Australia and New Zealand are popular destinations for travellers and students due to their breathtaking landscapes, standards of living, high-quality education and vibrant cultures. However, understanding the cost of living in each country is crucial for planning your move.
In this blog, we compare the cost of living in Australia vs New Zealand based on food, transportation, housing, utilities, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which country suits your lifestyle and budget better.
Table of contents
- Average Cost of Living in Australia vs New Zealand
- Cost of Studying in Australia vs New Zealand
- Cost of Accommodation in Australia vs New Zealand
- Cost of Transportation in Australia vs New Zealand
- Cost of Food in Australia vs New Zealand
- Cost of Utilities in Australia vs New Zealand
- FAQs on Cost of Living in Australia vs New Zealand 2025
Average Cost of Living in Australia vs New Zealand
The cost of living in Australia and New Zealand shows noticeable differences across housing, transportation, groceries, dining, and utilities. While New Zealand often offers lower costs for housing, transportation, and dining out, Australia provides cheaper options for some utilities and mobile plans.
However, fuel and certain grocery items are significantly pricier in New Zealand. Below is a comprehensive comparison between the average cost of living in Australia vs New Zealand.
| Category | Australia (AUD) | New Zealand (AUD) |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City) | 2,133.68 | 1,700.18 |
| Utilities (85m² Apartment) | 281.22 | 204.14 |
| Gasoline (1 L) | 1.85 | 2.59 |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 25.00 | 23.00 |
| Milk (1 L) | 2.35 | 2.77 |
| Mobile Plan (10GB+) | 41.51 | 54.60 |
Cost of Studying in Australia vs New Zealand
Studying in Australia generally costs more than in New Zealand, especially for tuition fees and visas. However, New Zealand offers a lower overall cost of living, which can help offset some expenses. Australian undergraduate tuition ranges between AUD 20,000–45,000 annually, while New Zealand offers a range of AUD 19,000–29,000.
Students in both countries can work part-time to support their expenses, with Australia allowing 48 hours every two weeks and New Zealand permitting 20 hours per week. Popular job sectors and skill shortage lists also vary between the two nations. Look at the table below to compare the differences between the cost of studying in Australia vs New Zealand.
| Factor | Australia (AUD) | New Zealand (AUD) |
| Tuition Fees (Undergrad) | 20,000–45,000 | 20,240–29,440 |
| Student Visa | 1,600 | 345 |
| Part-time Work | 48 hours every two weeks | 20 hours per week |
| Popular Job Sectors | Education, healthcare, construction | Medicine, agriculture, finance |
| Skill Shortage | Longer list (more PR opportunities) | Shorter list |
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Cost of Accommodation in Australia vs New Zealand
Cost of Accommodation is a major expense in the cost of living in Australia vs New Zealand. If compared between New Zealand and Australia, New Zealand is generally cheaper. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is 21.6% cheaper in New Zealand, while three-bedroom apartments outside the city centre are about 15.1% cheaper. Look at the table below to understand these differences in a detailed way.
| Category | Australia (AUD) | New Zealand (AUD) |
| 1-bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | 2,133.68 | 1,700.18 |
| 1-bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | 1,697.45 | 1,419.48 |
| 3-bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | 3,502.80 | 2,660.52 |
| 3-bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | 2,621.67 | 2,264.12 |
Cost of Transportation in Australia vs New Zealand
Transportation costs show significant differences in these major countries. Public transport is more affordable in New Zealand, with one-way tickets being 23% cheaper. Taxi start rates are also considerably lower, although the price per kilometre is higher in New Zealand. Fuel prices are notably higher in New Zealand, with gasoline costing 37.3% more. The table below shows the differences in the cost of living in Australia vs New Zealand.
| Category | Australia (AUD) | New Zealand (AUD) |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 4.70 | 3.68 |
| Monthly Pass | 160.00 | 163.40 |
| Taxi Start | 5.50 | 3.68 |
| Taxi 1 km | 2.70 | 3.22 |
| Taxi 1-hour Waiting | 58.00 | 55.20 |
| Gasoline (1 L) | 1.85 | 2.59 |
Cost of Food in Australia vs New Zealand
The cost of Living in Australia vs New Zealand also includes the cost of groceries and dining out. When it comes to groceries, New Zealand generally has lower costs for staples like bread, rice, and bananas. However, some food items like milk, eggs, and tomatoes are significantly more expensive in New Zealand. Cheese, chicken fillets, and beef also vary, with New Zealand being cheaper for some items and costlier for others. The table below shows the differences between the cost of food in Australia and New Zealand.
