Date: 26 April 2025
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Population:
City: approx. 1.7 million
Metro area: approx. 1.9 million
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant city, blending a relaxed, coastal lifestyle with a growing international business scene. With its stunning harbour, green spaces, and diverse cultural mix, Auckland feels both bustling and refreshingly calm.
Living in Auckland often means starting your day with a walk by the ocean and ending it at a world-class restaurant. It’s a city where natural beauty and urban ambition live side by side, but that lifestyle comes with a significant price tag.
Rental Costs (monthly):
1-bedroom apartment (city centre): NZD 2,200 (€1,232)
1-bedroom apartment (outside centre): NZD 1,800 (€1,008)
3-bedroom apartment (city centre): NZD 3,900 (€2,184)
3-bedroom apartment (outside centre): NZD 3,200 (€1,792)
Purchase Price (per m²):
City centre: NZD 12,000 (€6,720)
Outside city centre: NZD 8,500 (€4,760)
Groceries:
Milk (1L): NZD 3.00 (€1.68)
Bread (500g): NZD 4.50 (€2.52)
Eggs (12): NZD 7.00 (€3.92)
Chicken breast (1kg): NZD 14.00 (€7.84)
Dining Out:
Mid-range restaurant (3 courses): NZD 110 (€61.60)
Fast food combo meal: NZD 15 (€8.40)
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, waste):
Average for 85m² flat: NZD 240/month (€134.40)
Internet (unlimited, fibre):
NZD 95/month (€53.20)
Transportation:
Monthly public transport pass: NZD 230 (€128.80)
Taxi start (normal tariff): NZD 4.00 (€2.24)
Petrol (1 litre): NZD 2.85 (€1.60)
Leisure & Entertainment:
Cinema ticket: NZD 21 (€11.76)
Museum entry: NZD 15 (€8.40) (some free days)
Concert ticket (popular artist): NZD 150 (€84.00)
Fitness:
Gym membership: NZD 95/month (€53.20)
Yoga/Pilates class: NZD 30/session (€16.80)
Kayak rental (1 hour): NZD 40 (€22.40)
Unemployment Rate (2025):
Approx. 4.1%
Major Industries:
Technology
Tourism
Finance and insurance
Construction
Food and beverage production
Work Culture:
Collaborative, informal but focused.
Emphasis on work-life balance.
Average Working Hours:
37.5–40 hours per week
Healthcare:
GP visit (without insurance): NZD 75–95 (€42–53)
Public healthcare (ACC covered for accidents): Free or subsidised
Private health insurance: From NZD 120/month (€67.20)
Education:
Public schools: Free (with small annual donation)
Private schools: NZD 20,000–30,000/year (€11,200–16,800)
International schools: NZD 25,000–35,000/year (€14,000–19,600)
Category | Cost (NZD / €) |
---|---|
Single person (monthly) | 4,000–4,800 / 2,240–2,688 |
Family of four (monthly) | 7,500–9,200 / 4,200–5,152 |
Meal (restaurant) | 30–45 / 16.80–25.20 |
Gym membership | 95 / 53.20 |
Public transport pass | 230 / 128.80 |
Cinema ticket | 21 / 11.76 |
Monthly internet (fibre) | 95 / 53.20 |
Prices are based on local sources and averages and may vary depending on district and lifestyle.
Neighbourhoods:
Ponsonby: Trendy, upscale, café culture.
Devonport: Seaside village feel with historic charm.
Mount Eden: Lush parks, family-friendly, great views.
Manukau: Diverse, busy, more affordable.
Local Customs:
Aucklanders are friendly but value personal space. Weekend farmers’ markets, coastal walks, and casual dress codes are part of daily life.
Temperatures (general daily ranges):
Morning: 12°C–16°C
Midday: 20°C–26°C
Evening: 14°C–18°C
Sunrise/Sunset:
Summer: Sunrise 5:50 am / Sunset 8:30 pm
Winter: Sunrise 7:30 am / Sunset 5:20 pm
Seasonal Overview:
Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm and humid.
Temperatures: 18°C–26°C
Autumn (Mar–May): Mild and breezy with colourful leaves.
Temperatures: 14°C–22°C
Winter (Jun–Aug): Cool, rainy, and lush.
Temperatures: 8°C–15°C
Spring (Sep–Nov): Fresh and blooming with occasional showers.
Temperatures: 12°C–21°C
Auckland is a stunning and vibrant city offering a unique mix of urban energy and natural beauty, but its cost of living is high, especially for housing and transport.
It remains a favourite for expats seeking a balance between career opportunities and outdoor lifestyles.
Compare Auckland to other cities at Best City Index
72 Hrs in Auckland - First Impressions & Top Things To Do! New Zealand
PROS and CONS of living in NEW ZEALAND (Auckland) 2022
First impressions of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city
Author
Sammy Salmela is a contributor to BestCityIndex with expertise in urban development and global city trends.
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