Cost Comparison 2025

São PaulovsAuckland

Brazil
New Zealand

Overall

💰

+62.5%

São Paulo is 62.5%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+116.7%

Housing is 116.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+95.0%

Restaurants 95.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+77.8%

Food shopping 77.8% more

Comparing the cost of living between São Paulo, Brazil and Auckland, New Zealand reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that São Paulo is more expensive than Auckland by approximately 62.5%. 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 São Paulo are lower than in Auckland by 54%. A one-bedroom apartment in São Paulo's city center costs around R$2,800, while the same in Auckland is approximately NZ$2,400.

Dining out in São Paulo offers significant savings compared to Auckland. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs R$30 in São Paulo versus NZ$25 in Auckland.

Public transportation in São Paulo is more expensive, with monthly passes at R$230 compared to NZ$215 in Auckland.

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

Grocery shopping in São Paulo is more affordable by approximately 44%. 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 São Paulo can expect to spend approximately R$1,250 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 R$4,375 monthly in São Paulo 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
São Paulo, Brazil
Auckland, New Zealand

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

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

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
R$30
NZ$25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
R$150
NZ$120
Cappuccino
R$8
NZ$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
R$10
NZ$12

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
R$5
NZ$3
Bread (500g)
R$7
NZ$3
Eggs (12)
R$10
NZ$6
Cheese (1kg)
R$40
NZ$13

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
R$4
NZ$4
Monthly Pass
R$230
NZ$215
Taxi Start
R$5
NZ$5
Gasoline (1L)
R$6
NZ$3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
R$300
NZ$170
Internet (60 Mbps)
R$100
NZ$85
Mobile Minute
R$1
NZ$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from São Paulo 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 São Paulo 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

São Paulo

Cost of Living Index48
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index35

Auckland

Cost of Living Index78
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index88

Frequently Asked Questions

Is São Paulo more expensive than Auckland?

Yes, São Paulo is approximately 62.5% more expensive than Auckland overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in São Paulo compared to Auckland?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.6x of your Auckland salary when living in São Paulo. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Auckland, you'd need about $81,250 in São Paulo for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between São Paulo and Auckland?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 54%, 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?

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 São Paulo if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Auckland for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for São Paulo vs Auckland?

In São Paulo, a single person needs approximately R$3,050 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about R$7,875. 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 São Paulo and Auckland 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 Auckland to maintain your lifestyle from São Paulo

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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