🇳🇿 Auckland vs 🇦🇺 Melbourne

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇳🇿

Auckland

New Zealand

$2,585–$4,092/mo

NZ$4,457 – NZ$7,055 / month (local)

🇦🇺

Melbourne

Australia

$2,646–$4,190/mo

A$4,071 – A$6,446 / month (local)

Melbourne is 2% more expensive

Auckland wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryAuckland (USD)Melbourne (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,938–$3,015$1,985–$3,087🟢 Auckland
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,023–$1,615$1,047–$1,654🟢 Auckland
Utilities$81–$156$83–$160🟢 Auckland
Groceries$409–$614$419–$628🟢 Auckland
Eating out (mid-range meal)$54–$97$55–$99🟢 Auckland
Public transport (monthly)$102–$124$105–$127🟢 Auckland
Internet & Mobile$32–$54$33–$55🟢 Auckland
Gym membership$38–$70$39–$72🟢 Auckland
Cinema ticket$15–$19$15–$20🟢 Auckland
Monthly total (single)$2,585–$4,092$2,646–$4,190🟢 Auckland

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 · 3.5 / 10
Auckland▲ better
Melbourne
Safety8.4 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Auckland
Melbourne▲ better
Healthcare8.4 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Auckland▲ better
Melbourne
Education8.0 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Auckland▲ better
Melbourne
Environment8.8 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Auckland▲ better
Melbourne
Economy7.1 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Auckland▲ better
Melbourne
Culture7.7 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Auckland▲ better
Melbourne
Internet8.1 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Auckland▲ better
Melbourne

Who should choose which city?

Choose Auckland if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Melbourne
  • ✓Nature access
  • ✓Safety
  • ✓Pacific hub
  • ✓Film

Choose Melbourne if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Melbourne offers vs Auckland
  • ✓Coffee
  • ✓Sports
  • ✓Arts
  • ✓Creative

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📊

Full Auckland guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Auckland →

📊

Full Melbourne guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Melbourne →