Auckland vs Brisbane: Which city is right for you?

Trying to figure out if Auckland or Brisbane is better?

Well, there’s no straightforward answer to that question because it ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in a city. Auckland and Brisbane each have their own distinct personalities and attractions that make them good places to live in.

If you love to explore and enjoy breathtaking scenery, like a thriving arts scene, and a plethora of museums and galleries, Auckland may be better suited for you. But, if you’re someone who prefers chill vibes, and enjoys picturesque beaches, then Brisbane may be a city worth considering.

Want to know more? Join us as we take a deep dive into a comparison of real estate prices, lifestyle, career opportunities, and more.

So, let’s get started!

Cost of Living in Auckland vs. Brisbane

The median monthly cost of living in Auckland is 1,274.08 NZD, and in Brisbane, it is 2,050.25 AUD. When we convert 2,050.25 AUD to NZD, the price difference between Brisbane and Auckland is 1,068.86 NZD.
This means that the median cost of living in Auckland is 45.44% cheaper than it is in Brisbane.

How did we come to this decision? For a detailed comparison of the cost of living in Auckland and Brisbane, you can refer to the table below.

The data used to create this table is from LivingCost.org.

Expenses	Auckland Cost	Brisbane Cost
Housing (Average Rent per Month)
1-bedroom apartment (downtown)	1,920 NZD	1,986 AUD
1-bedroom apartment (outside the city centre)	1,596.34 NZD	1,555 AUD
3-bedroom apartment (downtown)	3,419.25 NZD	3,226.50 AUD
3-bedroom apartment (outside the city centre)	2,817.26 NZD	2,123 AUD
Utilities (Average Monthly Bill)
Utility bill for one person	162.48 NZD	204 AUD
Utility bill for a family	248.72 NZD	3,150 AUD
Internet plan	80.64 NZD	82.80 AUD
Transportation (Fare)
1-way ticket (local transport ticket)	4.04 NZD	6.18 AUD
Monthly pass (local transport ticket)	207.52 NZD	204 AUD
Taxi start (normal tariff)	31.04 NZD	24.90 AUD
Gasoline (1 liter)	2.98 NZD	2.19 AUD
Food
Food for one person	830.72 NZD	821 AUD
Food for a family	2,229.59 NZD	2,113.50 AUD
Childcare (Tuition Fee)
Private Preschool/Kindergarten (full day)	1,283.52 NZD	2,850 AUD
International Primary School	21,714.72 NZD	15,801 AUD

Currently, the New Zealand dollar is weaker than the Australian dollar, which means that living in Auckland may still be more affordable than living in Brisbane. So, it’s worth noting that your money will stretch further in Auckland.

Real Estate Prices in Auckland vs. Brisbane

In Auckland, real estate prices are around 1.19 million NZD, and in Brisbane, prices are around 700,000 AUD. When we convert 700,000 AUD to NZD and compare it with 1.19 million, the difference is 448,053.90 NZD.
This means that real estate prices in Brisbane are 37.29% cheaper than it is in Auckland.

Auckland is currently facing a major housing shortage. This means that there simply aren’t enough homes available to accommodate the growing population.

As a result, finding affordable housing can be quite a challenge in Auckland because the high cost of real estate prices makes it tough to secure a reasonably priced home.

Meanwhile, though prices are lower in Brisbane, its real estate market is ever-changing. So, bear in mind that it’s not uncommon for their prices to fluctuate.

Diversity and Demographics in Auckland vs Brisbane

The median percentage of minorities in the total population of Auckland is 13.5 %, and for Brisbane, it is 4.1%. This means that Auckland is a more diverse city than Brisbane.

It’s no secret that Auckland is a bustling hub for immigration to New Zealand. From the bustling streets to the tranquil parks, you’ll encounter people from all walks of life, each with unique traditions and beliefs.

Auckland has many religious communities too. From Christians to Muslims, Hindus to Buddhists, and Sikhs, the city is home to a wide range of faiths. This diversity of religions is a testament to Auckland’s welcoming and inclusive nature.

The city of Auckland is also a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity makes it such a vibrant and dynamic place to live for immigrants.

On the other hand, Brisbane is a city that prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming to people from all walks of life. The city is firmly committed to promoting diversity and equality, making it a great place to live for individuals of all backgrounds.

Recently, the city has been taking active steps towards promoting diversity and inclusion. One such initiative is the Brisbane City Council’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, which aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming community for all.

We have created a table for you that shows the percentage of different ethnic groups in Auckland and Brisbane. This will give you a quick overview of the population statistics.

The data is based on the latest NZ census found at stats.gov.nz and the Australian census statistics found at abs.gov.au.

	Auckland	Brisbane
Number of people	1,673,000	2,505,000
Median Age	37.2	36

Ethnicities	Brisbane
English	3.8%
Australian	68.3%
New Zealand	4.4 %
Chinese	1.7 %
Irish	11.1 %
Scottish	10.1 %
German	5.7 %
Philippines	1.1%

Ethnicities	Auckland
European	53.5 %
Maori	11.5 %
Pacific People	15.5 %
Asian	28.2 %
Middle Eastern/Latin American/African	2.3 %
Other ethnicity	1.1 %

Career Opportunities in Auckland vs Brisbane

Data from the Quarterly Economic Monitor shows that the unemployment rate in Auckland is 3.4%, and a recent labour force census shows that the unemployment rate in Brisbane is 3.3%.
This means that there is a slightly better opportunity to find careers in Brisbane.

Brisbane is an economic powerhouse for various industries, including business, finance, education, and tourism. This lively city boasts an expanding economy anchored by several major corporations, such as Qantas, Suncorp, and ANZ Bank.

