Should I Visit Brisbane or Auckland for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Brisbane or Auckland?

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 Brisbane and Auckland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Brisbane or Auckland?

Brisbane

Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Auckland or Brisbane?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

Brisbane Prices

Auckland Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Brisbane $109

Auckland $117

The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $109, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $117. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Brisbane and Auckland in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Brisbane $67

Auckland $74
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Brisbane $134

Auckland $148

Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Auckland

Looking for a hotel in Brisbane or Auckland? 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: Brisbane Hotel Prices and Auckland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Brisbane $15

Auckland $13

Typical Local Transportation prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:

Airtrain to the City

$10
Go Card

$17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Sunshine Coast Airport Arrival transfer to Hotels: $14
Sirromet Winery All inclusive Lunch @ Lurleens, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $158
Private Transfer: Brisbane to Brisbane Airport (BNE): $98
Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport to Noosa for 1 to 7 people: $352
Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Brisbane Airport: $40
Private Brisbane City Transfer to Gold Coast 7am-6pm: $89
Private Brisbane Airport Arrival Transfer to Gold Coast: $177
Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $40
Private Airport Transfer: Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane: $98
Private Airport Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to South Gold Coast 1-6 pax: $132
Private Airport Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to North Gold Coast 1-6 pax: $107
Private 24 Seat Mini Bus CBD to Brisbane Airport Transfer: $205

Typical Local Transportation prices in Auckland

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:

Bus from Airport

$10.00
Airport Shuttle

$16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Auckland Airport Transfers and Daily Tours: $493
Auckland Private Tour including Airport Transfer: $478
Auckland to Rotorua Private Chauffer Driven Transfer: $445
Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Rotorua with Optional Private Day Tour: $387
Great Barrier transfer - fly directly from Waiheke Island: $185
Private Inter City Transfer From Auckland To Hamilton: $148
Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland to Auckland Airport AKL in Luxury Car: $148
Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Car: $141
Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Van: $126
Auckland's premium luxury transfers from/to Airport / North Shore: $119
Arrival Private Transfer Auckland Airport to North Shore or Henderson Luxury Van: $118
Arrival Private Transfer Auckland Airport to North Shore or Henderson Luxury Car: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Brisbane or Auckland?

Prices for flights to both Auckland and Brisbane 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

Food Meals for one day

Brisbane $26

Auckland $22

Typical Food prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:

Hamburger Lunch

$5.40
Cup of Coffee

$2.03
Chinese Food Lunch

$8.44
Ice cream

$3.71
Japanese Meal

$14
Smoothie

$4.39
Japanese Soup

$7.76
Coffee & Muffin

$4.73
Morning Mint Tea

$2.36
Veggie Burger & Chips

$9.45
Bread

$1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Guided Food Tour with Coffee and Wine Tastings: $184
Brisbane Food Tour: A Taste of Queensland: $202
3-Course Progressive Dinner Experience in Brisbane: $237
Queensland Food Tour: Farm-to-Table Indulgence: $375

Typical Food prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

Breakfast

$5.00

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 Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $107

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Brisbane $20

Auckland $23

Typical Entertainment prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:

Concert Tickets

$14

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.

4-Day Jewels of the Outback Gemstone Hunting Tour from Brisbane: $1,577
5-Day Cunnamulla Outback Wildlife Backpacking Tour from Brisbane: $948
5-Day Outback Farm and Wildlife Experience from Brisbane: $1,936
Bay Island Tour - Scenic Flight: $271
Best Of Brisbane Day Tour incl. Lone Pine - Half Day Private Customised tour: $197
Boutique Brisbane to Cairns Australian east coast tour - 8 Day small group: $2,689
Brisbane Day in the Country Full-Day Small-Group Tour with Lunch: $249
Brisbane Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $35
Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit: $61
Brisbane to Moreton Island Return Ferry & Adventure Day Pass: $86
Full-Day Byron Bay Tour: $280
Guided River Kayak Tour: $47

Typical Entertainment prices in Auckland

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:

Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)

$34
Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)

