Here’s a 2025 comparison of living in Sydney versus living in Auckland, with a focus on earnings, cost of living, and disposable income.
The latest wage figures in Australia show those across the Tasman earn an average of $1,440 a week (Sydney) compared to $1,000 a week in NZ after tax (Auckland), totaling roughly NZ$1,760 less per month.
Overall consumer prices in Sydney are about 6% higher than in Auckland. Groceries in Sydney cost roughly 5% more than in Auckland. Restaurant prices in Sydney are about 1.5% higher, meaning they’re largely comparable. Rent in Sydney is around 30% higher than in Auckland (outside city center), but if you are looking at renting in the city center, rent is a whooping 60% more than Auckland.
Even though Sydney is more expensive, the significantly higher income offsets the cost, meaning you’ll likely have more disposable income and saving potential living in Sydney, if you’re earning the average wage.
The above cost of living comparisons are taken from Budget Direct, where they compare salaries, housing, utilities, transport, groceries, eating out, alcohol, clothing and leisure.
But lets compare other cities, because Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia to live…
The average net salary after tax in the Gold Coast is $6,645/month and $6,157/month in Auckland. That’s about NZ$488 more per month in take‑home pay on the Gold Coast.
Grocery prices on the Gold Coast are 2.5% higher than in Auckland. Restaurant prices in Gold Coast are 14.5% more expensive than in Auckland. Rent/housing prices in Gold Coast are 8.5% higher than in Auckland.
The cost of childcare, housing, entertainment and sports, restaurants, and groceries in Gold Coast are more expensive than in Auckland. Expenses including transportation and clothing are lower in Gold Coast.
However, Gold Coast residents still come out ahead financially, because they earn more and it’s enough to offset the higher cost of living, especially if they don’t rent in high-demand areas or rely heavily on dining and childcare.
The main benefit of living on the Gold Coast isn’t because it’s cheaper, it’s because the sun doesn’t stop shinning! Apart from when there’s a thunder storm and you can actually see the lighting, which is actually quite stunning.
Check out the comparison yourself on Budget Direct.
The average net salary (after tax) is NZ$741/mth higher in Perth than Auckland. With Perth having an average salary of $6,898/mth and $6,157/mth in Auckland. Consumer prices in Perth are 1% higher than in Auckland. Grocery prices in Perth are 1% higher than in Auckland. Restaurant prices in Perth are 2.5% higher than in Auckland. Rent prices in Perth are 4% higher than in Auckland.
Even though costs are marginally higher in Perth (1–4% across the board), the NZ$741/month income boost more than offsets those differences.
If you move to Perth, you’ll likely have more disposable income, meaning you’ll have a greater ability to save or spend, easier to cover rent and daily living costs and the potential for a better quality of life.
Fun fact about Perth… Perth has more hours of sunshine than any other Australian city.
Check out the comparison yourself on Budget Direct.
The average net salary (after tax) is NZ$731/mth higher in Melbourne than Auckland. With Melbourne having an average salary of $6,888/mth and $6,157/mth in Auckland. Consumer prices in Melbourne are 3% lower than in Auckland. Grocery prices in Melbourne are 4% lower than in Auckland. Restaurant prices in Melbourne are 2% higher than in Auckland. Rent prices in Melbourne are 10% higher than in Auckland.
Despite slightly higher rent and restaurant prices, Melbourne is both cheaper in daily living costs and pays significantly more. If you’re earning the average salary and can manage housing costs wisely (e.g. house sharing or buying), you’ll have more disposable income and lower living costs in Melbourne.
The weather in both cities are quite similar, where both cities experience four seasons in one day. Melbourne is the sports, arts and cultural capital of Australia, so there is always a lot of cool things to see and do.
Check out the comparison yourself on Budget Direct.
The average net salary after tax is $264/mth higher in Brisbane than Auckland, which is the smallest gap among major Australian cities! With Brisbane having an average salary of $6,421/mth and $6,157/mth in Auckland. Consumer prices in Brisbane are 2% lower than in Auckland. Grocery prices in Brisbane are 2.6% lower than in Auckland. Restaurant prices in Brisbane are 0.15% lower than in Auckland, which is pretty much same same. Rent prices in Brisbane are 13% higher than in Auckland.
Therefore, Brisbane is the first city where it is not cheaper to live in than Auckland. However, what is cheaper is buying your own home. The median house price in Brisbane is currently $1,010,566, whereas the median unit price is $718,196. The average house price in Auckland is $1,221,140.
Brisbane is a beautiful city! One of my favourite things about Brisbane is the blue sky winter days. You will need a cardigan in winter, but not a puffer jacket. It’s humid subtropical climate, has warmer weather than both Sydney and Melbourne.
