZ$80-120 (R$268-402)
• Basic leisure: NZ$50-100 per week (R$167-335)

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Is it possible to live on a minimum wage during the exchange?

Yes, it is feasible to live on minimum wage in New Zealand during your exchange — but with some important considerations:

Positive factors:

• The New Zealand minimum wage is designed to guarantee a decent life
• The labor system is strict and protects workers' rights
• Schedules are flexible in many sectors, making it easier to reconcile with studies
• Possibility of overtime during high season periods

Important Considerations:

• Lifestyle makes all the difference: those seeking a simpler life are able to save significantly
• The choice of the city has a direct impact on the budget: Auckland can consume up to 40% more of your salary compared to smaller cities
• Sharing housing is essential: sharing a house with other exchange students drastically reduces costs
• Initial expenses are higher: the first months require a larger investment for installation

Emergency reserve

It is essential to have a financial reserve for the first few months, we recommend:

• Minimum of 3 months of basic expenses: approximately NZ$6,000 (R$20,100)
• Adaptation period: it takes 4 to 8 weeks to get the first job
• Initial expenses: rental deposit, basic household items, local cell phone chip, etc.

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Strategies for living well on minimum wage

We share some practical tips that will help you maximize your budget in New Zealand:

Smart housing

• Flat sharing: sharing a house with other exchange students divides rental costs and bills
• Residential neighborhoods: areas like Mount Eden in Auckland or Newtown in Wellington offer good value for money
• Long-term contracts: negotiating rentals for longer periods may result in discounts

Economical food

• Local markets: Pak'nSave and Countdown offer more cost-effective options
• Farmers Markets: on weekends, find fresh products at more affordable prices
• Meal Prep: preparing meals for the week can save up to 40% on food

Efficient transport

• Transportation cards: HOP Card (Auckland) and Snapper (Wellington) offer significant discounts
• Bicycles: New Zealand cities are bike-friendly and many companies encourage this mode of transportation
• Ride-sharing: apps like Uber Pool or ride-sharing groups on Facebook are popular among exchange students

Conscious leisure

• Discounts for students: present your student card to get up to 50% off attractions
• Free events: New Zealand cities are rich in cultural events at no cost
• Nature as entertainment: national parks, trails, and beaches offer incredible experiences at no cost

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Sectors that employ the most exchange students

New Zealand offers several opportunities for exchange students, with emphasis on the following sectors:

Hospitality and Tourism

• Restaurants and cafés: waiters, baristas and attendants (NZ$23.50-28 per hour)
• Hospitality: maids, receptionists and general services (NZ$23.50-27 per hour)
• Touristic attractions: guides, customer service (NZ$24-30 per hour)

Agriculture and Horticulture

• Seasonal work: fruit and vegetable harvest (NZ$23.50-29 per hour + productivity bonus)
• Wineries: I work in vineyards and wineries (NZ$24-28 per hour)
• ranches: work with cattle and maintenance (NZ$24-32 per hour)

Retail

• Stores and malls: vendors and attendants (NZ$23.50-25 per hour)
• Supermarkets: repositories and cashiers (NZ$23.50-26 per hour)
• Convenience stores: night shift attendants (NZ$24-27 per hour + additional night shift)

Civil Construction

• Construction assistant: I work for beginners in the sector (NZ$25-30 per hour)
• Painting and finishing: more specialized services (NZ$26-35 per hour)
• Gardening and landscaping: maintenance of green areas (NZ$24-28 per hour)

The demand for workers in these sectors is high, making it relatively easy for exchange students to find employment, especially if they have intermediate or advanced English.

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Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we transform your exchange dream in New Zealand into reality through customized programs that combine study, work and full support. Our team offers personalized guidance on the local labor market, affordable housing, and financial planning, ensuring that you make the most of both the stunning landscapes and professional opportunities of this Pacific paradise. Get in touch today and discover how to live this transformative experience with financial security!

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