Compare countries · Australia vs New Zealand
Australia vs New Zealand
Australia(Oceania)·
New Zealand(Oceania)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Australia leads on 3, New Zealand on 6, 4 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Australia
67.9
Worse than 87% of countries
New Zealand
60.3
Worse than 81% of countries
New Zealand: 11% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Australia
33.7
Worse than 92% of countries
New Zealand
26.2
Worse than 84% of countries
New Zealand: 22% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Australia
1.58
Better than 83% of countries
New Zealand
1.27
Better than 99% of countries
New Zealand: more peaceful (1.27 vs 1.58).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Australia
52.5
Worse than 57% of countries
New Zealand
51.2
Worse than 61% of countries
Australia: higher perceived safety (52.5 vs 51.2).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Australia
0.946
Better than 95% of countries
New Zealand
0.939
Better than 92% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Australia
$71,934
Better than 88% of countries
New Zealand
$57,350
Better than 81% of countries
Australia: 25% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Australia
83.1 yrs
Better than 91% of countries
New Zealand
82.0 yrs
Better than 84% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Australia
72.0
Better than 76% of countries
New Zealand
68.2
Better than 62% of countries
Australia: better-rated healthcare (72.0 vs 68.2).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Australia
157 Mbps
Better than 69% of countries
New Zealand
202 Mbps
Better than 78% of countries
New Zealand: 29% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Australia
75/100
Better than 81% of countries
New Zealand
77/100
Better than 87% of countries
New Zealand: freer press (77 vs 75 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Australia
6.92
Better than 90% of countries
New Zealand
7.00
Better than 92% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Australia
700
Better than 94% of countries
New Zealand
700
Better than 94% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Australia
91.9
Better than 80% of countries
New Zealand
97.2
Better than 95% of countries
New Zealand: more pleasant climate rating (97.2 vs 91.9).
Deciding between Australia and New Zealand for real?
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Find your match →Full Australia profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full New Zealand profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.