| Category | Australia (AUD) | New Zealand (AUD) |
| Milk (1 L) | 2.35 | 2.77 |
| Bread (500 g) | 3.77 | 2.98 |
| Rice (1 kg) | 3.22 | 2.86 |
| Eggs (12) | 6.44 | 10.00 |
| Cheese (1 kg) | 14.09 | 12.61 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | 12.98 | 14.43 |
| Beef Round (1 kg) | 21.34 | 19.74 |
| Apples (1 kg) | 4.86 | 4.27 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | 4.18 | 3.49 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | 4.42 | 4.65 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | 6.54 | 7.90 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | 3.73 | 3.26 |
| Onions (1 kg) | 3.27 | 2.76 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 3.37 | 3.69 |
| Water (1.5 L bottle) | 2.41 | 1.80 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-range) | 20.00 | 14.72 |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 25.00 | 23.00 |
| McMeal at McDonald’s (or Equivalent) | 15.00 | 13.80 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 L draught) | 11.00 | 10.12 |
| Cappuccino (Regular) | 5.32 | 5.20 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 L bottle) | 4.08 | 3.51 |
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Cost of Utilities in Australia vs New Zealand
Basic utilities are significantly cheaper in New Zealand, costing about 28.6% less. However, mobile phone plans are more expensive in New Zealand by 29.4%. Understand the cost of utilities in Australia vs New Zealand with the help of the table below.
| Category | Australia (AUD) | New Zealand (AUD) |
| Utilities (85m² Apartment) | 281.22 | 204.14 |
| Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data) | 41.51 | 54.60 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data) | 82.14 | 79.57 |
The cost of living in Australia is generally higher than in New Zealand, especially in areas like transportation, utilities, and dining. However, New Zealand can be more expensive for groceries like milk and eggs. Your choice should depend on personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordable transportation or cheaper housing, both countries offer unique advantages and challenges. Carefully weigh these factors alongside your career opportunities, climate preferences, and lifestyle goals to make an informed decision that aligns with your personal and financial needs.
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Australia vs New Zealand 2025
The cost of living in Australia and New Zealand shows noticeable differences across housing, transportation, groceries, dining, and utilities. While New Zealand often offers lower costs for housing, transportation, and dining out, Australia provides cheaper options for some utilities and mobile plans.
Groceries in New Zealand are often cheaper for staples like bread and rice. However, items like milk, eggs, and tomatoes are significantly more expensive in New Zealand, making the comparison dependent on specific shopping needs.
Dining out is generally cheaper in New Zealand. Meals at restaurants, whether inexpensive or mid-range, cost less in New Zealand than in Australia. Fast food and beverages like coffee and soft drinks also tend to be more affordable in New Zealand.
Housing costs are higher in Australia. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around 21% more in Australia vs New Zealand. Larger apartments show a similar trend, with Australia being pricier for city and suburban living.
New Zealand often offers better value for students as housing and transportation costs are lower. However, tuition fees in Australia can vary widely, and part-time work opportunities may also impact affordability.
Salaries are typically higher in Australia, reflecting the higher cost of living. This can offset the higher expenses in Australia for those earning local wages. However, this varies by industry and job role.
Clothing and entertainment costs, like gym memberships and movie tickets, are generally lower in New Zealand. For example, fitness club memberships are around 24% cheaper in New Zealand compared to Australia.
Utilities are significantly cheaper in New Zealand, with basic services costing around 28% less than in Australia. However, mobile phone plans are more expensive in New Zealand by approximately 29%.
Yes, transportation is cheaper in New Zealand. Public transport tickets and taxi start rates are more affordable. However, the cost per kilometre for taxis and fuel prices are higher in New Zealand compared to Australia.
Australia is generally more expensive to live in compared to New Zealand. Housing, utilities, and transportation costs are higher in Australia, while New Zealand offers slightly cheaper options in these areas. However, groceries can be more expensive in New Zealand, depending on the items.
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