The University of Otago expects to save $8 million on its University Plaza building at Forsyth Barr Stadium, contrasting with the council's blown stadium budget.
The cost of the project, expected to be finalised next month, was forecast to cost $8 million below its original $46.2 million budget.
In contrast, a Pricewater-houseCoopers review showed the Dunedin City Council's construction costs on the stadium blew out by more than $8 million to $224.4 million.
Figures released since, which included stadium-related spending such as State Highway 88 costs and the bailout of the Otago Rugby Football Union, pumped up the price of the stadium to as high as $266 million.
Part of the blow-out was over the make-up of shared costs between the university and council, which cost it $1.9 million more than expected.
The council declined to comment on whether it was surprised by the university's savings or happy with the make-up of ''shared costs'', instead pointing to the PwC report.
Chief operating officer John Patrick said the expected saving had nothing to do with the council paying a greater share than it expected.
''Due to the type of project and our risk-management strategy, a substantial contingency was put in place for the duration of this project.
''The savings largely accrue from this process,'' he said.