Check out the comparison yourself on Budget Direct.
When you move to Australia on an SCV (Special Category Visa) there are a number of exclusions to government help that you should be aware of.
Basically the Australia Government doesn’t give you any handouts apart from family payments, including Family Tax Benefit, Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement, Child Care Subsidy and Parental Leave Pay, and medical care under Medicare.
No Newstart Allowance (unemployment) benefits, Parenting Payment and Youth Allowance. No access to Austudy and HELP student loans. No Disability Insurance Scheme and Disability Support Pension.
You are on your own. If you aren’t earning money, the Australia Government will not help you. You will need to rely on family and friends to support you. Read this post for a full list of SCV Visa Exclusions.
However, this is only for four years, thanks to the new direct pathway to Australian citizenship for eligible New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for at least four years.
If you’re a Kiwi weighing up a move to Australia in 2025, the numbers speak for themselves, across nearly every major city, you’ll likely earn more and have more disposable income than you would in Auckland, even with slightly higher living costs.
Cities like Perth and Melbourne stand out as especially attractive: offering a solid income boost with either lower or comparable everyday expenses. Sydney offers the highest wages, but its rent prices demand careful budgeting. Meanwhile, Gold Coast and Brisbane provide lifestyle perks, sun, beaches, and warmth, alongside modest financial benefits (or in Brisbane’s case, a closer match to Auckland).
That said, it’s not just about money. Quality of life, weather, career opportunities, and lifestyle fit all matter too.
Just don’t forget, as a New Zealander on a Special Category Visa (SCV), you won’t have access to many government benefits, so it’s important to plan financially and arrive with a clear employment or income strategy in place.
Australia might not be a free ride, but it could very well be a better one.
The below posts might be of interest you:
If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below, and I’ll research the answer for you.
If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go!
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I’m the creator and editor of Moving to Australia and have been for 17+ years! I know everything there is to know about New Zealanders moving their families and life to Australia. Either from first hand experiences and research or through the questions from visitors to this website… and I’m here to help!
I love helping people via Moving to Australia.
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Deb Osmond
August 5, 2025 at 12:40 pmHi there
I am a kiwi with Australian citizenship and 2 Australian 20/21 year old children. Have spent about 35 years in Ozzie, but came back in to NZ in 2011 due to unwell family members. I have oz superannuation, Medicare card etc. Does the rules for kiwis moving across the ditch as far as study and access to government funding apply if you hold Australian citizenship?
JJ Smith
August 8, 2025 at 2:26 pmHi Deb,
Thanks for your comment.
If you hold Australian citizenship, the rules for New Zealanders moving to Australia around study and access to government funding don’t apply to you, you’ll have the same rights and entitlements as any other Australian citizen.
That means you can:
– Enrol in study as a domestic student
– Access government financial assistance for study, such as HECS-HELP and other student loans (provided you meet the usual eligibility criteria)
– Access Medicare and other government services without restriction
Essentially, your Australian citizenship overrides the special category visa (SCV) rules that apply to Kiwis who aren’t citizens.
I hope that clears things up.
Raymond Van Der Riet
July 30, 2025 at 6:47 pmMake sure if you come over as a pensioner from NZ you must have all your ducks in a row
We have been trying for almost a year and still have problems almost at the stage of returning to NZ leaving behind a very disappointed family
JJ Smith
July 31, 2025 at 3:21 pmHi Raymond,
Thanks for your comment.
Can you elaborate on “having your ducks in a row”? I know visitors would be very grateful for any advice you can provide.
I’ve found “pensions moving to Australia’ a very hard subject to write about, because there is not a lot of information online and I don’t know anyone personally who has moved to Australia as a pensioner.
Have a lovely afternoon.
Thanks,
JJ Smith
Robyn
July 31, 2025 at 6:02 pmHi
I moved to Melbourne at the beginning of November, having just turned 70, to be closer to family here. It was quite frustrating initially dealing with the administration required to progress anything, from opening a bank account, applying for Aged Pension, proving your identity etc. – I often seemed to be going in circles! I hoped to buy a house which I have managed, although it was a challenge to find something suitable I could afford, having owned a modest home in provincial Manawatu prior to moving over. The sale proceeds were whittled away with agents commission and exchange rate differences and fees. I was entitled to my NZ Super for 6 months but that has now stopped and I am still waiting to hear about my Australian Pension application, so am now living on my savings. I certainly should qualify and it will be backdated, but no one can give me any timeframe. something to be aware of for pensioners considering moving here. However, apart from that, I am very happy, and very impressed with the medical care I receive through Medicare for some health issues I need monitoring for. Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming and I am amazed at the variety of activities available for Seniors, often for a very small outlay, and I am being kept very busy. I brought very few household belongings over, but have managed to set up my home fairly economically with bargains, often free or very cheap, off Facebook Marketplace, and the kindness of family, utilising items no longer required. I also brought my elderly cat over, and she has settled remarkably well. I had some ups and downs initially with making a major lifestyle change, but am very glad I took the challenge, and it is so worth it being closer to my family.
