Cost of living comparison between AU vs. NZ (apartment, rent)

[OZpharmer]

I've seen several posts from expat forums saying that living costs in NZ are generally more than in AU. But then, I've also seen people who say otherwise in other forums and sites as well, such as in : Brisbane is 26% more expensive than Auckland :: Cost of Living Comparison and Auckland is 27% cheaper than Sydney :: Cost of Living Comparison

What's your take on this? I appreciate sharing your real experiences

[Social Democrat]

Bump - I would like to know too.

[danielsa1775]

Brisbane Prices look about correct, no idea about Auckland, something draws Kiwis to this part of the world however, they are the largest migrant group in the Brisbane/Gold Coast reigon.

[GoldenTiger]

If Brisbane is indeed 26% more expensive than Auckland, and the exchange rate is now about 1 AUD = 1.26 NZD, then whatever costs A$1 in Brisbane should cost approximately NZ$1 in Auckland. Easy enough comparison, just need someone to verify if this is true!

I've also wondered this myself on why kiwis are moving to Australia. If they make NZ$50,000 in Auckland, then they need to make A$50,000 in Brisbane to maintain same lifestyle. Is wage disparity even larger that a lot feel the need to move?

[rckgrl]

I'm a kiwi and while I have zero desire to live in Australia it seems almost everyone else in NZ thinks the pay in Aussie is better, things are cheaper and the weather is much better (if you like hot, sunny weather), better housing, more opportunities etc.
The perception is that there is just a better standard of living there.

I have no idea if it's true or not but I guess if people are going and not coming back then there must be some truth to it.

I personally think NZ is a pretty good place to live apart from the outrageous cost of housing.

[danielsa1775]

Its interesting looking at the demographics of the New Zealand population in oz, ,most estimates seem to put the New Zealand population in south east Queensland at 1/3rd Maori. A much higher portion than the general population of New Zealand that is Maori.

[tuberose]

Agree with rckgrl - NZ is a fine place to live if one can deal with the cost of housing. Australian housing is even more expensive in the cities. And home ownership in Australia is a double whammy with the cost of tradesmen factored in.
Where Australia is a little cheaper would be the rent for a decent apartment - impossible to find a half decent townhouse or apartment in Auckland for middle income persons

[Samuel,J]

Australia has a lower cost of living IMHO. It is still possible to buy a new build home for around $300,000 40km outside of Brisbane, wages/salaries are higher, food is waaaay cheaper (still possible to buy milk for under $1 a litre) and internet is better value.

If you're in to Burgernomics you could also sample NZ's Big Mac Index $4.94 v. Australia $4.81

[Battleneter]

Originally Posted by Samuel,J

If you're in to Burgernomics you could also sample NZ's Big Mac Index $4.94 v. Australia $4.81

Fish and Chips in NZ to feed a small family $15

Australia same amount and lower quality $35+

If you have EVER really been to NZ I would like to see you deny that


***Actually most fast food in Aus is significantly more expensive, Indian, Chinese, but not the mainstream American stuff.

[Samuel,J]

Fisheries on the Spit. Mooloolaba. Voted best fish and chips shop in Queensland. Fish and chips to feed a small family = 10 fish pieces, chips and sauce. Not bad for $14.90 and in a tourist area too.

Sorry but they just don't do proper fish and chips in either Australia or New Zealand.

My biiiiigggg favourite is Chumley Warners in Brightwater, well worth making a detour for if you're on a day out. If you're gonna fork out 35 bucks at least get some quality grub! Proper chips (freshly peeled, not none of ya frozen rubbish) British radio on in the background, vinegar, genuine Cornish pasties (mmmmm), mushy peas................and................ta da....... curry sauce. Plus they sell proper cans of pop too (like shandy, dandelion and burdock.....remember those?!!)

Menu

Aww...and scampi, black puds, cockles.....drool!