🇳🇿 Auckland vs 🇦🇺 Brisbane

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇳🇿

Auckland

New Zealand

$2,585–$4,092/mo

NZ$4,457 – NZ$7,055 / month (local)

🇦🇺

Brisbane

Australia

$2,400–$3,800/mo

A$3,692 – A$5,846 / month (local)

Auckland is 8% more expensive

Brisbane wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryAuckland (USD)Brisbane (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,938–$3,015$1,800–$2,800🟢 Brisbane
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,023–$1,615$950–$1,500🟢 Brisbane
Utilities$81–$156$75–$145🟢 Brisbane
Groceries$409–$614$380–$570🟢 Brisbane
Eating out (mid-range meal)$54–$97$50–$90🟢 Brisbane
Public transport (monthly)$102–$124$95–$115🟢 Brisbane
Internet & Mobile$32–$54$30–$50🟢 Brisbane
Gym membership$38–$70$35–$65🟢 Brisbane
Cinema ticket$15–$19$14–$18🟢 Brisbane
Monthly total (single)$2,585–$4,092$2,400–$3,800🟢 Brisbane

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing4.0 / 10 · 4.6 / 10
Auckland
Brisbane▲ better
Safety8.4 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Auckland
Brisbane▲ better
Healthcare8.4 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Auckland
Brisbane▲ better
Education8.0 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Auckland
Brisbane▲ better
Environment8.8 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Auckland
Brisbane▲ better
Economy7.1 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Auckland
Brisbane▲ better
Culture7.7 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Auckland
Brisbane▲ better
Internet8.1 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Auckland
Brisbane▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Auckland if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Auckland offers vs Brisbane
  • ✓Nature access
  • ✓Safety
  • ✓Pacific hub
  • ✓Film

Choose Brisbane if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Auckland
  • ✓Climate
  • ✓2032 Olympics prep
  • ✓Outdoor life
  • ✓Mining services

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📊

Full Auckland guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Auckland →

📊

Full Brisbane guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Brisbane →