Cost of living in New Zealand in 2023: What's my weekly budget + expenses?

The cost of living in New Zealand is steadily increasing, and in 2023 it's expected to go higher. In this video, I share the exact details of my weekly budget, costs and expenses (e.g. accommodation, food, travel expenses, and more) for 2 people living in New Zealand (Hamilton), plus share some tips and advice on how to save money and budget when living here.
The costs and expenses I share specifically apply to my living situation, however depending on your situation, your expenses and the cost of living can be higher or lower in comparison to mine.
You can check out this website here that covers what the cost of living is like as an expat in New Zealand: www.expatistan...
I hope you enjoy the video and gain some valuable information. If you haven't already, make sure to SUBSCRIBE to my channel to see more videos about what it's like to live, work, and travel in New Zealand.
---
If you wanna know information about the DO's and DONT's when visiting New Zealand plus some essential travel tips when coming here, check out this video: • The DO's & DONT's when...
----
A little bit about me:
Hi! My name is Juls - and I live in what I consider one of the best countries in the world, none other than New Zealand. Once a city girl born and raised in Manila, Philippines, I’ve discovered true joy and happiness in traveling, adventures, and discovering what life has to offer. I’m on a journey to learn and discover as many new places, things, and experiences as I possibly can. Follow me along this journey and experience what it’s like to live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, so make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button so you don’t miss out on any adventures!
You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram:
/ ortegajulzzz
/ ortegajulzzz

[@ortegajulzzz]

For the top things you need to know before coming to New Zealand including some essential do's and don'ts, social and driving etiquettes, and common Māori/NZ phrases to be aware of, check out this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3fKZX2OhdtmkNk

[@Skiskiski]

I notice when you pay weekly, you pay more because of how some of the weeks run.

[@sofiaschonberger1479]

350$ for a 1 bedroom house??? It is quite low price. In Wellington, the same is 500-550 $. And you calculated quite low food money. We spend 3-400/week with a 2.5 years old child. Daycare is plus 350 $per week.

[@ortegajulzzz]

Yes we're quite lucky!

[@sitihumairah3616]

This video helps alot. Time to watch more videos. Thank you for being a reliable source and thorough which not many people do :(

[@ortegajulzzz]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Garrettray1372]

Greetings from America 🇺🇸

[@beahappyhappy6578]

Girl loved this video, my fisrt video to watch from you, you make me feels confident to explain hard, confused informations. Hope you a small good luck and continue to preserve good content. Happy evening!🙌🙌❤

[@olivercabalon8134]

and top of that the minimum wage are 22/hr or 700/week on average

[@Talabata]

Thank you so much for sharing this very clear video! Love your chill energy, too. Just subscribed!

[@ortegajulzzz]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it ☺️🤗

[@Iherdit2day]

Nice analysis, I think you have nailed it! Live within your means and plan, plan, plan 👏👏👏

[@ortegajulzzz]

Thanks so much!!

[@kameronriddick9531]

This is a great hello fresh ad! I didn't even tap the skip button

[@user-yf1uo7nz4d]

WOOOOWWW! thank you. I so do appreciated your sincerity of your video and your personal budget that you appreciated you showed us. and wow you are right ... that is excessively high cost of living....I'd like to ask .... what do you for work to live over at New Zealand? and to keep up the high cost over there at New Zealand?

[@martynegret]

Loved this video Juls. Your living area looks good. It was informative, articulate and detailed on the weekly budget. What would your budget look like for a month for a single person living in a shared flat accommodation with their own bathroom?

[@user-ri2ms3gm6b]

Good one, I really enjoyed your video

[@godsflower7480]

Hello Juls am the first to like thanks for this its well detailed nd very helpful 👍❤

[@ortegajulzzz]

Thank you! 😊

[@isaiascaetano5888]

Good evenning! Your information is very useful. I am going to NEW ZEALAND in 5 years and i loved your accent, so cute. +1 subscribed from Brazil.

[@njehumoren3755]

Hi. Thanks for your video. It's helped to put a lot of things in perspective. So I'm looking to move to New Zealand in May, to start my doctorate in AUT. Can you recommend cheap cities around Auckland I can live in which will help me get to school with minimal difficulty.

[@Garrettray1372]

You come over to America I can help you

[@sugartshabalala7378]

I'm a professional nurse from south africa 🇿🇦 and would really love to move to New Zealand 🇳🇿. Please advise how can I apply.

