How Much Does It Cost to Live In Auckland?
Auckland is a city located in the North Island of New Zealand, its largest city and the largest urban area in the country.
Of course, like anywhere else, the amount of money you’ll pay, depends on where you live, what part of city, and what your preferences are.
For example, if you live in downtown Auckland, count on everything being more expensive.
However, people do earn more here, but the lack of supply in housing and apartments means rentals are high and house prices out of reach for most people.
New Zealand : Cost of Living by City
Cost of Living in New Zealand
RESTAURANTS
Eating out will, for sure, cost you more than cooking by yourself. Auckland is very well known for its relatively high prices, you can expect to eat in an inexpensive restaurant for no less than 12$. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around 60$, while for a pint of domestic beer, you will have to pay around 6$.
MARKETS
When it comes to food, you could try shopping at Pak N’ Save, or you can get many cheap things at The Wharehouse but be sure to watch the relation between the quality and prices, as they are not always cheap. Vegetables, for example, are insanely expensive in winter, and you’re better off buying them in a farmer’s market.
TRANSPORTATION
Public transport is not as widespread here, which means a car is a necessity, and that – naturally, leads to more costs. You really need a car if you want to get around Auckland, as the transport infrastructure is not that great and the motorways are congested. A one-way ticket for public transport will cost you around 2.50$.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Utilities are not too expensive in Auckland, if you look at the price of all included utilities for an apartment of a larger structure (85m2): for such an apartment, all basic utilities – including electricity, along with heating and cooling, water, gas and garbage services – costs around 120$. Internet is pretty pricey though, amounting up to 60$.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Comparing with the prices of everything else, enjoying some sports and fitness activities isn’t that expensive in Auckland – it’s in accordance with the European standard. Becoming a member of a gym or a fitness club will cost you around 50$ a month. Going to the cinema costs nearly the same as it does in most popular European destinations – around 12$ per ticket.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Clothes are available at many shopping centers, but are only occasionally priced at reasonable rates. For example, a pair of quality jeans like Levi’s costs more than 70$, a pair of quality running sneakers like Nike are around 90$, while simpler items of clothing like shirts cost around 40$. The best thing to do when it comes to shopping for clothes is to wait for a sale!
RENT PER MONTH
Rent is definitely one of the more expensive aspects of living in Auckland – and it’s definitely higher than the country’s average. Don’t expect to find a cute apartment anywhere near the center of Auckland for less than 1200$ – and that goes for one-bedroom apartments! If you want to move in with your family in a larger apartment, then prepare to cash out at least 2200$.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Auckland
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $11.61 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $6.14 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.84 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.86 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.33 |
| Eggs (12) | $3.26 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $2.73 |
| Monthly Pass | $136.53 |
| Gasoline | $1.56 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $118.38 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.48 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $57.16 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $48.38 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $10.55 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $12.29 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $71.32 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $42.51 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $95.15 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $1233.23 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $995.73 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $2212.50 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Auckland?
Rent is the biggest expense of anyone living in New Zealand, along with food and groceries.
This goes to show that rent is definitely one of the most expensive aspects of living in this country, if not the most expensive one.
Apart from food and rent, people spend a lot of money on transportation and restaurants – since there are many people who are used to eating all three meals in restaurants.
Utilities are also a big expense for an average person living in New Zealand – as this is something that just has to be paid, like it or not.
Average Costs Breakdown
Auckland: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Salaries in Auckland are definitely high and make living in this city very pleasant and comfortable experience, since they enable the citizens of this country to pay for everything they need and have enough even for the things that aren’t necessities.
Minimum wage in Auckland is around 1800$ – and though the prices are higher in this country too, this is still a reasonable amount of money that just goes in line with the high standard of living here.
Auckland is definitely not the most expensive place to be and most people get by without any problems.
Auckland Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Auckland Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Auckland
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Christchurch | 70.23 |
| Dunedin | 70.16 |
| Hamilton | 71.91 |
| Wellington | 71.52 |
