I dont have much money but I also don't want to live in a slum somewhere. I'm hoping to find work in Christchurch.
well you kinda pay for what you get. Good areas will always cost a lot more.
one thing for certain is when you renting old houses, it doesn't seem much difference in home comfort across all areas. It's not like if you choose a place that charges double the rent compared to the slums that you will get central heating and a highly insulated home. What you pay the extra $ is basicaly to do with the safety of the location and how convenient it is to town or to a particular highly rated school.
Sure newly built houses are more comfortable, but still no where near as comfortable as houses in N. America. So depends what you are use to.
Of course, it all depends what you value? Comfort or security?