About

  • About Tech Cities Index
  • Methodology
  • FAQ

Tools

  • Salary Converter
  • LinkedIn Network

Built with ❤️ by

Tech Cities Index LogoTech Cities Index
Salary ConverterLinkedIn NetworkAbout
Mohamed Oun
Auckland
#65 of 124
Oceania

Auckland

New Zealand

Salary & Cost of Living

View purchasing power ranking

How do salaries and expenses in Auckland compare to Athens?

Purchasing Power Comparison

An engineer in Auckland is 138% better off vs in Athens

This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in Auckland compared to Athens, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.

Median Salary
$76,203
+$45K (+142%) vs Athens
Based on 116 data points from levels.fyi
Net Salary
$52,885
+$35K (+190%) vs Athens
Tax Rate: 31%

Community Insights

New

Auckland presents a stark lifestyle vs. financial trade-off for software engineers. While the city offers world-class access to nature and a relaxed work culture, the economic reality is challenging. Data shows a median net income that struggles to keep pace with the 56th highest cost of living globally. The tech market in 2024 has cooled, with fewer roles available, reinforcing the sentiment that one moves here for the beaches and bush, not the bank account. It is a city that rewards those who prioritize outdoor hobbies over maximum earning potential.

Resident Sentiment

The prevailing sentiment is mixed to cautious. Locals often joke about the "sunshine tax"—accepting lower wages for the privilege of living in NZ. There is noticeable envy toward Australia regarding salaries, with many discussions focusing on the "brain drain" across the Tasman. Transplants are frequently shocked by the housing standards (specifically mold and cold) but often stay for the community vibes and summer lifestyle.

Living Environment

Weather•Safety•Pollution•Events

A quick look at climate, safety, pollution, and tech community compared to Athens.

Rankings

Comfortable Weather

Top 5%

#6

of 124 cities

87/100 weather score

Current value

Pollution Score

Top 19%

#23

of 124 cities

31.1/100

Current value (lower is better)

Cost of Living

Middle of the pack

#56

of 124 cities

49/100

Current value (lower is better)

Housing Affordability

View affordability ranking

How affordable is housing for a software engineer in Auckland compared to Athens?

Avg. Property Price
$6,515 / m²
68% more expensive than Athens
View detailed property prices on Numbeo

Salary Converter

Enter your annual gross salary (before taxes) to see what you would need to earn in Auckland to maintain the same standard of living.

$

Do you have kids?

Cost of Living
22% more expensive than Athens
View detailed cost breakdown on Numbeo

Top Paying Companies in Auckland

Atlassian logo
Atlassian
Canva logo
Canva
Westpac logo
Westpac

The Good

  • Nature proximity: Access to beaches, hiking, and rainforests within a 30-minute drive of the city center is unmatched.
  • Work-life balance: The tech culture emphasizes 40-hour weeks and disconnecting after work, with very little "crunch" culture.
  • Visa pathways: Software engineering is often on the Green List, making migration and residency smoother than in other sectors.
  • Coffee and food culture: Residents consistently praise the high quality of cafes and diverse Asian food options.
  • Casual work environment: Flat hierarchies and informal office cultures are standard in NZ tech companies.

The Bad

  • Low salary vs. Cost of Living: Local tech wages lag significantly behind Australia and the US, while expenses (groceries, petrol, rent) are comparable or higher.
  • Housing quality: A major complaint is older rental stock that is often cold, damp, and uninsulated (lacking central heating).
  • Small job market: The pool of tech employers is limited, making it harder to niche down or job hop for raises compared to larger hubs.
  • Public transport: The city is heavily car-dependent, with unreliable buses and trains causing frustration for commuters.
  • Isolation: Travel to the rest of the world (and shipping for goods) is expensive and time-consuming.

The Verdict

You'll love it if...

Engineers seeking a pace of life shift who are willing to trade ~30-50% of their potential US/AU income for clean air and ocean views. Ideal for families wanting a generally safe environment or mid-career seniors burnt out by the grind of major tech hubs who already have savings.

Skip it if...

Ambitious juniors or career climbers will find the small market limiting for mentorship and growth. Money maximizers will be frustrated by the tax rates relative to services and the high cost of purchasing goods. Those who rely on big city amenities like 24/7 nightlife or efficient subways will struggle here.

Updated 11/29/2025

Weather8.7/10+2% vs Athens
Safety50+10%
Pollution31-44%
Events0
8.7/10TechCities weather score vs 8.5/10 in Athens

0–10 composite (higher is better) combining temperature comfort, sunshine hours, rainy-day count, and humid days. See methodology for weighting and data sources.

Weather snapshot

Average High
18°C(vs 22°C in Athens)
Average Low
13°C(vs 14°C in Athens)
Sunshine Hours
2,003h/yr-770h/yr(-28%)
Hottest Month High
23°C(vs 33°C in Athens)
Coldest Month Low
9°C(vs 6°C in Athens)
Rainy Days
97/yr+49/yr(+101%)

Community & Quality

Auckland community pulse

Auckland has 0 Luma events listed.

Athens has no listed Luma events for comparison.

Tax Rate

Middle of the pack

#58

of 124 cities

31%

Current value (lower is better)

Net Income

Middle of the pack

#62

of 124 cities

$52,885/yr

Current value

Purchasing Power

Middle of the pack

#65

of 124 cities

Community Events

Middle of the pack

#74

of 124 cities

0 events on luma

Current value

Home Affordability

Middle of the pack

#79

of 124 cities

≈9.9 yrs to buy 80m²

Current value

Safety Index

Middle of the pack

#80

of 124 cities

49.5/100

Current value

SWE Affordability
9.9 years
7.1 years quicker than Athens
Muggy Days
11/yr+4/yr(+58%)
Cloud Cover
39%(vs 28% in Athens)