Meanwhile, Auckland is widely recognised as New Zealand’s commerce, culture, and finance hub. Auckland also serves as the headquarters for several multinational corporations.

When it comes to career opportunities, both Brisbane and Auckland are great cities to consider. These two bustling metropolises offer a range of options for job seekers looking to make their mark in various industries.

It’s worth noting that specific industries tend to be more prevalent in one city over another. For example, Brisbane is a hub for the construction industry, and Auckland is a thriving centre for the technology industry.

Here are just a few of the many careers in demand in Auckland and Brisbane.

Job Careers in Demand
Auckland	• Software developers • Data scientists • Cyber security professionals • IT professionals • Accountants • Lawyers • Business analysts • Financial advisors
Brisbane	• Building and construction workers • Electricians • Plumbers • Carpenters • Cybersecurity experts • Web developers • Artificial intelligence engineers

Crime and Safety in Auckland vs Brisbane

According to data from January to December 2022, Brisbane may technically be a safer place to live than Auckland.
This is because despite having a larger population and more total crimes reported, it also has a lower crime rate (5.22% vs. Auckland’s 6.42%). Hence, there are fewer crimes committed per 100,000 residents of the city than in Auckland.

We based our crime statistics off New Zealand Police for Auckland and Brisbane police for Brisbane.

City	Population	Crime Total	Crime rate per 100,000 people	Crime Rate %
Auckland	1,652,000	106,204	6428.8	6.42%
Brisbane	2,472,000	129,138	5224.0	5.22%

Lifestyle in Auckland vs. Brisbane

Auckland and Brisbane are laid-back cities with friendly communities. However, Auckland is more known for its cultural attractions, and Brisbane is known for its beautiful beaches.

Let’s dive into what else contributes to the lifestyle in Auckland and Brisbane!

Weather in Auckland vs. Brisbane

Auckland has a temperate climate that offers warm and pleasant summers and mild winters. Brisbane boasts a subtropical climate characterised by pleasantly warm summers and mild winters.

Auckland’s weather is known for its variability, often experiencing sudden fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

During the winter season in July, the average temperature is around 12°C. In contrast, the summer season in January brings warmer weather with an average temperature of 23°C.

Auckland is also known for its abundant rainfall, with an average annual precipitation of 1,200mm.

July and August are typically the months with the highest amount of rainfall, making them the wettest months of the year. On the other hand, February and March are known for having the least amount of rain, making them the driest months.

Meanwhile, Brisbane experiences a moderate climate with average temperatures ranging from 18°C in July to 28°C in January.

Brisbane also has a rainfall of 1,100 millimetres annually. The majority of its rain happens during the summer season.

Healthcare in Auckland vs. Brisbane

Kiwis rank the healthcare systems in Auckland fairly high, with an index of 71.34. On the other hand, Aussies rank the healthcare systems in Brisbane even higher, with an index of 73.28. So according to local opinions, Brisbane is perceived to have slightly a more preferable healthcare system.

According to Numbeo, here’s a breakdown of how locals rate them in each aspect of healthcare:

	Auckland	Brisbane
Skill and competency of medical staff	74.09 %	81.73%
Speed in completing examinations and reports	65.15 %	75%
Equipment for modern diagnosis and treatment	76.16 %	85.32%
Accuracy and completeness in filling out reports	71.51 %	77.94%
Friendliness and courtesy of the staff	84.26 %	75.63%
Responsiveness (waiting in medical institutions)	53.26%	58.01%
Satisfaction with Cost	70.37%	63.06%
Convenience of location	76.32 %	79.78%

Furthermore, here are some popular hospitals in Auckland and Brisbane for your reference.

Popular Hospitals
Auckland	Auckland City HospitalSouthern Cross Gillies Hospital
Brisbane	Royal Brisbane and Women’s HospitalBrisbane Children’s Hospital

Things to do in Auckland vs Brisbane

If you’re someone who loves to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of a city, Auckland might be the perfect destination for you. If you love to spend time outdoors and prefer a more relaxed vibe, then Brisbane might be better.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the local cuisine, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, or simply soaking up the vibrant energy, there is plenty to do in Auckland and Brisbane.

Below is a list of some activities and experiences available in both cities.

	Auckland	Brisbane
Nature	• Auckland Domain • Mount Eden • Waitomo Glowworm Caves • Waiheke Island	• South Bank Parklands • Mount Coot-tha • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary • Sunshine Coast
Art Scene	• The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki • The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa	• The Queensland Art Gallery • The Brisbane Powerhouse
Nightlife	• Viaduct Harbour • Karangahape Road	• Fortitude Valley • Eagle Street Pier

Auckland vs. Brisbane: How They Stack Up

So, what’s the verdict? Is it Auckland or Brisbane?

Based on our thorough discussion, we have compiled a list of recommendations regarding which city we believe would be the better choice, taking into account various factors.

Factors	The Better City	Why
Cost of Living	Auckland	The median cost of living in Auckland is 45.44% cheaper than in Brisbane.
Real Estate	Brisbane	The real estate prices in Brisbane are 37.29% cheaper than in Auckland.
Diversity and Demographics	Auckland	Auckland is home to more immigrants from various cultural backgrounds.
Career Opportunities	Brisbane	Brisbane has a slightly lower unemployment rate than Auckland.
Crime Report Statistics	Brisbane	Brisbane has a lower crime rate than Auckland, so it may technically be a safer place to live. Auckland has fewer reported crimes, but its population is also much smaller.
Lifestyle	Tied	Both Auckland and Brisbane have plenty to do in terms of nightlife, the arts scene and have many natural attractions. While the climate between the two cities is slightly different, the weather is still pleasant in both cities. According to local Kiwis and Aussies, both healthcare systems are of excellent quality.

Auckland vs Brisbane: which city is better?