Compare and plan
Budget & Compare
City comparison
Strengths and trade-offs side by side. Choose up to four cities.
Weekly costs are illustrative placeholders
They are not sourced figures and will be replaced with verified data. Descriptions are general editorial summaries.
AKL · NORTH ISLAND
Auckland
New Zealand’s largest city, spread around two harbours. Most job opportunities and the widest range of services, with longer commutes.
Climate: Mild and humid; rarely frosty
Strengths
- Largest job market
- Widest choice of providers and courses
- Large international communities
Trade-offs
- Highest rents
- Longer commute times
- Traffic congestion
Weekly costs
Demonstration record- Rent (room)
- $320
- Groceries
- $120
- Transport
- $50
- Utilities
- $30
- Phone
- $15
- Leisure
- $60
- Total
- $595
CHC · SOUTH ISLAND
Christchurch
The South Island’s largest city: flat, green and easy to cycle, with a rebuilt city centre.
Climate: Four distinct seasons; cold, frosty winters
Strengths
- Flat and cycle-friendly
- Generally lower rents than Auckland and Wellington
- Easy access to the outdoors
Trade-offs
- Colder winters mean higher heating costs
- Smaller job market than Auckland
Weekly costs
Demonstration record- Rent (room)
- $240
- Groceries
- $110
- Transport
- $40
- Utilities
- $40
- Phone
- $15
- Leisure
- $50
- Total
- $495
DUD · SOUTH ISLAND
Dunedin
A student city with heritage architecture, wildlife on the doorstep and a strong campus culture.
Climate: Cool; cold winters
Strengths
- Strong student culture
- Lower rents
- Compact
Trade-offs
- Cold, older houses
- Smaller job market
- Further from other cities
Weekly costs
Demonstration record- Rent (room)
- $210
- Groceries
- $105
- Transport
- $30
- Utilities
- $45
- Phone
- $15
- Leisure
- $45
- Total
- $450