City Comparison
Sydney vs Auckland
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Auckland is ~8% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Sydney
Australia
COL+Rent
69.7
Rent Index
54.9
Groceries
86.8
Restaurant
78.3
Auckland
New Zealand
COL+Rent
63.9
Rent Index
45.5
Groceries
85.8
Restaurant
70.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Sydney | Auckland | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,442 | $2,100 | +$342 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,822 | $1,675 | +$147 |
| Groceries | $483 | $476 | +$7 |
| Restaurant Meal | $25 | $21 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $114 | $131 | $17 |
| Utilities | $171 | $167 | +$4 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Sydney | Auckland |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,545/mo | $2,390/mo |
| Typical | $3,585/mo | $3,189/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,423/mo | $3,914/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Sydney | ≈ in Auckland | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,375/mo | -$125 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,834/mo | -$166 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,750/mo | -$250 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sydney or Auckland cheaper to live in?
Auckland is approximately 8% cheaper overall. Sydney's COL+Rent Index is 69.7 vs Auckland's 63.9 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Sydney vs Auckland?
A 1BR in Sydney city center costs ~$2,442/mo vs $2,100/mo in Auckland. Outside the center: $1,822 vs $1,675.
What is $2,000/month in Sydney worth in Auckland?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Sydney has the purchasing power of approximately $1,834/month in Auckland.
Are groceries cheaper in Sydney or Auckland?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $483 in Sydney vs $476 in Auckland. Groceries Index: 86.8 vs 85.8 (NYC = 100).