City Comparison · Updated May 2026
New Zealand
COL index 74.8
Australia
COL index 78.8
Auckland vs Melbourne — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Auckland is 5.1% cheaper than Melbourne for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Auckland | Metric | Melbourne | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74.8 | Cost of living index | 78.8 | +5.3% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €42,342 | Net at €50,000 gross | €43,283 | +2.2% |
| €2,080 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,180 | +4.8% |
| €2,948 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,070 | +4.1% |
| €56,607 | PPP — net / COL | €54,928 | -3.0% |
| 15.3% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 13.4% | -12.3% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in New Zealand = €3,529 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Melbourne, you would need roughly €51,960 gross in Australia (≈ €3,717 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€2,080 vs €2,180)
- +Favourable tax rate (15.3%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (58.9%)
- −High cost of living (index 79)
- +Favourable tax rate (13.4%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (60.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Melbourne delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Auckland carries a lower cost-of-living index; Melbourne has the lighter effective tax burden; Auckland wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Auckland edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Auckland cheaper than Melbourne?+
Auckland is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Auckland 74.8, Melbourne 78.8 — a 5.1% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Auckland and Melbourne?+
Auckland sits at 74.8 on our COL index, Melbourne at 78.8. That works out to roughly 5.1% — Auckland being the cheaper of the two.
Is Auckland a good place to live compared to Melbourne?+
It depends on priorities. Auckland delivers €42,342 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 15.3% effective tax rate. Melbourne delivers €43,283 at 13.4%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,080 vs €2,180.
How do salaries compare in Auckland vs Melbourne?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €42,342/year (€3,529/month) in Auckland and €43,283/year (€3,607/month) in Melbourne.
Which city has lower taxes, Auckland or Melbourne?+
Australia has the lower effective rate at €50,000: New Zealand 15.3%, Australia 13.4%.