🇳🇿 Auckland vs 🇦🇺 Sydney
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇳🇿
Auckland
New Zealand
$2,585–$4,092/mo
NZ$4,457 – NZ$7,055 / month (local)
🇦🇺
Sydney
Australia
$2,831–$4,482/mo
A$4,355 – A$6,895 / month (local)
Sydney is 10% more expensive
Auckland wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Auckland (USD) | Sydney (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,938–$3,015 | $2,123–$3,303 | 🟢 Auckland |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,023–$1,615 | $1,121–$1,769 | 🟢 Auckland |
| Utilities | $81–$156 | $88–$171 | 🟢 Auckland |
| Groceries | $409–$614 | $448–$672 | 🟢 Auckland |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $54–$97 | $59–$106 | 🟢 Auckland |
| Public transport (monthly) | $102–$124 | $112–$136 | 🟢 Auckland |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$54 | $35–$59 | 🟢 Auckland |
| Gym membership | $38–$70 | $41–$77 | 🟢 Auckland |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $17–$21 | 🟢 Auckland |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,585–$4,092 | $2,831–$4,482 | 🟢 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
Sydney
Safety8.4 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Auckland
Sydney
Healthcare8.4 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Auckland
Sydney
Education8.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Auckland
Sydney
Environment8.8 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Auckland
Sydney
Economy7.1 / 10 · 7.1 / 10
Auckland
Sydney
Culture7.7 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Auckland
Sydney
Internet8.1 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Auckland
Sydney
Who should choose which city?
Choose Auckland if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Sydney
- ✓Nature access
- ✓Safety
- ✓Pacific hub
- ✓Film
Choose Sydney if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Sydney offers vs Auckland
- ✓Harbor
- ✓Beaches
- ✓Jobs
- ✓Finance
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📊
Full Auckland guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Auckland →📊
Full Sydney guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Sydney →