City Comparison · Updated May 2026
New Zealand
COL index 74.8
New Zealand
COL index 72.4
Auckland vs Wellington — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Wellington is 3.2% cheaper than Auckland for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Auckland | Metric | Wellington | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74.8 | Cost of living index | 72.4 | -3.2% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €42,342 | Net at €50,000 gross | €42,342 | 0.0% |
| €2,080 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,980 | -4.8% |
| €2,948 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,824 | -4.2% |
| €56,607 | PPP — net / COL | €58,483 | +3.3% |
| 15.3% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 15.3% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in New Zealand = €3,529 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Wellington, you would need roughly €48,353 gross in New Zealand (≈ €3,415 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Favourable tax rate (15.3%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (58.9%)
- +Lower rent (€1,980 vs €2,080)
- +Favourable tax rate (15.3%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (56.1%)
The verdict
Across the data, Wellington carries a lower cost-of-living index; Wellington wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Wellington edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Auckland cheaper than Wellington?+
Wellington is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Auckland 74.8, Wellington 72.4 — a 3.2% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Auckland and Wellington?+
Auckland sits at 74.8 on our COL index, Wellington at 72.4. That works out to roughly 3.2% — Wellington being the cheaper of the two.
Is Auckland a good place to live compared to Wellington?+
It depends on priorities. Auckland delivers €42,342 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 15.3% effective tax rate. Wellington delivers €42,342 at 15.3%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,080 vs €1,980.
How do salaries compare in Auckland vs Wellington?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €42,342/year (€3,529/month) in Auckland and €42,342/year (€3,529/month) in Wellington.
Which city has lower taxes, Auckland or Wellington?+
New Zealand has the lower effective rate at €50,000: New Zealand 15.3%, New Zealand 15.3%.
More Auckland comparisons
More Wellington comparisons
Add more pairs to see related ones here.