Exchange in New Zealand: cost of living in 2025

Are you thinking of doing an exchange in New Zealand but don't know how much it will cost to live in the country? Understanding the New Zealand cost of living is critical to properly planning your budget and making the most of this transformative experience. With stunning landscapes, exceptional quality of life and excellent job opportunities, New Zealand stands out as one of the most desirable destinations for Brazilian exchange students in 2025.

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Why New Zealand is a smart destination for your exchange

New Zealand offers a unique combination of factors that make investing in the exchange extremely advantageous. With the program Study and Work in New Zealand, you can legally work up to 20 hours a week during the course, helping to pay for your experience abroad.

The country has The second highest minimum wage in the world: NZD 23.50 per hour (approximately R$ 78.75), which represents an excellent opportunity for students who wish to work while studying. For comparison, this amounts to more than 5 times the Brazilian minimum wage!

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Detailed cost of living by New Zealand city

Auckland: the multicultural center

Monthly cost: NZD 2,100-2,500 (R$ 7,035-8,375)

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and offers the most cosmopolitan experience in the country. Despite being the most expensive city, it has the best job opportunities for exchange students, especially in sectors such as hospitality, retail and technology.

Auckland advantages:

• Greater diversity of part-time jobs
• Efficient public transport
• Vibrant nightlife
• Active international community

Wellington: The Cultural Capital

Monthly cost: NZD 2,185-2,670 (R$ 7,320-8,945)

As the country's capital, Wellington offers a unique atmosphere, combining government, art, and culture. The city is known for being extremely safe and walkable, ideal for students who value quality of life.

Wellington highlights:

• Political and Cultural Center of the Country
• Excellent transport system
• Dynamic student environment
• Opportunities in government and NGOs

Christchurch: Perfect Balance

Monthly cost: NZD 1,840-2,250 (R$ 6,164-7,538)

Christchurch represents the ideal balance between costs and opportunities. As the largest city on the South Island, it offers an authentic New Zealand experience at more affordable costs than Auckland and Wellington.

Why choose Christchurch:

• Excellent cost-benefit
• Proximity to incredible natural landscapes
• Growing labor market
• Welcoming community

Cheapest cities: Hamilton, Dunedin and Palmerston North

For exchange students on a tighter budget, these cities offer authentic experiences at significantly lower costs:

• Hamilton: NZD 1,690-2,070 (R$ 5,662-6,935) - Rent 20% cheaper than Christchurch
• Dunedin: NZD 1,260—1,540 (R$ 4,221—5,159) - 30% more affordable than the national average
• Palmerston North: NZD 1,230-1,500 (R$ 4,121-5,025) - 65% cheaper than Wellington

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Comparison: New Zealand vs Brazil

Brazil:

• Minimum hourly wage: R$ 9.49

New Zealand:

• Minimum hourly wage: NZD 23.50 (R$ 78.73)

The difference is striking: You win 8.3 times more per hour in New Zealand!

This means that working the same 20 hours a week, you earn:

• In Brazil: R$ 759/month
• In New Zealand: NZD 1,880/month (R$ 6,298)

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Detailed breakdown of monthly expenses

Essential Expenses (Without Rent)

NZD 830-1.000 (R$ 2,781-3,350)

• Food: NZD 300-400 (R$ 1,005-1,340)
• Transportation: NZD 150-200 (R$ 503-670)
• Utilities: NZD 100-150 (R$ 335-503)
• Phone/Internet: NZD 50-80 (R$ 168-268)
• Lazer: NZD 200-300 (R$ 670-1,005)

Accomodation

NZD 1,000-1,240 (R$ 3,350-4,154) - One-bedroom apartment outside the center

Tips for saving on accommodation:

• Share housing with other students (40-50% reduction)
• Consider homestay initially (includes meals)
• Look for accommodations outside the center with good transportation connections
• Negotiate long-term contracts for better prices

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Job opportunities for exchange students

With the Exchange Program, you can work 20 hours a week, generating an income of approximately NZD 1,880 monthly (R$ 6,298) - enough to cover almost all of your basic expenses!

Sectors with high demand:

• Hospitality: Restaurants, Cafes, Hotels
• Retail: Stores, supermarkets, shopping malls
• Seasonal agriculture: Fruit harvest (specific periods)
• Tourism: Guides, adventure activities
• Services: Cleaning, delivery, customer service

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Smart strategies to optimize your budget

1. Strategic choice of the city

Consider starting in smaller cities like Hamilton or Dunedin, where you can:

• Save up to 40% on living costs
• Have a more immersive experience in local culture
• Facilitate initial adaptation
• Build network in a smaller environment

2. Smart financial planning

• Reserve NZD 3,000-4,000 (R$ 10,050-13,400) For the first few months
• Open local bank account quickly for better rates
• Take advantage of student discounts on transportation and activities
• Consider seasonal work to maximize income

3. Making the most of opportunities

• Combine studies with work strategically
• Take part in free activities (trails, beaches, cultural events)
• Use local apps to find promotions
• Connect with exchange student communities

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Global comparison: Why New Zealand stands out

Compared to other popular exchange destinations, New Zealand offers:

• 20% cheaper than USA (considering equivalent cities)
• Minimum wage higher than Australia and Canada
• Quality of life among the 10 best in the world
• Simplified visa process For Brazilians
• Exceptional security (one of the safest countries globally)

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Return on investment: more than an exchange

Investing in an exchange in New Zealand goes far beyond immediate costs. The experience offers:

• Professional valuation: International experience differentiates in the Brazilian market
• Personal development: Unique independence and maturity
• Global network: International professional connections
• Fluency in the language: Native English in an immersive environment
• Possibility of immigration: Paths to permanent residence

Many exchange students are able not only to afford their costs through part-time work, but also save for trips to Oceania and still return to Brazil with financial reserves.

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Be Easy: your partner to fulfill the New Zealand dream

Na Be Easy, we transformed exchange dreams into reality over a decade ago. Our specialized team offers full support for your journey in New Zealand, from initial financial planning to guidance on working and accommodation in the country. Don't let doubts about costs stop you from living this transformative experience. Contact us today and discover how we can help you carry out your exchange in New Zealand with peace of mind and financial security!

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