Cost Comparison 2025

TorontovsAuckland

Canada
New Zealand

Overall

💰

+4.0%

Toronto is 4.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

-7.1%

Housing is 7.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

+4.0%

Restaurants 4.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+6.7%

Food shopping 6.7% more

Comparing the cost of living between Toronto, Canada and Auckland, New Zealand reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Toronto 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 Toronto are higher than in Auckland by 8%. A one-bedroom apartment in Toronto's city center costs around CA$2,400, while the same in Auckland is approximately NZ$2,400.

Dining out in Toronto costs about the same compared to Auckland. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CA$20 in Toronto versus NZ$25 in Auckland.

Public transportation in Toronto is more affordable, with monthly passes at CA$156 compared to NZ$215 in Auckland.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Toronto can expect to spend approximately CA$739 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 CA$2,588 monthly in Toronto 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
Toronto, Canada
Auckland, New Zealand

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CA$2,400
NZ$2,400
1BR Outside Center
CA$1,900
NZ$1,900
3BR City Center
CA$4,000
NZ$4,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CA$20
NZ$25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CA$100
NZ$120
Cappuccino
CA$5
NZ$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CA$7
NZ$12

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CA$2
NZ$3
Bread (500g)
CA$3
NZ$3
Eggs (12)
CA$4
NZ$6
Cheese (1kg)
CA$15
NZ$13

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CA$3
NZ$4
Monthly Pass
CA$156
NZ$215
Taxi Start
CA$5
NZ$5
Gasoline (1L)
CA$2
NZ$3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CA$150
NZ$170
Internet (60 Mbps)
CA$80
NZ$85
Mobile Minute
CA$0
NZ$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Toronto 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 Toronto 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

Toronto

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index95

Auckland

Cost of Living Index78
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index88

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Toronto more expensive than Auckland?

The cost of living in Toronto 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 Toronto compared to Auckland?

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

What are the biggest cost differences between Toronto and Auckland?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 8%, 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?

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

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

In Toronto, a single person needs approximately CA$2,639 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CA$5,588. 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 Toronto 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 Toronto

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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