Living in Auckland is expensive. Anybody who has had to move to the Super City for work knows how painful the cost of living can be. The housing market is the most expensive in the country, which, in turn, has made renting anywhere an expensive endeavour. Finding a nice place to rent in Auckland without the price tag can be a struggle - especially for young families.

Many are choosing options outside of Auckland that still give them the access they need to the city for work or school. Travelling south, Manukau and Papakura are popular locations for people looking for a better lifestyle. The two areas offer much more for less in terms of housing with larger blocks of land available and far better rental rates.

Papakura boasts a number of quality, contemporary homes for rent with enough variety to be suitable for anybody in the market. Large sections are perfect for families and the costs are affordable for anyone. Close to the centre of Papakura, prices hover around the $100 per week, per room mark. A spacious, four bedroom home with a section big enough for the kids should cost between $350 and $450 per week. It may give the illusion of a small town, but Papakura has every amenity you could need without having to travel north into Auckland.

In between Papakura and Manukau, Takanini is home to some really high quality housing at affordable prices. The homes are slightly more upmarket and the area is only a short, fifteen minute drive from the centre of Manukau. Prices are slightly higher than Papakura; four bedroom homes generally start from $450 per week and can go up to just over $500.

Further south, Drury offers varied accommodation ranging from family homes with large sections and lifestyle blocks to one bedroom units. Prices range depending on the size of the section, but with large, 5 bedroom homes available for less than $500 per week you are sure to find something you love.

So many people are choosing to make the move out of the city when they’re looking for houses for rent in Auckland. Papakura has so much more to offer in terms of space and lifestyle. The thirty minute drive from the city centre is worth the benefits, and, as they continue to be developed, people are finding that the areas south of Auckland have everything they would have otherwise travelled to the city for anyway!