The high cost of living in Auckland is catching many foreign teachers by surprise.

Greenmeadows Intermediate in Manurewa has taken on nine new foreign teachers from South Africa, Wales, Canada, the US and Australia.

Principal Cathy Chalmers told Mike Hosking one teacher is staying at a hostel while he waits to find accommodation.

She said the new staff have adjusted well, but they've all expressed concern over the high cost of living.

"I must admit they are all surprised at how expensive it is in Auckland, so that's caught them all by surprise."

Chalmers said the school has always employed a small group of international teachers.

She says it brings extra diversity but says the difference this year is the sheer number of them.

However, Chalmers says the overseas teachers are all fantastic quality.