Living in Auckland vs. Wellington: Which is Better & Why?

Auckland and Wellington are two of New Zealand’s most popular cities. They both offer a variety of attractions and activities, as well as a diverse range of accommodation options.

So, which city is right for you?

Auckland is most people’s first choice in New Zealand. It’s not the capital city, but much like Toronto in Canada, it’s the largest city in the country. And it’s a hub of industry.

If you want to work for an international company, you’ll likely want to stay in Auckland.

However, Wellington isn’t without its own advantages. The capital city is a great place to live if you want to work in government and want to be closer to the south island for summer adventures.

So, which should you choose? Let’s take a closer look at the difference (and similarities) of living in Auckland vs. Wellington.

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Auckland Vs. Wellington

Location

Auckland

Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand.

It’s the northernmost major city, located on the western shores just south of the Bay of Islands.

To the south of Auckland are the Hunua Ranges and the Waikato region. The Hauraki Gulf lies to the east. And west of Auckland is the Waitakere Ranges.

Auckland has a population of 1,657,200 people (2017), making it New Zealand’s largest city.

The natural beauty of the beaches and the Auckland harbour will make you forget you’re in one of the biggest cities in the country.

I recommend this tour to get to know Auckland

Wellington

Wellington is located at the bottom of the North Island, on the Cook Strait. It’s the southernmost major city of the North Island, and is often populated by tourists crossing by ferry to the South Island.

The city centre is built on a natural harbour and is surrounded by hills. Beyond the hills are a series of valleys that lead into the Rimutaka Range.

To the east of Wellington lies the Hutt Valley and to the west is Porirua City.

Wellington has a population of 212,700 people (2017).

I love this tour of Wellington

Weather

Auckland

Auckland has a warm, coastal climate.

The average summer temperature averages 23 degrees Celsius and the average winter temperature is 11 degrees Celsius. However, there is a hole in the ozone above New Zealand, so 23 will feel more like 35 with the intensity of the sun.

Rainfall is heaviest in winter and spring, with an annual rainfall of 1,340mm.

Auckland hasn’t seen snowfall in decades, so you’re unlikely to experience any cold precipitation.

Wellington

Wellington has a mild climate, similar to Auckland’s.

The average summer temperature is also 23 degrees Celsius, but the average winter temperature is a few degrees cooler at 8 degrees Celsius.

However, Wellington is known as the “windy city” for a reason. The strong prevailing westerly winds can make it feel a lot colder than it actually is.

It’s unlikely you’ll see snow in Wellington, but heavy gusts and lots of rain are very common, especially in the winter season.

Cost of Living

Auckland

Auckland is the most expensive city to live in New Zealand.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is $2,000NZD per month.

Utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, will cost an additional $160NZD per month.

If you’re planning on eating out a lot, expect to spend an average of $50NZD per meal.

Groceries will cost around $150NZD per week.

The city of Auckland also has a higher than average cost of transportation. A monthly public transport pass will set you back $180NZD.

You can reduce the cost of living in New Zealand by getting a shared flat, living outside of the major city (but with a longer commute), and cooking at home more often.

Wellington

The cost of living in Wellington is slightly cheaper than Auckland, but still one of the most expensive cities in New Zealand.

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is $1,700NZD per month.

Utilities will cost an additional $140NZD per month.

Eating out will cost an average of $45NZD per meal. You’re more likely to eat out in Wellington due to the plethora of coffee shops – it is the coffee capital of New Zealand, after all!

Groceries will cost around $140NZD per week.

A monthly public transport pass costs $160NZD.

Rugby

Auckland

Auckland is home to the Blues, one of New Zealand’s five Super Rugby teams.

Rugby is a huge part of New Zealand culture, so you can expect a large turnout for all games.

Tickets to a Super Rugby game will cost between $30-60NZD.

Wellington

Wellington is home to the Hurricanes, one of New Zealand’s five Super Rugby teams.

As with Auckland, rugby is a huge part of New Zealand culture so you can expect a large turnout for all games – especially when the All Blacks are playing.

The All Blacks are the national team of New Zealand. You’ve probably seen their famous haka war dance.

Public Transportation

Auckland

Auckland has a decent public transport system.

There is a bus network as well as a train network that services the city and its suburbs.

The buses are usually reliable, but can get very crowded during peak hours. The bus is really convenient and easy to use. It also has surprisingly comfortable seats.

The trains are a bit more expensive but are a lot less crowded. They only run to a few destinations across the larger Auckland area, though.

There is an expansion coming, allegedly, to be ready by 2025.

A monthly pass for public transport will cost you $180NZD. You can also get a one-way ticket for $2.20 with a HOP card (or by tapping your credit cards).

