We often receive questions, what’s the difference between Australia and New Zealand? What’s better? The answer is simple. It’s important to compare the countries and figure it out, which one suites you best.
Content:
- Wildlife
- Nature and climate
- Cost of living
- Work
- Social and nightlife
- Nature and Outdoors activity
- Immigrants
- Beauty of city and culture
- Lifestyle
- Food
- Geographical remoteness
- Sum up
I’m one of those people who moved from Australia to New Zealand, not the other way around
Whenever people hear that, the reaction is always the same: “What? Why?! Everyone wants to move to Australia!”
But for me, it was a conscious and well-considered decision. I just didn’t want to rush into conclusions too early. Now, nearly a year has passed. The rose-colored glasses are off, the honeymoon and “downshifting” phase is pretty much over. And I can confidently say: I still think I made the right choice. The best choice for me. That doesn’t mean it will be the best for you. So, I’ll try to break things down constructively, practically, and not just analytically.
I lived in Sydney, Australia for 5 years. Went through the full immigration journey (except getting the passport). This is all just my personal opinion. I’m not claiming to be an expert. I’m simply responding to the dozens of questions I get about Australia.
Australia, Sydney
Wildlife
Are you scared of creepy crawlies? Spiders, snakes, etc.? Australia has everything. If you live on the 25th floor in the CBD, it’s unlikely a snake will drop by for tea. But one might curl up under your car wheel in the parking lot. They usually won’t attack you, and of course, they’re not everywhere.
Spiders, on the other hand, are regular visitors at home, in a car. But hey, not all of them are venomous… some even eat cockroaches!
Cockroaches were my biggest issue. They are everywhere. And they come in variety packs. Some are the size of your big toe — and they fly. I remember walking home from work at night when it was warm and humid… you could literally hear them crunch under your feet. At home, you can more or less control them. But if your neighbor isn’t very tidy — good luck.
Nature & Climate
This is very personal. For me, Australia was just too hot and humid. Summer = sweaty mode. I remember during heatwaves in January, I’d get up in the middle of the night just to take cold showers because I felt like a melting ice cream. Sure, AC helps… but not every home has it, and running it non-stop costs money. If you love the heat — then you’ll enjoy it.
Winters? Just like summer, but shorter. Note: I’m talking specifically about Sydney.
Cost of living
They kind of balance out.
- Housing is more expensive in Sydney.
- Food is cheaper.
- Public transport and fuel are cheaper in Sydney.
- Cars and their maintenance? More expensive.
Salaries are higher in Australia — but so are temptations. In the end, you’re left with about the same amount. Still, I’d say it was a bit easier financially in Australia.
Work
I’m not talking about skilled migration. I started from scratch.
I arrived in Sydney as a student — no local experience, visa restrictions, all the challenges. I found a job pretty quickly, but what kind of job? I juggled five roles at once: waitress, teaching assistant at a primary school, yoga instructor, Ayurvedic massage therapist, and photographer. It was exhausting. The pay was low. But I gave it my all.
After graduating from university, I thought I’d finally find a “real” job. Well… hello overqualified but no experience! It took me another six months to land my first office job. It was boring, repetitive, but it was in a media agency — good networking, a solid start.
Six months later, someone noticed me. That’s how I got the job I actually wanted — organizing conferences and doing photography. The pay was still low. They knew I was an immigrant — and that I’d agree to less.
Bottom line:
There are more jobs in Australia, but not necessarily better ones. Recognition doesn’t come easy. The path can be tough. But with determination and effort — you’ll get wherever you want. No one’s waiting to hand it to you. You need to want it more than anyone else.
Social life & Nightlife
Here, Australia wins. At least, Sydney and Melbourne. In small towns, not so much. But in big cities, you’ve got endless options: venues, activities, festivals, markets — you name it.
There are limits though, like the lockout laws. Some places won’t let you in after 12:30 or 1:30 AM, and everything wraps up around 3.
