Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Auckland?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Auckland or Cape Town?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Cape Town can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or Cape Town?
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $141Cape Town $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $141, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is $98. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Auckland and Cape Town in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $89Cape Town $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $178Cape Town $78
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Cape Town
Looking for a hotel in Auckland or Cape Town? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Auckland Hotel Prices and Cape Town Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $16Cape Town $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.62
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Auckland Port to Auckland Airport (AKL): $55
- Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $39
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Tauranga Port: $145
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland Port: $55
- Private Transfer North Shore or Henderson to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $112
- Private Transfer From Cruise Ships To Auckland Airport : $121
- Private Transfer From Auckland CBD Hotels To Cruise Ship: $72
- Private Luxury Transfers from Auckland Airport TO Auckland Hotels: $145
- Private Auckland Airport Transfer to/from Auckland Hotels - Van: $109
- Premium Auckland Airport Transfer: $84
- Luxury Airport transfers in Auckland : $139
- Luxury Airport Transfers Auckland : $133
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Whale Watching In Hermanus with Private Transfer: $250
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cape Town HTL-APT(CPT): $44
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cape Town APT-HTL(CPT): $44
- Transport Shuttle Transfer from Constantia to Cape Town Airport: $18
- Transfer To Safari- Aquila From Cape Town Excluding Entry Fees Full Day: $159
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Simonstown to Cape Town Airport: $26
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Claremont to Cape Town Airport: $17
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Cape Town City Center (CBD) to Cape Town Airport: $17
- Shopping Mall Transfers: $22
- Shark Cage Diving: Full Day Tour Transfer: $97
- Shared Transfers to and from Safari Game Reserve (excluding entrance fees): $85
- Shared Transfer to Cape Agulhas - Where The Two Oceans Meet From Cape Town F/Day: $183
Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Cape Town?
Prices for flights to both Cape Town and Auckland change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAuckland $27Cape Town $42
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $90
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $90
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $105
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $28
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
- 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
- Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
- Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
- African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
- Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $71
- Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
- Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $28Cape Town $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$121
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour to Lucas Creek Waterfall: $66
- 4 Hours Private Tour in Auckland : $241
- 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $127
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $112
- All Auckland City Hotels to Cruise Ship / Port: $48
- America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $114
- Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour small group : $115
- Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $66
- Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour: $207
- Auckland City Highlights Experience - Fully Guided Small Group Day Tour: $196
- Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour: $95
- Auckland City Highlights and Hidden Gems Half Day Tour: $109
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Wineries Private Tour in Stellenbosch, Paarl Tasting Included: $137
- Cape Agulhas Full Day Private Tour: $192
- Cape Point Full Day Tour: $192
- Cape Point Private Tour withTable Mountain and Penguin Colony : $257
- Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope day tour Up to 10 persons: $66
- Cape Town - Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens and City Tour: $280
- Cape Town Woodstock Street Art Walking Tour: $30
- CapeWinelands Private Tour to Stellenbosch,Franschhoek and Paarl: $96
- Day Tour in Robben Island, Bo-Kaap and Table Mountain : $166
- Long Walk to Freedom in Robben Island including Ticket & Afrogem: $156
- Mandela's Robben Island Museum Bo-Kaap Cape Town City Tour + Ferry ticket f/d: $165
- Penguins Private Tour- Cape of Good Hope & Cape Point Tour from Cape Town: $114
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $14Cape Town $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $93
- Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $106
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $132
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $150
- Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $150
- From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $153
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $171
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $172
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $178
- Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $196
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.13
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.60
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
- Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $25
- Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
- Three Region Wine Tour: $44
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
- half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
- Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
- Fullday Wine Tour: $51
- Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Cape Town, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Cape Town much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Cape Town is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cape Town would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cape Town and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland than you might in Cape Town.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Cape Town Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Auckland or Cape Town?
Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Cape Town, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Auckland or Cape Town?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Auckland or Cape Town in the Summer?
Both Cape Town and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Auckland is around the same temperature as Cape Town in the summer. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Cape Town fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Cape Town. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Auckland usually receives more rain than Cape Town. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryAuckland 20°C (68°F)Cape Town 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Cape Town in the Autumn?
Both Cape Town and Auckland during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Auckland is around the same temperature as Cape Town. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auckland in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Cape Town averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In Cape Town, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Cape Town. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun.
Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Cape Town. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilAuckland 16°C (61°F)Cape Town 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Cape Town in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Cape Town. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
In July, Auckland is generally cooler than Cape Town. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 11°C (52°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun in the winter.
Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Cape Town. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyAuckland 11°C (52°F)Cape Town 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Cape Town in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Cape Town. Many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Auckland is cooler than Cape Town in the spring. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Cape Town fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. In the spring, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Cape Town. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 278 hours of full sun.
Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Cape Town. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberAuckland 14°C (58°F)Cape Town 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Cape Town and Auckland
| Auckland | Cape Town | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.