The public transportation in Auckland includes the ferries across the harbour to Devonport and beyond. This does not include tourist destinations like Waiheke.

Wellington

Wellington’s public transport system is a bit more limited than Auckland’s, but it’s still decent.

There are buses that service the city and its suburbs, as well as a train that runs between Wellington and Lower Hutt.

The buses usually run on time, but can get very crowded during peak hours.

The train is a bit more expensive, but it’s a lot less crowded.

A monthly public transport pass will cost you $160NZD.

Things to Do

Auckland

Auckland is a great city to live in or visit. There are a lot of things to do and see, including:

– Museums: Auckland has a number of world-class museums, including the Art Gallery of Auckland, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and the New Zealand Maritime Museum.

– Gardens: Auckland has a number of beautiful gardens, including the Auckland Domain, the Botanic Gardens, and the Parnell Rose Gardens.

– Wildlife: Auckland is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, whales, seals, and penguins. You can see all of these animals at the Auckland Zoo or Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium.

– Adventure Activities: Auckland is a great place for adventure activities, like sky diving, bungee jumping, and zip-lining.

– Beaches: The city is home to a number of beautiful beaches, including the black sand beaches of the west coast in Piha and the white sand beaches of the east coast. I loved day-tripping to Devonport’s beach.

Wellington

Wellington is a great city to live in or visit. There are a lot of things to do and see, including:

– Museums: Wellington has a number of world-class museums, including Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand (free!), and the Wellington Museum.

– Gardens: Wellington has a number of beautiful gardens, including the Botanic Gardens and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden.

– Wildlife: Wellington is home to a variety of wildlife, including tuatara, kiwi, weka, and takahe. You can see all of these animals at the Wellington Zoo or Zealandia.

– Adventure Activities: Wellington is a great place for adventure activities, like hiking, biking, and kayaking.

– Beaches: The city is home to a number of beautiful beaches, including Oriental Bay and Island Bay.

Rent

Auckland

The cost of rent in Auckland is expensive. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost you around $2,000NZD per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost you around $3,500NZD per month.

My one-bedroom apartment that was furnished cost closer to $3,500 per month (with utilities included).

It was located in Ponsonby, an expensive area, admittedly.

Wellington

The cost of rent in Wellington is a bit cheaper than Auckland. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost you around $1,500NZD per month.

A three-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost you around $2,500NZD per month.

Housing Prices

Auckland

There is a lot of competition for housing in Auckland. It can be difficult to find a place to live, especially if you’re looking for something in the city center.

As of March 2022, Auckland house prices averaged $1.2 million NZD.

Wellington

Wellington is slightly cheaper than Auckland. As the second-highest housing market costs in New Zealand, it’s still not cheap to live here.

Wellington houses in March 2022 sold for an average of $939,000 NZD.

Groceries

Auckland

A loaf of bread will cost you around $3.50NZD, a carton of eggs will cost you around $4.00NZD, a bottle of milk will cost you around $2.50NZD, and a kilo of bananas will cost you around $3.00NZD.

On average, your groceries will cost you $180/week for one person.

Wellington

The cost of groceries in Wellington is about the same as in Auckland.

A loaf of bread will cost you around $3.50NZD, a carton of eggs will cost you around $4.00NZD, a bottle of milk will cost you around $2.50NZD, and a kilo of bananas will cost you around $3.00NZD.

On average, your groceries will cost you $180/week for one person.

People

Auckland

The New Zealander peoples, no matter where you are, are incredibly kind and welcoming.

Auckland is a bigger city, so expect fewer “good mornings” from strangers on the street in the central business district. But if you’re jogging, even along the boardwalk, others will smile and offer a nod in greeting.

I found Aucklanders to be incredibly supportive and fun.

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Wellington

Wellington is a smaller city, so you’ll find that people here are a bit more friendly.

You’ll probably get a couple “kia ora”s from strangers on the street than you would in Auckland. But honestly, not a ton.

I actually found the people more no-nonsense in the business district. I think they’re so used to tourists that they don’t socialize as much with strangers.

But once you’re in the office or at the coffee shop, they’re just as lovely!

Education

Auckland

Auckland is a great place to get an education. The city is home to a number of universities, including the University of Auckland (the highest-ranked university in New Zealand), AUT University, and Massey University.

Wellington

Wellington is also a great place to get an education. The city is home to a number of universities, including Victoria University of Wellington (the second highest-ranked university in New Zealand).

Safety

Auckland

Auckland is a safe city. I never felt unsafe walking around, even at night.

There are a few areas that are a bit sketchy, but overall it’s a safe place to live.

You may find some homeless people or a bit of petty crime (like drunken people breaking into Macca’s at 4am for something they only sell at KFC).

