Performance
Score Breakdown
Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra)
Tigard
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
19% lower compared to Tigard.
Housing costs are a major driver: Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra)'s average rent is
24% lower than Tigard's.
| Metric | Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) | Tigard | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,366 | $1,800 | -24% |
| Groceries | $397 | $450 | -12% |
| Utilities | $155 | $180 | -14% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $250 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $2,268 | $2,800 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 80 | 121 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tigard offers 47% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tigard delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) is estimated at
$28,000 vs $55,000 in Tigard.
| Metric | Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $34,368 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $28,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 42,960 idx | 53,719 idx |
| Household Income | $34,368 | $108,823 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 50.00% | 73.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Tigard has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra).
Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tigard leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 70.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tigard is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra).
From a growth perspective, Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,100 | 56,011 |
| Pop. Growth | 6.20% | 1.00% |
| Median Age | 33.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.17% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $— | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra)
Advantages
Madinat Zayed offers a central location with good connectivity to major business districts and amenities in Abu Dhabi.
The cost of living in Madinat Zayed is generally more affordable compared to other central districts in Abu Dhabi.
The city provides a self-sufficient lifestyle with easy access to essential services like shopping centers, schools, and clinics.
Madinat Zayed boasts a strong community atmosphere and high safety standards, aligning with Abu Dhabi's reputation as one of the safest cities globally.
The housing market offers a variety of apartment options, catering to different needs and budgets.
Drawbacks
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue during peak hours, especially for commuters traveling to and from work.
Compared to larger cities, Madinat Zayed has more limited leisure and entertainment options.
Some residential buildings in Madinat Zayed may be older, potentially leading to maintenance issues.
The city may be perceived as having less 'prestige' compared to more luxurious areas in Abu Dhabi.
Public transportation, while available, can involve long commute times for inter-city travel, indicating a reliance on private vehicles.
Tigard
Advantages
Tigard boasts a strong economy with a high number of local jobs and a short commute to major employment centers like Silicon Forest and downtown Portland.
The city offers an exceptional quality of life, with a livability score of 87 out of 100, ranking in the 99th percentile of all US cities.
Tigard provides abundant green spaces, including over 16 miles of paved trails and nearly 550 acres of parks, such as Cook Park and the Fanno Creek Trail.
Healthcare and utilities costs are lower than in most U.S. cities, contributing to overall affordability despite higher housing costs.
The public schools in Tigard are highly rated, making it a desirable location for families.
Drawbacks
Tigard has a higher overall crime rate compared to the national average, primarily driven by property crime in commercial areas.
The cost of living in Tigard is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to housing expenses.
Traffic congestion on major routes like US 217 and Highway 99W can be very heavy during rush hour.
Despite public transit options, Tigard is largely car-dependent, with limited light rail access in many areas.
Some commercial corridors in Tigard can feel dated, and the city may have a less distinct community identity compared to some other suburbs.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra)
#11Abu Dhabi, UAE
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,366
Avg Salary
$34,368
Cost Index
80
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
6.20%
Unemployment
2.17%
Livability
74
Business
68
Tigard
#23Oregon, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
121
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
70.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
87
Business
68
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