A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Auckland or New York City?

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 New York City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Auckland travel costs.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping. See New York City travel costs.

Auckland and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or New York City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City than Auckland. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New York City is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Auckland attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. New York City is more touristy than Auckland and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Auckland is famous for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment.

How is Auckland different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City and Auckland. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auckland or New York City?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in New York City are world-renowned. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Is Auckland or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Auckland is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in New York City is world-class. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Auckland is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Auckland or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

New York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Dining out in Auckland is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Is Auckland or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

The people in Auckland know how to have a good time. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

Is Auckland or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Auckland is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in New York City. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Auckland is not a live music destination.

Is Auckland or New York City Better for Beaches?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Auckland for it's beautiful beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or New York City Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

Auckland offers some nice hiking trails. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or New York City?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, New York City draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Is Auckland or New York City More Beautiful?

New York City is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beauty of the skyline at night or the views from the top of the Empire State Building will take your breath away.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Auckland or New York City Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Auckland or New York City.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Auckland is very family-friendly. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

New York City is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Auckland or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Couples visit Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Is Auckland or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland and New York City are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

New York City is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Is Auckland or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Auckland is a great city to visit as a student. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Is Auckland or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Auckland or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in New York City. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or New York City?

Both Auckland and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Auckland. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

Families should spend more time in New York City than Auckland. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in New York City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Auckland. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Auckland if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in New York City.

One day in Auckland or New York City?

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of New York City offers shopping and museums. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or New York City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the thrill-seeking big city of Auckland. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New York City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Auckland. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New York City has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Auckland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and New York City is in North America, 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 Auckland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auckland 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Auckland.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auckland or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and New York City, 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 New York City?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but New York City has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Auckland is generally cooler than New York Cityin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than New York Cityin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Auckland during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to New York City because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Auckland is a little warmer than New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C)in October.

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than New York Cityin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or New York City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and New York City. The winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. In the winter, Auckland is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C)in January.

Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than New York Cityin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or New York City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as New York City. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In October, Auckland is generally a little warmer than New York Cityin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Auckland usually gets less rain in October than New York Cityin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Auckland