Oceania — Financial & Living Guide for Expats (2026)
Australia and New Zealand offer high quality of life, strong financial systems, and outdoor lifestyles — at a premium cost of living.
Updated March 2026 • 2 countries
Lowest rent
New Zealand
$1,450/mo
Best savings
New Zealand
5.10%
Cheapest mortgage
Australia
6.20%
Lowest cost of living
New Zealand
91.0
| Country | Mortgage Rate | Savings Rate | Credit Card APR | Rent (1BR) | Price /m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 6.20% | 4.60% | 19.9% | $1,700/mo | $7,800/m² |
| New Zealand | 6.80% | 5.10% | 19.5% | $1,450/mo | $5,300/m² |
Countries in Oceania
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Frequently asked
Is Australia or New Zealand cheaper?
New Zealand has slightly lower rents in most cities, while Australia tends to have higher wages.