City Comparison
Matamata vs Bay City
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Matamata scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Matamata
Bay City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Bay City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
15% lower than in Matamata.
Housing costs are a major driver: Matamata's average rent is
47% higher than Bay City's.
| Metric | Matamata | Bay City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,400 | $950 | +47% |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 | 0% |
| Utilities | $160 | $175 | -9% |
| Transport | $110 | $110 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $230 | -48% |
| Monthly Total | $2,170 | $1,845 | +18% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Matamata offers similar average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Bay City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Matamata is estimated at
$45,000 vs $42,000 in Bay City.
| Metric | Matamata | Bay City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $52,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $42,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,091 idx | 61,176 idx |
| Household Income | $58,000 | $48,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Matamata runs warmer on average — a 8.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Bay City comes out ahead with 38 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Bay City sees 34.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Matamata | Bay City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.10°F | 48.80°F |
| Summer High | 56.40°F | 79.90°F |
| Winter Low | 55.30°F | 16.80°F |
| Rainfall | 63.30 in | 29.50 in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | 34.60 in |
| Sunny Days | 220 | 258 |
| Humidity | 78.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Bay City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Matamata leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Matamata | Bay City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 38.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Bay City is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Matamata.
From a growth perspective, Matamata is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Matamata has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Matamata | Bay City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,400 | 32,611 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | — |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 41.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 5.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Matamata
Advantages
World-famous tourism hub providing a unique local economy centered around the Hobbiton Movie Set
Affordable housing options compared to major New Zealand cities like Auckland and Tauranga
Low crime rates and a strong, welcoming community-oriented safety profile
Proximity to stunning natural landscapes including the Kaimai Ranges and regional walking trails
Strong agricultural and dairy sector providing stable regional employment opportunities
Drawbacks
High reliance on private motor vehicles due to limited public transit options
Fluctuating seasonal tourism pressures impacting local traffic and accommodation availability
Limited specialized healthcare facilities locally, requiring travel to Hamilton for advanced care
Narrowing rental vacancy rates due to growing regional migration and housing demand
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger urban centers
Bay City
Advantages
Median home prices in Bay City are significantly lower than the national average per recent housing market data.
Abundant waterfront access along the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay supports a strong boating and outdoor recreation culture.
Rich architectural heritage featuring expansive historic districts with preserved 19th-century Victorian homes.
Low overall cost of living indices allow residents to enjoy greater financial affordability on everyday goods and utilities.
Active downtown district featuring local dining, craft beverage makers, and community festivals.
Drawbacks
Cold, snowy winters require residents to adapt to significant seasonal snowfall and freezing temperatures.
Limited public transit infrastructure creates a high reliance on personal automobiles for daily transportation.
Job growth in certain traditional sectors has lagged behind larger metropolitan areas in Michigan.
Higher poverty rates in specific city neighborhoods compared to the broader suburban county areas.
Cooler spring and autumn shoulder seasons shorten the peak window for outdoor activities.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Matamata
#17Waikato, New Zealand
66.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
220/yr
Avg Temp
57.10°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
78
Business
68
Bay City
#401Michigan, USA
58.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
38.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
258/yr
Avg Temp
48.80°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
72
Business
65
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