[@FerdinandPio]

Hello, I"m seeking advice on working remotely for a NZ company from Philippines. What are the key considerations I should keep in mind, and what would you recommend as the minimum compensation fro a remote office worker for a NZ-based employer?

[@adelle7151]

This video is so helpful, thanks! Wondering if you have any advice for finding flatmates or places to rent in New Zealand? Im looking to move there this spring but I don’t know anyone there!

[@ortegajulzzz]

Thanks so much! Facebook groups are great for finding flatmates, there's usually a group for each city, eg "Flatmates Auckland" etc. Also try Trade Me!

[@adriancam7158]

Hi, a question about transportation: Is it possible to travel around in New Zeland by bicycle or a car is a must ?

[@ortegajulzzz]

Hi! In some cities biking is a suitable form of transport. However this does depend on the city as some cities have better bike lane than others. And also, it depends how big the city is. For example where I live in Hamilton, its quite a big city so biking might be a little difficult if you want to get to the other side of town for example.

[@mikenlife7005]

If you mean traveling NZ as country, then you can do it on a bicycle, but you would have to do your research thoroughly on the correct months to do this as winter can be quite cold and wet.

[@Garrettray1372]

Greetings from America 🇺🇸 How are you

[@mambo7508]

My dream country

[@AlexRed-pl4ny]

So much info ❤ Smart girl

[@albertramirez7686]

It's way cheaper to live in New Zealand than it is to live in California right now

[@yonatahkebede910]

Hello where did you live in New Zealand

[@globalupdatetv1639]

Please do a video step by step to become a new Zealand citizen passport holder

[@ortegajulzzz]

Hi Christopher, do you mean how to apply for a new zealand passport (once you're already a citizen) or how to become a new zealand citizen? 😊

[@globalupdatetv1639]

I mean step by step on how to become new Zealand, with someone that come with visit visa or work visa, how long will it take to become new Zealand citizen

[@ortegajulzzz]

@@globalupdatetv1639 Thanks for clarifying. I have a video already covering what it takes to become a new zealand citizen here if you wanted to have a look 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpakc2eXaNJ8n7s

[@Magnetic336]

Farm worker visa can be obtained

[@angelfria9531]

i always watch your videos ma'am..godbless always

[@ortegajulzzz]

Aw thank you!

[@Garrettray1372]

Greetings from America 🇺🇸 Good morning How are you

[@joeofnotrades]

What is the average wage? Does New Zealand pay?

[@westside5054]

I live in Wellington cost 500 a WK food rent power wifi I live off the government with subsidise rent and get 220 in hand after expensives But someone asked me to work for them and offered 25 and hour 40 hour a wk, around 1000 a wk, sound ok right but if it cost 500 and I get 315 from government that equals 815, so for a full wk if working I get 1000, so 1000 take away 815 equals 185 in hand that's less than what I get from the government and I don't have to work my ass off. So why would I work If you don't earn over $50 an hour don't expect to buy a house or have enough money for holidays or savings The funny thing is there's a labour shortage in New Zealand but New Zealand employers and business owners would rather reduce the annual profits even to the point of financial bankruptcy than stabilising their market share an overall profits by paying workers more so they stay but they don't pay them MORE so their workers leave Then they go on the news screaming there's no workers I hope all their businesses burn The fact is since the early 80s New Zealand economy has been designed to exploit the working and middle class. It just came out millionaires in New Zealand pay 9% less tax that a person on minimum wage WTF. DONT MORE HERE IF YOU ARE WORKING OR MIDDLE-CLASS YOU ARE FUCKED.

[@josemariacastro1395]

Hi Juls. My wife and I will be visiting Auckland and Rotorua this August. August 6-10 Rotorua and August 10-14 Auckland. Will you be kind enough to give usa 3 day itinerary for each location. Thanks.

