Wellington vs Auckland

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Wellington is roughly 0% more affordable than Auckland (index 36 vs 36, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Wellington
More affordable overall
0% cheaper than Auckland · Cost index: 36 vs 36

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

36Cost Index36
3,400Median Income /mo3,660
66Safety Index75
20Income Tax %23
92Internet (Mbps)95
250Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

WellingtonCategoryAuckland
$1,741/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
14% ← cheaper
$1,490/month
$1.91/liter
Meal for One
21% ← cheaper
$1.5/liter
$17/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
6% cheaper →
$18/meal
$113/month
Monthly Transit Pass
32% ← cheaper
$77/month
$180/month
Utilities (Monthly)
$180/month
$65/visit
Doctor Visit
13% cheaper →
$75/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Wellington

Internet92 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability78/100

Auckland

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wellington cheaper than Auckland?

Wellington is cheaper than Auckland. Wellington has a cost of living index of 36/100 compared to 36/100 for Auckland (New York = 100), making it roughly 0% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Wellington than Auckland?

Wellington is approximately 0% cheaper than Auckland based on cost index scores (36 vs 36, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Auckland could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $3,000/month in Wellington.

What is the rent comparison between Wellington and Auckland?

In Wellington, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,741/month. In Auckland, the equivalent is around $1,490/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Wellington or Auckland?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Wellington offers 92 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Auckland offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Wellington has a cost advantage of 0%.

What is the average income in Wellington vs Auckland?

The median net monthly salary in Wellington is approximately $3,400 USD, compared to $3,660 USD in Auckland.

Compare Wellington with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Wellington wins or loses.

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