Soft Landing NZ

Making New Zealand Home

Recent posts

Do you Have Enough Money to Live in New Zealand? A Real Family Budget Breakdown

By Brett Corlett | Soft Landing Podcast – Episode 5

The Big Question: Can We Afford to Live Here?

Every year, over 100,000 people immigrate to New Zealand. Many wonder: “Do I have enough money to live here, comfortably and sustainably?” In this episode of the Soft Landing podcast, I break down our actual family budget for a family of four living in Auckland on a single income. This blog is not financial advice, but I hope our experience helps you prepare for your own move.

One Salary, One Big Leap

When we made the move from South Africa, we chose to rely on just my income initially. This allowed my wife to focus on helping the family settle. But it came with pressure: would one salary be enough to survive in Auckland, the most expensive region in New Zealand?

How Much Do You Need to Earn?

Based on our experience in 2025, a family of four needs a minimum of $125,000 NZD per year to just get by. That’s with careful budgeting, no frills, and only one income. While it’s possible, it’s not sustainable long-term without additional income or lifestyle adjustments.

Our Monthly Budget – Based on $124,000 Salary per year

  • 🏠 Rent (4-bed home on Auckland’s North Shore): $3,900
  • 🚿 Water: $90
  • 🚗 Car & Household Insurance: $150
  • ⚡ Electricity: $300
  • 🌐 Internet (uncapped fibre): $110
  • 🗑️ Waste & General Bin: $45
  • ⛽ Fuel (Diesel): $325
  • 🚌 Public Transport: $150
  • 📱 Mobile Phones (2 contracts): $95
  • 🛒 Groceries (family of 4): $2,058

💡 **Total Monthly Expenses**: $7,223

Useful Tools & Links

Hidden Costs to Plan For

  • 🎂 Birthdays, holidays, school uniforms & donations
  • 🛠️ Car servicing, WOF (Warrant of Fitness), and diesel road tax (RUC)
  • 📦 Green waste bins & occasional garden equipment
  • 🎓 Long-term school or residency visa costs
  • 🏥 Optional private healthcare, life insurance, or income protection

Tips to Make It Work

  • ✅ Use sub-accounts to separate your rent, bills, and food budget
  • ✅ Automate as much as possible, especially for monthly bills
  • ✅ Shop around for utilities and mobile plans (competition = savings)
  • ✅ Plan for five-week months, some expenses repeat weekly
  • ✅ Have an emergency fund (credit cards helped us bridge short gaps)

Final Thoughts: It’s Tight, But Possible

Living in New Zealand on one income is tough, especially in Auckland. But with solid planning and open communication, you CAN make it work. Eventually, having two incomes makes a huge difference, but don’t rush it. Prioritize settling in and finding your rhythm.

🎧 Listen to Episode 5 – “Do I Have Enough Money to Live in New Zealand?”

➡️ Link: https://youtu.be/IbxONroMWVc?si=DEG1I99eQwvdLIwk

➡️Full Tutorial on how much it costs to live in New Zealand (including free templates and workbook)

📢 Stay Connected

I’d love your help.
The Inner Circle App is coming soon — a free space for migrants to connect, learn, and belong in New Zealand. We’d love your input! Help us shape it so it truly supports your needs.

https://forms.gle/FuTEd7cMwv7jzSK56

Follow my Soft Landing podcast and subscribe to my YouTube channel @softlandingnz for real stories, walkthroughs, and practical tips for newcomers to New Zealand. 
📍 All links & platforms: https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

Posted in

Leave a comment