Studying in New Zealand vs. United States
New Zealand and United States are both popular study destinations — but the price tag, visa rules, and currency differ. We pulled the numbers from our cost calculator: monthly living averages €852 in New Zealand and €2,706 in United States.
Side-by-side comparison
Verdict
Cheaper tuition
New Zealand
Cheaper monthly living
New Zealand
Lower visa proof of funds
New Zealand
Side-by-side comparison
New Zealand
United States
Currency
NZD (NZ$)
USD ($)
Public tuition (annual)
NZ$28,000
≈ €15,680 / yr
$32,000
≈ €29,440 / yr
Private tuition (annual)
NZ$35,000
≈ €19,600 / yr
$58,000
≈ €53,360 / yr
Monthly living (city avg)
NZ$1,521 / mo
≈ €852 / mo
$2,941 / mo
≈ €2,706 / mo
Visa proof of funds
NZ$20,000
Living costs proof (annual)
Varies by I-20 (school issues)
Varies by I-20 (school issues)
Cities tracked
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin
New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Austin
Figures are 2026 reference estimates from our cost calculator. Actual costs vary by city, program, and lifestyle.