🇦🇺 Sydney vs 🇳🇿 Wellington

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇦🇺

Sydney

Australia

$2,831–$4,482/mo

A$4,355 – A$6,895 / month (local)

🇳🇿

Wellington

New Zealand

$2,338–$3,703/mo

NZ$4,031 – NZ$6,384 / month (local)

Sydney is 21% more expensive

Wellington wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategorySydney (USD)Wellington (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,123–$3,303$1,754–$2,728🟢 Wellington
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,121–$1,769$926–$1,462🟢 Wellington
Utilities$88–$171$73–$141🟢 Wellington
Groceries$448–$672$370–$555🟢 Wellington
Eating out (mid-range meal)$59–$106$49–$88🟢 Wellington
Public transport (monthly)$112–$136$93–$112🟢 Wellington
Internet & Mobile$35–$59$29–$49🟢 Wellington
Gym membership$41–$77$34–$63🟢 Wellington
Cinema ticket$17–$21$14–$18🟢 Wellington
Monthly total (single)$2,831–$4,482$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

Housing3.5 / 10 · 4.9 / 10
Sydney
Wellington▲ better
Safety8.4 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Sydney
Wellington▲ better
Healthcare8.4 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Sydney
Wellington▲ better
Education8.0 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Sydney
Wellington▲ better
Environment8.8 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Sydney
Wellington▲ better
Economy7.1 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Sydney
Wellington▲ better
Culture7.7 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Sydney
Wellington▲ better
Internet8.1 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Sydney
Wellington▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Sydney if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Sydney offers vs Wellington
  • ✓Harbor
  • ✓Beaches
  • ✓Jobs
  • ✓Finance

Choose Wellington if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Sydney
  • ✓Coffee
  • ✓Government
  • ✓Windy creative scene
  • ✓Policy

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Full Sydney guide

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📊

Full Wellington guide

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Explore Wellington →