Cost of Living in Auckland

The cost of living in Auckland is fairly high when compared to cities such as Brisbane and Stockholm. The city ranks 70th out of 209 cities in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey in 2021.

With New Zealand being an island, food cost ends up being higher than one may be used to, as many products have to be imported. The cost of accommodation has also skyrocketed in recent years with more and more expats choosing to settle in Auckland. Luckily, the competitive salaries offered in this economic hub tend to make up for the high cost of living. The standard of living is also great which also makes high prices more bearable. Most expats feel like the prices paid justify the feeling of safety and wellbeing that comes with life in Auckland.

Cost of accommodation in Auckland

Accommodation is likely to be the biggest expense for anyone moving to Auckland. Like in most cities, rental prices in the city centre tend to be more expensive than those in the suburbs.

Since Auckland is the economic hub of New Zealand, it may be especially hard for expats to find accommodation here. The city is known for being the most expensive in the country when it comes to rental prices. To further complicate the matter, the city’s growing population has further increased the demand for accommodation.

Utilities are generally not included in the rental price of a property, so expats should budget accordingly. On a positive note, accommodation tends to be spacious and good value for money.

Cost of groceries in Auckland

Another big expense in Auckland will be grocery shopping. New Zealand is remotely isolated from many places. Therefore specific groceries often have to be imported. For example, many meat and dairy products in Auckland are imported which makes them more costly than one may be used to. Foreigners can manage their shopping budget by purchasing local goods and taking advantage of the special offers that commonly run at supermarkets and convenience stores.

Cost of transport in Auckland

Public transport in Auckland is reasonably priced. The city also has monthly and annual transport passes available which cut down the costs of transport even further.

Many expats will find that car prices are also relatively inexpensive. The price for gasoline (petrol) isn’t too high either. While people don't necessarily need a car, especially in the city, it can be useful for expats with families or those who travel regularly for work.