[@ortegajulzzz]

Hi! Oh perfect timing! I'm actually in Rotorua right now visiting some places and filming for new videos. I just visited Hell's Gate Geothermal Spa and tried the Mud Pools which I highly recommend! Tomorrow I will be doing the Luge, so if thats something you're interested in you can also give that a go 😊 I'll be posting new videos soon about my trip so keep an eye out. Another recommendation in Rotorua is the Redwoods Treewalk. I haven't done this myself but I've heard wonderful things. And of course the geothermal walks like, this website might help: www.yha.co.nz/blogs/travel/rotoruas-best-geothermal-spots For Auckland, there's quite a few things you could do depending on what your interests are, so I recommend checking this site exploringauckland.com/fun-things-to-do-in-auckland-nz/

[@alvinpena-id8pg]

The rent is 350 per week. Or per month. Is it paying rental is per month and not per week

[@ortegajulzzz]

It's per week

[@JereyStonearm]

If you say 70.000 - 80.000 NZD for two people? Does that mean every person needs to earn that much or if one earns that much it's enough? Kind regards, Jan

[@ortegajulzzz]

Hi, thanks for your comment. From my experience 70-80k is sufficient between two people (so either one person earns that much or combined income is equivalent) 😊

[@marykristmalimban416]

@@ortegajulzzz Is that net or gross?

[@Skiskiski]

I do know this for example: Let's say America. If you have money to bring into New Zeland, it is worth more in value, than when you take it out of the country,

[@ortegajulzzz]

@@marykristmalimban416 Gross before tax 🙂

[@chimaobiikoro3501]

I so much love your videos...please can you help someone and get a job in newzealand

[@nikhitha1215]

Hi can you tell me whether otago is safe for family

[@raypogi1984]

is 90K annual sufficient for Family of 4 with 2 kids 7 and 1 yr old. Wellington area

[@CryptoKiwi]

No. After tax you're getting 68k. Average rent for a 3 bedroom in Wellington is 40k a year so you're left with 28k for car, food, fuel, insurance, clothing. it's doable but you will not be able to save for a house or holidays

[@ortegajulzzz]

Hi, thanks for your comment. I agree with Sarn, 90k (gross) per year for a family of 4 in wellington may not be sufficient as the cost of living there is quite high.

[@raypogi1984]

thanks.. but we will only be renting 2 bed room for now at 500/week.. based on tight budgeting, we will only be saving like 200/week. We will be aiming at least 180K/year family income soon

[@CryptoKiwi]

@@raypogi1984 nz is exorbitant cost of living for the average income after tax. Highly recommend looking into Australia

[@Magyarorsz]

Cost of living is extremely high and unaffordable for many native new zealanders housing crisis it's getting to point where immigration is being cracked down on. Like housing market is banned for foreginers who have no interest in living here now thats only reserved for New Zealanders only. Minimum wage isnt enough to live off which is $22.70 x40 hrs a week but you'll easily lose a full day work to tax lose another day to miscellaneous things child support, student loans, kiwisaver, then out of remaining amount your left with it get eaten up by rent power and worst is food then other things like petrol. $700 a week doesnt get far barely afford the basics of that . I live off $300 savings after everything goes out rent power food misc things but you'll work yourself hard out for those dollars.

[@ortegajulzzz]

I agree. It's extremely expensive and it's cost of living is just getting higher by the day 😔

[@tusharmahespalsingh791]

Do you happen to know what the average salary of an engineer is in NZ?

[@ms.kmtheflimsy107]

Hello po, this vlog is very helpful. May I know po what's your job in NZ? So that I could have an idea what job to get when I go there

[@ksf708]

Mam salamat sa info. ingat po

[@Hosigie]

Holy crap that's per week? That's my budget for 3 months in Europe...

[@ortegajulzzz]

It is pretty expensive here sadly!

[@SN-bl6xm]

Where in Europe do you live?

[@Magyarorsz]

Eastern part of Europe most likely Hungary Románia Moldova around that area since it's on average 80%ish cheaper than here tbh.

[@dont_smoke_here1188]

Thanks for video, first of all I was like hmmm....its not that much, and then ......WAIT FOR WEEK? but still thanks for really useful info

[@ortegajulzzz]

Yes! It's getting more and more expensive to live in New Zealand for a week unfortunately 😔

[@Skiskiski]

Why is everything weekly? Does it have something to do with so many foreigners coming and going to the country?

[@ortegajulzzz]

Hi! In New Zealand we usually get paid either weekly or fortnightly, therefore the budgetting is also the same :)

[@Mel-qr5ob]

In NZ we pay weekly because it's convenient that you can organize to pay rent immediately after you get your pay every week. Then your bank acct never shows more money than you can spend. It makes budgeting super easy.

