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Cost of Living in Auckland, New Zealand (2025)
Livability

Cost of Living in Auckland, New Zealand (2025)

Sammy Salmela
Sammy Salmela
April 26, 2025
3 min read
Back to Insights

Cost of Living in Auckland, New Zealand (2025)

Date: 26 April 2025
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes


Introduction

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.


Housing

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)


Daily Expenses

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)


Culture, Fitness & Leisure

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)


Employment & Economy

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 & Education

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)


Cost of Living Overview Table

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

Disclaimer

Prices are based on local sources and averages and may vary depending on district and lifestyle.


Lifestyle & Local Feel

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.


☀️ Climate & Weather

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


Summary

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

To see how Auckland ranks

Watch & Explore

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

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Sammy Salmela

Sammy Salmela

Author

Sammy Salmela is a contributor to BestCityIndex with expertise in urban development and global city trends.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Housing
  • Daily Expenses
  • Culture, Fitness & Leisure
  • Employment & Economy
  • Healthcare & Education
  • Cost of Living Overview Table
  • Disclaimer
  • Lifestyle & Local Feel
  • ☀️ Climate & Weather
  • Summary
  • Watch & Explore

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