Cost Comparison 2025

AucklandvsAthens

New Zealand
Greece

Overall

💰

-29.5%

Auckland is 29.5%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-61.5%

Housing is 61.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

-35.9%

Restaurants 35.9% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-37.5%

Food shopping 37.5% less

Comparing the cost of living between Auckland, New Zealand and Athens, Greece reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Auckland is more affordable than Athens by approximately 29.5%. 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 Auckland are higher than in Athens by 160%. A one-bedroom apartment in Auckland's city center costs around NZ$2,400, while the same in Athens is approximately €650.

Dining out in Auckland is notably more expensive compared to Athens. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NZ$25 in Auckland versus €12 in Athens.

Public transportation in Auckland is more expensive, with monthly passes at NZ$215 compared to €30 in Athens.

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

Grocery shopping in Auckland is more expensive by approximately 60%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Auckland can expect to spend approximately NZ$893 per month (excluding rent), while in Athens, the same lifestyle would cost around €428. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NZ$3,126 monthly in Auckland versus €1,499 in Athens. 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
Auckland, New Zealand
Athens, Greece

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NZ$2,400
€650
1BR Outside Center
NZ$1,900
€450
3BR City Center
NZ$4,200
€1,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NZ$25
€12
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NZ$120
€50
Cappuccino
NZ$6
€4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NZ$12
€4

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NZ$3
€2
Bread (500g)
NZ$3
€1
Eggs (12)
NZ$6
€4
Cheese (1kg)
NZ$13
€10

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NZ$4
€1
Monthly Pass
NZ$215
€30
Taxi Start
NZ$5
€4
Gasoline (1L)
NZ$3
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NZ$170
€150
Internet (60 Mbps)
NZ$85
€35
Mobile Minute
NZ$0
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Athens 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 Athens 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

Auckland

Cost of Living Index78
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index88

Athens

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index45

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auckland more expensive than Athens?

No, Auckland is approximately 29.5% cheaper than Athens. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 77% of your Athens salary when living in Auckland. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Athens, you'd need about $38,614 in Auckland for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Auckland and Athens?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 160%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Auckland 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 Auckland if you prioritize earning potential, or Athens for affordability.

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

In Auckland, a single person needs approximately NZ$2,793 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about NZ$6,326. In Athens, these figures are €878 for singles and €2,349 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Auckland and Athens in 2025 shows significant 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 Athens to maintain your lifestyle from Auckland

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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