But otherwise, murders and violent crime are very rare in New Zealand as a whole.

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Wellington

Wellington is also a very safe city to live in.

There are low incidences of violent crime, with most reports of criminal activity being petty theft or drunken conduct by tourists.

I partied multiple times in Wellington, and even when walking with just women, I felt 100% safe. Everything is really well-lit.

Healthcare

Auckland

New Zealand has a public healthcare system that is available to all residents and citizens.

This means that you don’t have to worry about private health insurance companies or copays.

Auckland has a number of hospitals and clinics, so you’re never too far from medical help if you need it.

Wellington

Wellington also has a number of hospitals and clinics, so you’re never too far from medical help if you need it.

International Airports

Auckland

Auckland International Airport is the busiest airport in New Zealand and is located 21km south of the city centre.

It is the #1 way to get to any other country from New Zealand. Most flights from Wellington or Queenstown or Christchurch will need to do a stopover in Auckland before continuing to Asia, Hawaii, or the west coast of North America.

The airport has a good selection of shops and restaurants, as well as a few duty-free stores.

There are a few different ways to get into the city from the airport, including bus or taxi.

The bus will take around an hour and a half and cost $15-25NZD depending on the company.

A taxi will take 45 minutes and cost $75-85NZD.

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Wellington

Wellington International Airport is located 8km east of the city centre and is a lot smaller than Auckland’s airport.

It only has a few international flights, mostly to Australia or Asia. Mostly, you will need to do a layover in Auckland before continuing further abroad.

To get into the city from the airport, you can take a bus, a taxi, or an Uber.

The bus will take around 30 minutes and cost $9NZD.

A taxi will take 20 minutes and cost $35-45NZD.

An Uber will also take 20 minutes but will cost $25-30NZD.

When you’re ready to visit France, find the cheapest flights with this tool.

Travel

Auckland

Auckland is a great place to travel from.

The city has an international airport, so you can easily get to other parts of New Zealand or even Australia and Asia.

There are also a number of domestic airlines that fly to other parts of the country, so you can explore all that New Zealand has to offer.

Wellington

Wellington is also a great place to travel from.

The city has an international airport, so you can easily get around the North Island, South Island, and Australia. However, many international flights to Asia, Africa, and North America will need to connect in Auckland.

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Auckland is right for you if…

• You want to live in a bigger city
• You’re looking for a more diverse population
• You want to work for an international company
• You want to study at a top university
• You don’t mind a longer commute or higher housing costs
• You want to travel internationally

Wellington is right for you if…

• You want to live in a smaller city
• You’re looking for a more close-knit community
• You want to work for the New Zealand government
• You want to travel domestically, especially to the South Island
• You adore coffee and chic restaurants
• You don’t mind windy days

FAQs Auckland vs. Wellington:

Is Wellington New Zealand’s best city?

Wellington is in the top 5 for sure! But the “best” city will depend on your preferences.

Government employees, people who want a slower paced city, and coffee addicts will definitely love Wellington.

Is Auckland New Zealand’s best city?

Auckland is the most populous city in New Zealand, so it definitely has a lot to offer! If you’re looking for a more diverse population, bigger city feel, and international airport, Auckland is the place for you.

Is one city better than the other for finding a job?

There are jobs available in both cities. However, Auckland may have a slight edge when it comes to finding a job, simply because it is the most populous city in New Zealand and home to more companies.

What is the nicest city in New Zealand?

Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Dunedin, and Wanaka all top my list!

To see more, check out my guide to the best cities to live in in New Zealand.

Is Auckland or Wellington a better place to live?

I prefer Auckland for the warmer weather, more job opportunities, great local public transportation, and the plethora of day trips nearby to places like the Lord of the Rings Hobbiton.

But Wellington is equally admirable, depending on what you’re looking for. If I was to work for the government again, I’d move to Wellington.

Conclusion: Living in Auckland vs. Wellington

Overall, both Auckland and Wellington are great places to live.

They each have their own unique benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before making a decision.

If you’re looking for a big city with lots of job opportunities and zero chance of cold weather, then Auckland is the place for you.

However, if you’re looking for a smaller city with a more close-knit community and a lively coffee scene, then Wellington is the place for you. But be prepared to buy some wool jumpers for the cold!

When you’re ready to visit France, find the cheapest flights with this tool.

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Related Posts:

• 19 Pros and Cons of Living in Auckland NZ
• 20 Things to Do in Wellington, New Zealand: Best Attractions & More
• 25 Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand
• What is the Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand?
• 13 Best Places to Live in New Zealand (and Where Not To!)
• What Does it Cost to Live in New Zealand in 2022?

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