Cost of Living
New migrants usually find that New Zealand offers a better
balance between cost of living and lifestyle than they had before. Groceries
are reasonable but if you wish to purchase anything from outside the country,
the price is inflated due to a high import tax.
An example of prices in New Zealand dollars:
- Supermarket per week : NZ$65.00
- Big Mac: NZ$4.45
- Movie ticket: NZ$16
- Pair of jeans: NZ$80-200
- Litre of petrol: NZ $1.55
(Prices fluctuate) New Zealand uses the metric system so a US gallon is just
over 3.5 litres. Currently, the price for a litre is around NZ$1.55 so a gallon
would be around NZ$5.425 but prices do fluctuate. In New
Zealand, gas is a slang word for petrol.
- Round of golf - 18 holes: NZ$20-100
How to find an accommodation in Auckland
Housing prices in New Zealand are often found to be more
reasonable than in many parts of Asia, Europe and North America. Much
of Auckland is dominated by a very suburban style of building as the city is
more of a sprawling metropolis then one that is upwardly growing. Aucklanders
are still able to live in single-family dwellings similar to the rest of the
New Zealand population, although lot sizes are smaller. Because of this, the
city has a very low population density. Aucklanders' housing preferences resulting
from a lack of high-density apartments and poor public transport has resulted
in a reliance on motor vehicles.
In some areas, the Victorian villas are being increasingly torn down to make way for large plaster mansions with tennis courts and swimming pools. The demolition of the older properties is being combated by the Auckland City Council passing laws that cover heritage suburbs or streets. Auckland has been described as having 'the most extensive range of timbered housing with its classical details and mouldings in the world', many of them Victorian-Edwardian style houses.
To get the area you want for a price you can live with a simple formula may be employed. Divide your monthly income (after tax) income by three. Not much more then a third of your income should go to rent to insure that you can pay for the cost of living. If this figure doesn't net you the desired lifestyle you still have options. Make more money, consider a different neighborhood, or consider a different living arrangement by taking a roommate.
There are many different methods of finding housing in Auckland.
Here are a couple of options:
BROKER: If you are arranging a rental from out-of-town, or have more
money then time, using a real estate broker can be a pain-free way of getting
the job done. A broker is responsible for finding apartments that fit your criteria
and making appointments to fit your schedule. This convenience has a price,
usually one can expect to pay about a half month's rent as a fee, but this varies
and it is recommended to shop around before selecting a broker. If you are employed
with a company they may have a broker they work with and you may be able to
use them by contacting your human resources department to use the broker your
company uses. Pay attention to reviews by former customers to make sure you
get your money's worth.
ON-LINE LISTING: There are a variety of on-line forums and community
listings in which people will list their places or larger companies offer their
apartments. Some examples are: www.apartments.co.nz,
auckland.craigslist.org/hhh,
and www.city-apartments.co.nz.
Flatsharing
An important trait in any roommate situation is having boundaries and a clear
understanding of what each roommate requires. To protect yourself against potential
problems should the worst happen, try to arrange it so that your roommates co-sign
the lease. This makes all the roommates responsible for whatever happens to
the property. If the worst was to happen, such as your roommate losing their
job and not being able to pay rent, they will be held financially responsible-
not you.
FLATSHARING : A NEW WAY OF LIFE
Instead of living in a pokey attic room with huge rent, why not try
shared accommodation? Frequently associated with students, sharing is
spreading nowadays towards older established workers and covers people
from 18 to 49 years old. Without falling into a community style of life
such as in the 70's, you can choose to share an accommodation in Auckland for a
bigger space, less expense.
Flatsharing is a way to meet more and more followers who choose to
break a lonely life, save money or just find an affordable acommodation
in a difficult market. This way of life has numerous advantages in term
of money, practicality or social life. EASYEXPAT
in partnership with EASYROOMMATE
number one for flatsharing, offers this service to its users to present
all the chances to find the ideal flatmate or to join an existing household.
If you've got a room to rent in Auckland, you can put a free ad for house/flatsharing.
If you look for a room or a flatshare in New Zealand, it's free to search into
the database with thousands of offers.
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Here are other places where you might find a roommate: www.nzflatmates.co.nz,
www.trademe.co.nz.
Hostels
Nomads
Fat Camel Auckland
Offering comfortable as well as high quality budget accommodation, Nomads Fat
Camel is designed for backpackers and travelers who desire a pleasant stay,
in the heart of Auckland City. NZD $70.
BK
Hostel
Our central location Hostel has been rebuilt Dec. 2003 with large windows in
most rooms. We guarantee clean, comfortable secure and safe accommodation. Enjoy
your stay in Auckland!
The Brown Kiwi
A cosy travelers hostel offering you warmth, hospitality and local character.
"Home-away-from-Home", see our Hostellers Comments. Come and experience our
peaceful garden and maybe enjoy a drink from reception. We are just a two minute
stroll from Auckland's premier Ponsonby Road with some of the best cafe's, restaurants
and clubs in the city.
City Garden Lodge
For people who like to be in the centre of things without heavy traffic outside,
this is the real backpackers' experience in one of Auckland's oldest residential
areas, full of historic architecture and character. Located in Parnell on the
fringe of Auckland's business centre with not a high rise or apartment building
in sight, City Garden Lodge Backpackers has the city's finest restaurants, cafes,
art galleries and upmarket shopping all within easy walking. Next door to Auckland's
largest city park with its museum and twice daily Maori concert performances—and
with "Vector Arena" Auckland's newest concert venue and sports stadium just
20 minutes walk away.
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