According to the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) latest Worldwide Cost of Living survey, Auckland is now the 15th costliest city in the world, up from 24th previously, while Wellington rose 16 places to be equal 17th with London.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/6420...ive-for-expats
Sydney and Melbourne are ranked 7 and 8, with 3 other Australian cities in the top 20. The most expensive city in North America is Vancouver, ranked 37th.
From the article, the rise in ranking for Auckland and Wellington is mostly due to the rise of the New Zealand dollar, not just the fact that everything is bloody expensive.