[@ateemmavlog]

Hi hello new subscriber here from Matamata New Zealand

[@ortegajulzzz]

Hi! Thanks so much for subscribing! 😊

[@Garrettray1372]

Greetings from America 🇺🇸 How are you ❣️

[@leroytauro1396]

Can I get safety officers job in newzealand? Can you tell me please

[@globalupdatetv1639]

Nice one

[@asasasa3035]

wow this made me realized that Singapore is not the most expensive city to live in 😮

[@ortegajulzzz]

Yeah NZ could be quite expensive!

[@harjula911]

Helsinki, Finland is so expensive to live in. The average rent of a single-room apartment is 950€. And that includes the cheaper areas of the city. In the central part of Helsinki you’re gonna have to pay around 1500€ rent for a single-room apartment. And what makes it even worse is that this place is very generic and boring. It’s a healthy society but Finland is not a country for anyone who wants excitement in life.

[@jordanspeck7279]

Great video. What are your professions if I can ask.

[@ortegajulzzz]

Thank you! I'm currently working full time in Learning & Development, but I'm going back to full time study soon to study Creative Marketing.

[@jordanspeck7279]

@@ortegajulzzz ok thanks for the reply . I was just curious to know because my fiance is a teacher and if we are able to come to new zealand I'm always looking at if we would be able to live on her salary alone while I'm looking for a job

[@Skiskiski]

@@ortegajulzzz Will you get paid for this full-time study?

[@cheahmingfeng7881]

Is the measurement in USD or NZD?

[@ortegajulzzz]

Hi, it's NZD 😊

[@nholmes86]

@@ortegajulzzz you need to put NZD

[@pawlchizgo4887]

Hello what area or city in NZ they pay rent monthly?because base in your video you pay weekly..thanks

[@ortegajulzzz]

Most rental places are weekly or fortnightly as it aligns with our pay. I don't know any employer who pays monthly (I'm sure there are). You ca always chat with your landlord and negotiate paying monthly instead if that's what suits your situation.

[@pawlchizgo4887]

@@ortegajulzzz hi whats the meaning of fortnightly? Yung salary po ba is weekly sa nz hindi monthly dumadating?

[@SeriousSchitt]

@@pawlchizgo4887Fortnightly = every two weeks.

[@princecharles421]

That life isn’t not expensive if once your paid 4K$ a month

[@bss_person3496]

New Zealand: allow me to introduce myself

[@FrightF]

Auckland is cheapest 😂 Are you sure with the groceries? People tend to omit other foods they spend on during the week, like snacks or free food from work etc If they add in those it would be more.

[@maestroadventureroworldtra554]

Is it USD or NZD?

[@ortegajulzzz]

Hi, its NZD

[@angelthelastsaint9394]

yo is that in US or NZD

[@ortegajulzzz]

Its NZD

[@Garrettray1372]

Greetings from America 🇺🇸 Good morning

[@Vagas2012]

Is this in USD or New Zealand Dollars?

[@ortegajulzzz]

Hi, its NZD

[@Vagas2012]

@@ortegajulzzz Thank you 😊

[@bnm6917]

What City po kayo sa NZ?

[@SeriousSchitt]

Hamiltown.

[@martinpaulsulague4291]

Pinoy po kayo?

[@ortegajulzzz]

Opo :)

[@philipsantiago2403]

san ka sa NZ maam?

[@ortegajulzzz]

Sa Hamilton po 😊

[@thomashenry7630]

Juls oriega drop you message about how can enter new Zealand from Nigeria no reply from you please help me out juls oriega ok so can start immediately

[@melissagaryicryptocoach5305]

Contact me

[@robert3987]

Nigeria is full of con merchants.

[@loooleo4856]

My name is Leonardo, I am 26, and I am looking for a beautiful girl for marriage in New Zealand

[@SN-bl6xm]

How much are you willing to pay to marry a girl from New Zealand?

[@loooleo4856]

@@SN-bl6xm I will pay, do not worry, but so far I have not found any girl

[@SN-bl6xm]

@@loooleo4856 That was a joke with how much you would be willing to pay. 😉

[@loooleo4856]

@@SN-bl6xm I don't know how much is required, but let me see how much money is required, I will pay no problem

[@loooleo4856]

@@SN-bl6xm20,000 dollars or more, I do not know how much is required