$126

Tours and Activities in Auckland

For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

10-Day 'Vibe of the North' Epic Summer Tour for 18-30s!: $1,177
13,000 Feet Tandem Skydive & Gannet Experience: $481
14 Day - North to South Island Tour (All inclusive): $1,992
16,000 Feet Tandem Skydive & Gannet Experience: $592
17 day - North to South Island Tour (All inclusive): $2,333
2 Day Rotorua Experience: Waitomo Caves, Maori Culture & Ziplining from Auckland: $733
2 Day Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua Tour from Auckland: $859
20,000 Feet Tandem Skydive & Gannet Experience: $740
23-Day Epic New Zealand Tour: $3,630
3 Day Bay Of Islands Tour from Auckland including Waitangi and Cape Reinga: $703
3 Day Bay of Islands Winterless North Tour: $370
3 Day Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua Tour from Auckland: $933

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Brisbane $42

Auckland $11

Typical Alcohol prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:

Evening at the Bar

$10
Sixpack of Beer

$9.45
Guiness Beer

$5.74
Sixpack of Beer

$8.77

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:

Deluxe Wine Tasting Tour Mt Tamborine Includes 2 course Lunch: $94
Morning or Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $111
Mt Tamborine Wine Tour: $119
Brisbane Half-Day Private Brewery Tour: $119
Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $119
Northern Rivers food & Wine Tour from Brisbane: $119
Two Day xxxx Brewery and Tamborine Winery Tour: $198
Private Full Day Wine Tour from Brisbane to Tamborine Mountain: $474

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

Tour and Tastings in an Urban Craft Beer Brewery: $23
Wild West Coast & Black Sand Beach Tour incl Craft Beer Brewery Lunch & Tasting: $100
Premium Full Day Waiheke Wine Tour: $125
Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience on Waiheke Island: $131
Waiheke Island Premium Food & Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $146
Waiheke Island: Afternoon Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch: $157
The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $157
Full-Day Waiheke Island Food and Wine Tour: $165
Matakana: Full-Day Food and Wine Tour: $169
The Afternoon Artisan Food and Wine Tour: $169
Auckland Shore Excursion: City Sightseeing, Harbour Cruise and Waiheke Island Wine Tasting: $171
Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $189

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Brisbane and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

When is the best time to visit Brisbane or Auckland?

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 Brisbane or Auckland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Auckland.

In January, Brisbane is generally a little warmer than Auckland. Temperatures in Brisbane average around 25°C (77°F), and Auckland stays around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auckland this time of the year. In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland during summer. Brisbane gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Auckland. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Summer Average Temperatures January

Brisbane 25°C (77°F)

Auckland 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Auckland.

Brisbane is a little warmer than Auckland in the autumn. The temperature in Brisbane is usually 22°C (71°F) in April, and Auckland stays around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In the autumn, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Auckland. Brisbane gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Brisbane usually gets more rain in April than Auckland. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Autumn Average Temperatures April

Brisbane 22°C (71°F)

Auckland 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In the winter, Brisbane is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brisbane in July are around 15°C (59°F), and Auckland is about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. In July, Brisbane usually receives less rain than Auckland. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Winter Average Temperatures July

Brisbane 15°C (59°F)

Auckland 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Brisbane during the spring are popular places to visit.

In October, Brisbane is generally a little warmer than Auckland. Temperatures in Brisbane average around 21°C (69°F), and Auckland stays around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the spring, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Auckland. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Brisbane usually gets more rain in October than Auckland. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Spring Average Temperatures October

Brisbane 21°C (69°F)

Auckland 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Auckland and Brisbane

	Brisbane		Auckland
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	25°C (77°F)	169 mm (6.7 in)	20°C (68°F)	67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb	25°C (77°F)	152 mm (6 in)	20°C (68°F)	65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar	24°C (75°F)	146 mm (5.7 in)	19°C (66°F)	82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr	22°C (71°F)	112 mm (4.4 in)	16°C (61°F)	95 mm (3.7 in)
May	19°C (66°F)	104 mm (4.1 in)	14°C (57°F)	92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun	16°C (61°F)	77 mm (3 in)	12°C (53°F)	116 mm (4.6 in)
Jul	15°C (59°F)	64 mm (2.5 in)	11°C (52°F)	135 mm (5.3 in)
Aug	16°C (61°F)	46 mm (1.8 in)	11°C (53°F)	108 mm (4.3 in)
Sep	18°C (65°F)	33 mm (1.3 in)	13°C (55°F)	97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct	21°C (69°F)	93 mm (3.7 in)	14°C (58°F)	83 mm (3.3 in)
Nov	23°C (73°F)	107 mm (4.2 in)	16°C (61°F)	79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec	24°C (76°F)	127 mm (5 in)	18°C (65°F)	83 mm (3.3 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brisbane vs. Auckland for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons