City Comparison
Blenheim vs Akron
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Blenheim scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Blenheim
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Blenheim is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
20% lower than in Akron.
| Metric | Blenheim | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,123 | +2% |
| Groceries | $420 | $742 | -43% |
| Utilities | $180 | $234 | -23% |
| Transport | $110 | $357 | -69% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $130 | +69% |
| Monthly Total | $2,080 | $2,586 | -20% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 15% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Akron delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Blenheim is estimated at
$52,000 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Blenheim | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,391 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $78,100 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Blenheim runs warmer on average — a 55.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Blenheim comes out ahead with 259 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Blenheim sees 0.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Blenheim | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 55.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 53.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 39.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 259 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Blenheim has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Akron.
Blenheim scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Blenheim leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Blenheim | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | — |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Akron is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Blenheim.
From a growth perspective, Blenheim is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Akron has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Blenheim | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,800 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.90% | — |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 3.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Blenheim
Advantages
Enjoy one of New Zealand's highest annual sunshine totals, averaging 259 sunny days per year.
Positioned at the heart of New Zealand's premier wine and viticulture region, offering world-class food and wine experiences.
Median home prices and rental costs remain significantly more affordable than in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch.
Proximity to the stunning Marlborough Sounds provides unparalleled access to boating, fishing, and coastal recreation.
Low crime rates and safe, family-friendly neighborhoods create an exceptionally secure living environment.
Drawbacks
High car dependency due to limited public transportation infrastructure outside the immediate town center.
Seasonal employment fluctuations in viticulture can create transient labor shifts and rental market crunches during harvest.
Limited local options for specialized higher education and advanced career training compared to major metros.
Summer drought conditions and water restrictions can occasionally impact gardening and local agriculture.
Distance from major metropolitan tertiary hospitals requires travel for specialized medical procedures.
Akron
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Akron is 15% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, with average monthly rent at $1,123 and median home prices around $153,000.
Akron has a diverse economy with strong industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and the polymer sector.
The city offers a public transportation system (METRO RTA) with affordable monthly passes at $50.
Healthcare costs in Akron are approximately 14% lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Akron has a high crime rate, with an overall crime rate 50% above the national average and a safety grade of C-.
The city is experiencing a projected population decline of -0.9% annually.
Akron has a negative job growth rate, with a 0.461% decline in employed population in 2024.
The lifestyle in Akron is largely car-dependent, with most errands requiring a vehicle and an average Walk Score of 48.
The median household income of $48,076 in 2024 is below the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Blenheim
#18Blenheim, New Zealand
66.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
259/yr
Avg Temp
55.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
76
Business
68
Akron
#575Ohio, USA
46.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$73,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
—
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
65
Business
55
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