🇳🇿 Auckland vs 🇳🇿 Wellington
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇳🇿
Auckland
New Zealand
$2,585–$4,092/mo
NZ$4,457 – NZ$7,055 / month (local)
🇳🇿
Wellington
New Zealand
$2,338–$3,703/mo
NZ$4,031 – NZ$6,384 / month (local)
Auckland is 11% more expensive
Wellington wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Auckland (USD) | Wellington (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,938–$3,015 | $1,754–$2,728 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,023–$1,615 | $926–$1,462 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Utilities | $81–$156 | $73–$141 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Groceries | $409–$614 | $370–$555 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $54–$97 | $49–$88 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Public transport (monthly) | $102–$124 | $93–$112 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$54 | $29–$49 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Gym membership | $38–$70 | $34–$63 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,585–$4,092 | $2,338–$3,703 | 🟢 Wellington |
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 · 4.9 / 10
Auckland
Wellington▲ better
Safety8.4 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Auckland
Wellington▲ better
Healthcare8.4 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Auckland
Wellington▲ better
Education8.0 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Auckland
Wellington▲ better
Environment8.8 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Auckland
Wellington▲ better
Economy7.1 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Auckland
Wellington▲ better
Culture7.7 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Auckland
Wellington▲ better
Internet8.1 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Auckland
Wellington▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Auckland if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Auckland offers vs Wellington
- ✓Nature access
- ✓Safety
- ✓Pacific hub
- ✓Film
Choose Wellington if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Auckland
- ✓Coffee
- ✓Government
- ✓Windy creative scene
- ✓Policy
You might also like…
📊
Full Auckland guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Auckland →📊
Full Wellington guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Wellington →