Australia vs New Zealand: Cost of Living, Safety & Quality of Life Comparison 2026

Australia and New Zealand sit close on our overall quality of life index (Australia 8.0/10, New Zealand 7.8/10). The winner depends on which categories matter most to you.

On cost of living, New Zealand scores higher than Australia.

Key scores at a glance

Australia wins 9 of 16 categories we track; New Zealand wins 6, with 1 tied.

Safety — Australia 8.6/10 · New Zealand 9.0/10
Healthcare — Australia 8.8/10 · New Zealand 8.7/10
Cost of living — Australia 6.0/10 · New Zealand 6.2/10

See the full breakdown below.

Country guides: Australia · New Zealand

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💡 Comparison Tips

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Countries that score high in multiple categories often provide the best overall quality of life.

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