Cost Comparison 2025

GlasgowvsAuckland

United Kingdom
New Zealand

Overall

💰

+11.4%

Glasgow is 11.4%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+71.1%

Housing is 71.1% higher

Dining

🍽️

+11.4%

Restaurants 11.4% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+23.1%

Food shopping 23.1% more

Comparing the cost of living between Glasgow, United Kingdom and Auckland, New Zealand reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Glasgow is more expensive than Auckland by approximately 11.4%. 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 Glasgow are lower than in Auckland by 42%. A one-bedroom apartment in Glasgow's city center costs around £1,000, while the same in Auckland is approximately NZ$2,400.

Dining out in Glasgow offers significant savings compared to Auckland. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs £14 in Glasgow versus NZ$25 in Auckland.

Public transportation in Glasgow is more affordable, with monthly passes at £70 compared to NZ$215 in Auckland.

Grocery shopping in Glasgow is more affordable by approximately 19%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Glasgow can expect to spend approximately £496 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 £1,737 monthly in Glasgow 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
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Auckland, New Zealand

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
£1,000
NZ$2,400
1BR Outside Center
£750
NZ$1,900
3BR City Center
£1,800
NZ$4,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
£14
NZ$25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
£55
NZ$120
Cappuccino
£3
NZ$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
£5
NZ$12

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
£1
NZ$3
Bread (500g)
£1
NZ$3
Eggs (12)
£2
NZ$6
Cheese (1kg)
£8
NZ$13

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
£3
NZ$4
Monthly Pass
£70
NZ$215
Taxi Start
£3
NZ$5
Gasoline (1L)
£2
NZ$3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
£170
NZ$170
Internet (60 Mbps)
£32
NZ$85
Mobile Minute
£0
NZ$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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

Glasgow

Cost of Living Index70
Rent Index38
Purchasing Power Index80

Auckland

Cost of Living Index78
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index88

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Glasgow more expensive than Auckland?

Yes, Glasgow is approximately 11.4% more expensive than Auckland overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Auckland salary when living in Glasgow. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Auckland, you'd need about $55,714 in Glasgow for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Glasgow and Auckland?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 42%, 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 Glasgow if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Auckland for better value.

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

In Glasgow, a single person needs approximately £1,246 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about £3,037. 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 Glasgow and Auckland in 2025 shows notable 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 Glasgow

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers