🇳🇿 Christchurch vs 🇦🇺 Perth

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇳🇿

Christchurch

New Zealand

$2,215–$3,508/mo

NZ$3,819 – NZ$6,048 / month (local)

🇦🇺

Perth

Australia

$2,462–$3,897/mo

A$3,788 – A$5,995 / month (local)

Perth is 11% more expensive

Christchurch wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryChristchurch (USD)Perth (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,662–$2,585$1,846–$2,872🟢 Christchurch
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$877–$1,385$974–$1,538🟢 Christchurch
Utilities$69–$134$77–$149🟢 Christchurch
Groceries$351–$526$390–$585🟢 Christchurch
Eating out (mid-range meal)$46–$83$51–$92🟢 Christchurch
Public transport (monthly)$88–$106$97–$118🟢 Christchurch
Internet & Mobile$28–$46$31–$51🟢 Christchurch
Gym membership$32–$60$36–$67🟢 Christchurch
Cinema ticket$13–$17$14–$18🟢 Christchurch
Monthly total (single)$2,215–$3,508$2,462–$3,897🟢 Christchurch

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 · 4.5 / 10
Christchurch▲ better
Perth
Safety8.2 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Christchurch
Perth▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Christchurch
Perth▲ better
Education7.8 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Christchurch
Perth▲ better
Environment8.6 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Christchurch
Perth▲ better
Economy6.9 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Christchurch
Perth▲ better
Culture7.5 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Christchurch
Perth▲ better
Internet7.9 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Christchurch
Perth▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Christchurch if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than Perth
  • English gardens
  • Gateway to South Island
  • Rebuild innovation
  • Agtech

Choose Perth if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what Perth offers vs Christchurch
  • Mining wealth
  • Beaches
  • Sun
  • Mining

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Full Christchurch guide

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Full Perth guide

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Explore Perth