Auckland logs 222 sunny days a year to Wellington's 226 — Wellington wins by 4. Auckland also leads on outdoor-dinner months by 5.

Auckland runs about $2,985/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Wellington's $2,666/mo — Wellington comes in $319 cheaper each month, roughly 12% less.

On mobility, Wellington scores 3.0 vs Auckland's 2.6 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on car efficiency.

Auckland's culture score of 3.5 sits well above Wellington's 2.6, with the biggest gap on theatre & performing arts. Wellington still holds an edge on live music venues.

Auckland and Wellington score neck-and-neck on nature & outdoors (4.3 vs 4.3, 0–5 scale).

Auckland and Wellington score neck-and-neck on safety (4.0 vs 3.9, 0–5 scale).

Auckland's career score of 3.6 sits well above Wellington's 2.9, with the biggest gap on career opportunities.

Auckland and Wellington score neck-and-neck on social & community (3.6 vs 3.7, 0–5 scale).

Auckland and Wellington score neck-and-neck on food & dining (3.6 vs 3.6, 0–5 scale).

On family, Auckland scores 3.4 vs Wellington's 2.9 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on international schools.

Auckland and Wellington score neck-and-neck on healthcare (3.0 vs 3.0, 0–5 scale).

Auckland averages 5.9 µg/m³ (good) PM2.5 annually versus Wellington's 6.2 µg/m³ (good) — Auckland breathes ~5% cleaner air (0.3 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here