• Forget the surging house prices, a new global study claims Wellington and Auckland became significantly more affordable in the past 12 months.

The Mercer cost of living index shows New Zealand cities dramatically dropped in the 2016 Cost of Living rankings.

Auckland came in at 98, down 37 places from 61 in 2015, while Wellington dropped 40 places from 83 in 2015 to 123 this year.

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John Nicholson/Fairfax NZ
The Mercer Cost of Living Index shows Wellington dramatically dropped in the 2016 Cost of Living rankings.