Cost Comparison 2025

AtlantavsAuckland

United States
New Zealand

Overall

💰

+4.0%

Atlanta is 4.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+8.3%

Housing is 8.3% higher

Dining

🍽️

+11.4%

Restaurants 11.4% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+6.7%

Food shopping 6.7% more

Comparing the cost of living between Atlanta, United States and Auckland, New Zealand reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Atlanta is more expensive than Auckland by approximately 4.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Atlanta are lower than in Auckland by 8%. A one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta's city center costs around $1,900, while the same in Auckland is approximately NZ$2,400.

Dining out in Atlanta offers significant savings compared to Auckland. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $16 in Atlanta versus NZ$25 in Auckland.

Public transportation in Atlanta is more affordable, with monthly passes at $95 compared to NZ$215 in Auckland.

Purchasing power in Atlanta is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Auckland.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Atlanta can expect to spend approximately $572 per month (excluding rent), while in Auckland, the same lifestyle would cost around NZ$893. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,003 monthly in Atlanta versus NZ$3,126 in Auckland. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Atlanta, United States
Auckland, New Zealand

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$1,900
NZ$2,400
1BR Outside Center
$1,400
NZ$1,900
3BR City Center
$3,500
NZ$4,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$16
NZ$25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$80
NZ$120
Cappuccino
$5
NZ$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$6
NZ$12

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$1
NZ$3
Bread (500g)
$3
NZ$3
Eggs (12)
$4
NZ$6
Cheese (1kg)
$12
NZ$13

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
NZ$4
Monthly Pass
$95
NZ$215
Taxi Start
$4
NZ$5
Gasoline (1L)
$1
NZ$3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$130
NZ$170
Internet (60 Mbps)
$60
NZ$85
Mobile Minute
$0
NZ$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Atlanta to Auckland, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Auckland to Atlanta requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Atlanta

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index60
Purchasing Power Index108

Auckland

Cost of Living Index78
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index88

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta more expensive than Auckland?

The cost of living in Atlanta and Auckland is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

How much salary do I need in Atlanta compared to Auckland?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.0x of your Auckland salary when living in Atlanta. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Auckland, you'd need about $52,000 in Atlanta for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Atlanta and Auckland?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 10%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Atlanta offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Auckland provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Atlanta if you prioritize earning potential, or Auckland for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Atlanta vs Auckland?

In Atlanta, a single person needs approximately $1,972 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $4,503. In Auckland, these figures are NZ$2,793 for singles and NZ$6,326 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Atlanta and Auckland in 2025 shows moderate differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Auckland to maintain your lifestyle from Atlanta

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers