Cost Comparison 2025

LondonvsAuckland

United Kingdom
New Zealand

Overall

💰

-17.9%

London is 17.9%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-23.5%

Housing is 23.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

-17.9%

Restaurants 17.9% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

0.0%

Food shopping 0.0% same

Comparing the cost of living between London, United Kingdom and Auckland, New Zealand reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that London is more affordable than Auckland by approximately 17.9%. 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 London are higher than in Auckland by 31%. A one-bedroom apartment in London's city center costs around £2,500, while the same in Auckland is approximately NZ$2,400.

Dining out in London is notably more expensive compared to Auckland. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs £18 in London versus NZ$25 in Auckland.

Public transportation in London is more affordable, with monthly passes at £180 compared to NZ$215 in Auckland.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in London can expect to spend approximately £716 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 £2,505 monthly in London 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
London, United Kingdom
Auckland, New Zealand

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
£2,500
NZ$2,400
1BR Outside Center
£1,800
NZ$1,900
3BR City Center
£5,500
NZ$4,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
£18
NZ$25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
£80
NZ$120
Cappuccino
£4
NZ$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
£6
NZ$12

🛒 Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
£3
NZ$4
Monthly Pass
£180
NZ$215
Taxi Start
£4
NZ$5
Gasoline (1L)
£2
NZ$3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
£200
NZ$170
Internet (60 Mbps)
£35
NZ$85
Mobile Minute
£0
NZ$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Auckland to London, 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 London to Auckland 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

London

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index85
Purchasing Power Index90

Auckland

Cost of Living Index78
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index88

Frequently Asked Questions

Is London more expensive than Auckland?

No, London is approximately 17.9% cheaper than Auckland. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 85% of your Auckland salary when living in London. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Auckland, you'd need about $42,411 in London for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between London and Auckland?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 31%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show smaller variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In London, a single person needs approximately £2,516 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about £6,005. 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 London 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 London

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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