JJ Smith
August 1, 2025 at 11:39 amHi Robyn,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your story. It will be so helpful and encouraging to others considering a similar move.
It’s completely understandable how challenging those first few months must have been, especially navigating unfamiliar systems and the delays around pension and finances. It’s reassuring to hear that despite those early frustrations, things have settled and that you’re finding joy and support in your new life in Melbourne.
Your reflections, from the warmth of the community and the quality of healthcare, to the creative ways you’ve set up your home, are a wonderful reminder of how resilient and resourceful people can be when making big changes. I’m especially glad to hear your cat has adapted so well. I love my pets and am so happy for you both!
I’ve done a little research and found a helpful article from Social Security Rights Victoria (SSRV) that addresses the significant delays people are experiencing with Centrelink processing times. It also includes some practical steps you can take to help move your application forward: https://www.ssrv.org.au/delays-in-centrelink-processing-times-what-to-do-if-your-payment-claim-is-outstanding-for-too-long/.
I have also had visitors share that the international department of Centerlink are super helpful, so maybe a phone call to them would be great place to start – Centrelink international services line 131 673.
Thanks again for sharing, stories like yours make such a difference to visitor experience.
Warm regards,
JJ Smith
Kaz Vanderpols
October 4, 2021 at 5:06 amHi. I am a NZ Citizen and lived in Australua from 2003 to 2005, the again from 2007 till 2014, where I worked owned a home and paid tax. My partner is an Australian citizen and wants to move back home now from NZ where we are residing.
I am now 65 and would still like to be able to work. Am I entitled to Medicare as I have a Medicare number and would I receive a pension from NZ?
JJ Smith
October 20, 2021 at 3:23 amHi Kaz,
Thanks for your comment and sorry for the delay in replying.
I don’t see any reason why you can’t moved back to Australia as an NZ citizen.
Please read this post on Can a NZ citizen get an Australian benefit or pension: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/can-a-nz-citizen-get-an-australian-benefit-or-pension/.
Yes you will be eligible for Medicare again.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
Kaz
October 21, 2021 at 1:50 amHI
Thanks so much for that. I’ve worked in Australia for about 10 years before. I still have an Australasian bank account and shares in Australia, plus a TFN.
I will check out the pension side of it and also we have desired Sudmivers over a week ago but have had no response as yet.
Thanks for your help.
Kaz
Dallas
June 21, 2021 at 12:51 amHi there
I see in the information above about Kiwis not being entitled to unemployment/sickness benefits etc…is? that just until permanent residency for over two years is achieved? Please refer to exert from NZ Govt website below…….
QUOTE
Permanent residency
If you move to Australia as an NZ citizen you will not automatically get permanent residency status in Australia. However, you will have a Special Category visa that means you can live, study and work in Australia for as long as you like — this does not mean you have permanent residency.
You need to apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency means you can:
apply for unemployment or sickness benefits — you cannot receive these benefits until 2 years after being made a permanent resident in Australia
sponsor family members who want to apply for permanent residency, and
become an Australian citizen.
JJ Smith
June 21, 2021 at 1:54 amHi Dallas,
Thanks for your comment.
You are not entitled to benefits until after you have been a permanent resident for two years. Then you can live like an Australian and the government will help support you if need be.
Therefore you need to be able to work and support yourself on a Special Category Visa (SCV) living in Australia.
Thanks
Dallas
June 21, 2021 at 5:29 pmThanks so much JJ for your prompt reply. Never been on any kind of benefit in my life but in this eco climate you never know what’s around the corner and if we do chose to move to Oz, we need to make informed decisions considering all possible obstacles and solutions… and your website has been an amazing help.
We have lived in Oz before and had TFN’s… am I correct in assuming if we return it will be the same number or will they issue new ones?
Regards
Dallas
JJ Smith
June 22, 2021 at 9:52 amHi Dallas,
Yes it is good to be realistic about the move.
A positive that you probably know is that kiwi’s are highly regarded as good workers in Australia and in some industries are preferred because they don’t have the backup of getting a benefit.
Here is the link to how to find your lost TFN: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number/Lost-or-stolen-TFN/.
Thanks.