Pros and cons of moving to Auckland

Weighing the pros and cons of moving to Auckland is an important step when planning your move to New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Like any expat destination, it has its advantages and disadvantages.

On the one hand, Auckland offers a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, excellent educational institutions, and a thriving job market. On the other hand, the cost of living can be high, and traffic congestion and long commute times can be challenging for some residents.

Below is a list of some of the pros and cons of moving to Auckland.

Accommodation in Auckland

+ PRO: Neighbourhoods boast diverse atmospheres

Auckland's suburbs and housing suit diverse tastes. Parnell, for instance, is one of the city's oldest and most affluent areas and affords comfortable accommodation, upmarket boutiques, and eclectic eateries. At the same time, Kingsland is known for its trendy vibe, live music nights and the famous nearby Eden Park stadium.

- CON: Accommodation expenses are steep

New Zealand's most populous city charges hefty rent. While many accommodation options are available, few are budget friendly. Many expats working in the CBD live in more reasonably priced surrounding suburbs and face a daily commute.

Renting Expat Accommodation in Auckland

Lifestyle and culture in Auckland

+ PRO: Auckland is family-friendly

Auckland is an excellent city for families, boasting a high degree of safety and many activities. Visits to Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium and Auckland Zoo make for perfect pastimes for the little ones. At the same time, the whole family can enjoy Snowplanet, an indoor snow recreation centre less than 30 minutes from Auckland.

- CON: Learning the local lingo

New Zealand has three official languages: English, te reo Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language. Though English is the most widely spoken, the local accent may take some getting used to, especially if your first language isn't English. Kiwis are also known for their unusual slang, which may take a while to get the hang of.

Local Culture in New Zealand

Cost of living in Auckland

- CON: Groceries and restaurants are costly

Owing to New Zealand’s remote location, many foodstuffs need to be imported, creating high prices. Auckland offers a diverse spread of dining options, but these range from a little pricey to expensive, with budget restaurants few and far between.

+ PRO: High standard of living

Auckland may have a higher cost of living than other cities in New Zealand, but it is also known for its equally fantastic standard of living. With a diverse range of amenities, including accessible healthcare, education, and entertainment options, Auckland offers its residents an excellent quality of life.

Cost of Living in Auckland

Getting around in Auckland

+ PRO: City-centre public transport opportunities

You can travel efficiently on public transport in Auckland. The availability of buses, trains, and ferries makes getting around the city pretty straightforward. On the other hand, public transport options outside the city are limited, and many people prefer to drive. 

- CON: Traffic is a problem

City life in Auckland, unfortunately, comes with heavy congestion, with peak morning and evening traffic easily adding an extra 20 minutes to commute times. Residents will have to deal with traffic, and hopefully, recent moves to promote public transport use will improve the situation.

Transport and Driving in New Zealand

Healthcare in Auckland

+ PRO: High-quality and progressive healthcare system

Hospitals and clinics in Auckland have quality facilities and provide high-quality medical care. Almost all services are free to eligible citizens and expats, including fertility services, inpatient and outpatient treatments, and support for those with disabilities. It's important to note that no patients are refused emergency medical attention if they cannot pay.

- CON: Not everyone is entitled to free medical services

Free healthcare is limited primarily to citizens, permanent residents, and expats with work visas. However, we recommend expats check their eligibility. Expats with commonwealth scholarship students, and refugees may be able to access subsidised or free services. Alternatively, it is helpful to invest in health insurance.

Healthcare in New Zealand

Education in Auckland

+ PRO: High-quality education system

Auckland has an excellent education system with many institutions, from nursery schools to universities. Auckland's schools and universities consistently rank among the best in the world, providing exceptional education and training to students.

- CON: Expensive private tuition fees

While public education in New Zealand is usually free for expat children, the cost of private education in Auckland is relatively high compared to other cities in New Zealand. This cost can be a barrier for expats on a tight budget, especially those with multiple children who need to pay tuition fees.

+ PRO: Multicultural education environment

Auckland is a diverse and multicultural city, which is reflected in its education system. This diversity can provide a unique and enriching experience for expat students, who can learn from different cultures and backgrounds.

Education and Schools in New Zealand

Weather in Auckland

- CON: Can't avoid the rain

One of the things that new arrivals soon realise is that it rains a lot. The city doesn't experience a particularly 'dry season', but the middle months of the year are the rainiest.

+ PRO: Temperate climate

Those who don't like extreme weather conditions will find Auckland a comfortable place to live. Summer temperatures are warm, but the heat isn't suffocating, and winters are mild, never bitterly cold.

Weather in New Zealand