Queenstown vs. Christchurch: A Cost-of-Living Comparison
- Jihane Sato
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
Are you thinking about studying English in New Zealand, but not sure which city to choose?
LSNZ has campuses in both Queenstown and Christchurch, two of the most exciting destinations in the South Island.
Both cities offer excellent schools, friendly homestay families and accommodation options, and amazing New Zealand experiences. But the cost-of-living can be different.
Let’s compare the two, so you can decide which is right for you.
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Main Costs of Living
Tuition Fees (Queenstown vs. Christchurch)
☑️ Standard tuition fees are the same for both campuses.
☑️ At LSNZ, for General English and IELTS prep, the cost is usually NZ$420 to NZ$470 per week.
☑️ Enrolment and material fees - NZ$350
☑️ Sometimes special promotions or discounts are offered.
These can make the final price lower for individual students.
Accommodation Costs
☑️ Homestay (both cities) – Around NZ$380 to NZ$400 per week, including meals.
☑️ Homestay is compulsory for all students under the age of 18 years old.
☑️ Queenstown Student Accommodation – Single room: NZ$320 per week, plus a one-off bond of NZ$350 and a bedding fee of NZ$50.
This is a good option for independent students (over the age of 18) who prefer not to stay with a homestay family.
☑️ Shared Flat or Hostel – Available in both cities, but costs are usually higher in Queenstown due to limited housing.
Expect about NZ$250 to NZ$350 per week in Christchurch, and NZ$300 to NZ$400 per week in Queenstown.
Food and Groceries
☑️ Christchurch has larger supermarkets and more budget options. Students usually spend around NZ$80 to NZ$100 per week.
☑️ In Queenstown, food can be more expensive, especially eating out. Groceries are often 10-15% higher than Christchurch. Average is about NZ$100 to NZ$120 per week.
☑️ Both cities offer international food choices, but Christchurch has a bigger selection.
Transport
☑️ Christchurch is a larger city, so most students use to public bus to get to school (NZ$3 to NZ$5 per trip).
☑️ Queenstown is smaller, and many places are walkable.
The Orbus system has a flat fare of NZ$2 with a Bee card.
☑️ Transport costs are usually lower in Queenstown, unless you choose to rent a car for weekend trips.
Activities and Entertainment
☑️ Christchurch - More affordable everyday activities like cinema (NZ$15 to NZ$20), museums (often free), and local sports.
Weekend trips to beaches, Akaroa, or Hanmer Springs are budget-friendly.
☑️ Queenstown – Known as the adventure capital. Activities like bungy jumping, skiing, and skydiving are amazing but more expensive (NZ$150 to NZ$300+ per activity).
Everyday life (cafes, gyms, shopping) can also be more expensive than Christchurch.
Example One-Month Living Costs
Here is an approximate one-month comparison (excluding flights and insurance)
Christchurch☑️ Tuition: NZ$1,600 (without applying special promotions). ☑️ Homestay: NZ$1,200 to NZ$1,300 ☑️ Living Costs (food, transport, extras): NZ$600 to NZ$700 Total: ~NZ$3,400 per month |
Queenstown (Homestay Option)☑️ Tuition: NZ$1,600 (without applying special promotions). ☑️ Homestay: NZ$1,300 to NZ$1,400 ☑️ Living Costs (food, transport, extras): NZ$700-NZ$850 Total: ~NZ$3,600 to NZ$3,800 per month |
Queenstown (Student Accommodation)☑️ Tuition: NZ$1,600 (without applying special promotions). ☑️ Accommodation: NZ$1,280 (4 weeks at NZ$320 per week) ☑️ One-off fees: NZ$400 (bond - NZ$350, bedding - NZ$50) ☑️ Living Costs (food, transport, extras): NZ$700-NZ$850 Total: ~NZ$3,580 to NZ$3,830 per month |
To know more about cost to Study in New Zealand for One Month, check the article below.
Which City Should You Choose?
Christchurch is best is if:
You want lower everyday costs.
You enjoy living in a bigger city with more shops and cultural events.
You like beaches, gardens, and relaxed weekend trips.
Queenstown is best is if:
You want to live in a world-famous tourist destination.
You love outdoor sports and adventure.
You don’t mind paying a little more for unique activities.
FAQs
Are the English classes different between campuses?
No. LSNZ uses the same high-quality curriculum at both campuses, taught by highly qualified and experienced teachers.
Can I move between Queenstown and Christchurch during my study?
Which city is more popular with students?
Final Advice
Whether you choose LSNZ Queenstown or LSNZ Christchurch, you will have a safe, exciting, and memorable study abroad experience with LSNZ.
The cost of living is a little lower in Christchurch, but Queenstown offers once-in-a-lifetime adventure activities.
Think about your budget, lifestyle, and goals. Whichever you city you choose, LSNZ will support you every step of the way!
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