City Comparison
Matamata vs Folsom
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
California, USA
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Matamata scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Matamata
Folsom
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Matamata | Folsom | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,400 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $380 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $160 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,170 | $0 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 88 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Matamata offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Matamata | Folsom |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $0 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Matamata runs warmer on average — a 57.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Matamata comes out ahead with 220 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Matamata sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Matamata | Folsom |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 56.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 55.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 63.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 220 | |
| Humidity | 78.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Folsom has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
11,000 minutes (183 hours) per year compared to Matamata.
Matamata 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 | Folsom |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | — |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | — |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Matamata is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Matamata is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Folsom has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Matamata | Folsom |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,400 | 0 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | — |
| Median Age | 41.0 | |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | % |
| 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
Folsom
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
Folsom
California, USA
0.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
Commute
min
Transit Score
—
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
%
Livability
0
Business
0
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