Living expenses in Christchurch

Fernando C.

@SohalChristchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Living expenses in Christchurch

Hi all, I might be moving to Christchurch at the end of the year to do a PhD in UC. I was offered a stipend of NZD 25,000. I have heard that New Zealand is a relatively expensive place to live... Do you think that amount of money is enough to have a relatively comfortable student life and save a little bit? Thanks!

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Glen T.

@GLENN262Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

No, you will probably need to find employment, the problem is the accommodation is expensive in Christchurch. Christchurch is being rebuilt since the earthquakes, there is generally part time work available, if that is what would suit you. Cheers Fernando.

Thomas O.

@thomasorNamur, Wallonia, Belgium

If you buy wisely (second hand etc.) and avoid unnecessary exenses (alcohol, cigarettes, gadgets), then you can live on $25000. My wife and I are on $25000 a year and it is enough for the both of us to live in a little 2 bedroom house, so nothing is impossible, you just need to budget carefully. Have fun, UC is a very nice place to work. In what field will your PhD be?

Tom T.

@TomtomsRiga, Riga, Latvia

Easy. For a student life it's def enough with 2000NZD per month. It's very common to share a house with other students, the is cheap. If you don't party too much you'll end up with some savings. Glenn must be partying hard:)

Fernando C.

@SohalChristchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Thanks a lot for all your help! I'm still haven't reach a final decision about going to UC or not. It's good to know that the amount of money is not a lot but quite reasonable for a student life. Thomas, I would be working on theoretical ecology!

William S.

@WILLUKNIGHTChristchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

I just listed a room for $160 a week all expenses inc and you just do food yourself, so won't be too hard to find a place like that. NZ is one of the nicest most easy going friendly countries and we have a lot of beautiful sights. Christchurch is personally my favourite city - auckland is too big, smelly, busy and not as safe as Christchurch.

Biff F.

@BIFFYChristchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Fernando, what did you decide? Are you coming to NZ? Glen must live a nonstudent lifestyle! Yes, it is perfectly possible for you to survive the year on $25,000. Most students choose to share a house. The university has an accommodation officer who is available to help you with options. Food wise, dairy items are expensive ( I compare them to Switzerland!!) but other items - in season fruit, vegetables, pasta and other cereal products are perfectly reasonable. electricity bills are high in winter, but shared amongst 4 students in one house, they again become easy enough within your budget ( midwinter should remain under $100 a month per person.)