Personally, nightlife isn’t a priority for me, so I’m not missing anything in New Zealand. But if parties are important to you, ask yourself honestly: why are you even considering New Zealand? Don’t expect what the country isn’t built to offer.
Nature & Outdoor Activities
This was one of the main reasons I chose New Zealand. There’s nothing more beautiful, diverse, and accessible.
In Australia, nature feels harsher. Go to the Blue Mountains (which are really canyons, not mountains) — and you better stick to the path. I barely found any nice lakes. Beaches? Yes, tons of gorgeous ones. So if beach life is your thing, then Australia is for you.
But I crave variety. And honestly — what’s better than mountains right next to the ocean? I never get tired of New Zealand’s nature. I’m obsessed with road trips here. It’s all stunning and different. For me, it’s a pure energy boost. I wouldn’t trade it for a couple of bars in the city.
New Zealand, Auckland
Other immigrants
No, we’re not racists. But yes, some people get uncomfortable with the cultural differences of other migrants.
So if this matters to you, from my experience (not actual stats), Australia felt like it had more Chinese people, the same number of Indians, and far more Arabs (mainly Lebanese).
Some migrant communities just stick to themselves. But there are certain neighborhoods you’re better off avoiding: higher crime, etc.
Personally, I lived in diverse suburbs and it didn’t bother me. I’m not a local either. Just know which areas come with what — and accept it as part of the package.
City beauty and culture
Yes, Sydney is a beautiful city. So are Brisbane and Melbourne (never been to the others). Every city has its sights and views. When it comes to urban beauty, I think Australia wins.
There are also more galleries, shows, and concerts in Australia. If that’s important to you — Australia takes the point.
Lifestyle
People in New Zealand are more relaxed. Australia feels like a constant race. I remember leaving the office at 10 or 11 PM — and still going out afterward.
In NZ, I’ve grounded myself. Life feels calmer and more balanced. Some find that boring, but I love it. I’ve had enough of the rat race. But if you thrive on speed and energy, then maybe Australia suits you better.
Food
Hands down: Australia wins. Tastier, better quality, more variety, more accessible. I won’t even pretend otherwise.
Geographical remoteness
Yes, of course, New Zealand is far away from everything. But… is that really a bad thing?
It depends on how you look at it. If your lifestyle involves constant travel, endless shopping, and dining somewhere new every day, then yes — you might feel limited here. Sure, all of that is nice. But you can burn out on it too. Eventually, you realize that things stop tasting “amazing,” stop looking “incredible.” You buy clothes you don’t wear. You go to clubs and end up bored.
I also lived in London for about six months — and I’ve never felt so down as I did in that abundance. I asked myself: What’s the point of all this consumption? How much did I grow as a person in that time? The answer: not much. I became a passive consumer, and stopped understanding what real value meant.
In Sydney, the concentration of “stuff” was a bit lower, but still… My mindset would sometimes fog up. I’d have phases where everything felt meh, and nothing excited me anymore.
Now, here in New Zealand, at what feels like the edge of the world, where you don’t have everything, I realize I never really needed it all in the first place. More than that, I catch myself thinking how grateful I am that life led me here. I feel constantly inspired. I have fresh ideas. And I love life more deeply than ever before. Even if I haven’t worn heels since I moved.
And if you look at global news, New Zealand actually stands out for meaningful innovation and progress — the good kind, too. That’s probably because there’s no crushing pressure to conform, and people feel free to do things differently.
So ask yourself: do you just want to enjoy the offerings of a big city? Or do you want to learn to truly appreciate life in its simplicity?
Final thoughts
If you ask me now: ‘do you miss Australia?’ I’d say: ‘I only miss my friends.’ And… okay, the food. But mostly the friends.
Everything else? I genuinely love New Zealand so much more. I feel at ease here. I feel at home. I’d love to settle down somewhere in Tauranga, start a nest of my own. But who knows. Life will show what’s next.
