🇦🇺 Brisbane vs 🇳🇿 Wellington
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇦🇺
Brisbane
Australia
$2,400–$3,800/mo
A$3,692 – A$5,846 / month (local)
🇳🇿
Wellington
New Zealand
$2,338–$3,703/mo
NZ$4,031 – NZ$6,384 / month (local)
Brisbane is 3% more expensive
Wellington wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Brisbane (USD) | Wellington (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,800–$2,800 | $1,754–$2,728 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $950–$1,500 | $926–$1,462 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Utilities | $75–$145 | $73–$141 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Groceries | $380–$570 | $370–$555 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $50–$90 | $49–$88 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Public transport (monthly) | $95–$115 | $93–$112 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Internet & Mobile | $30–$50 | $29–$49 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Gym membership | $35–$65 | $34–$63 | 🟢 Wellington |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $14–$18 | Tie |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,400–$3,800 | $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
Housing4.6 / 10 · 4.9 / 10
Brisbane
Wellington▲ better
Safety8.6 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Brisbane
Wellington▲ better
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Brisbane
Wellington▲ better
Education8.2 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Brisbane
Wellington▲ better
Environment9.0 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Brisbane
Wellington▲ better
Economy7.3 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Brisbane
Wellington▲ better
Culture7.9 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Brisbane
Wellington▲ better
Internet8.3 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Brisbane
Wellington▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Brisbane if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Brisbane offers vs Wellington
- ✓Climate
- ✓2032 Olympics prep
- ✓Outdoor life
- ✓Mining services
Choose Wellington if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Brisbane
- ✓Coffee
- ✓Government
- ✓Windy creative scene
- ✓Policy
You might also like…
📊
Full Brisbane guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Brisbane →📊
Full Wellington guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Wellington →