City Comparison
Matamata vs Grants Pass
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Matamata scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Matamata
Grants Pass
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Matamata is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
16% lower than in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Matamata | Grants Pass | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,400 | $1,450 | -3% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $160 | $400 | -60% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $2,170 | $2,570 | -16% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grants Pass offers 19% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Matamata delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Matamata is estimated at
$45,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Matamata | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $64,331 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,091 idx | 57,438 idx |
| Household Income | $58,000 | $59,646 |
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 | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Grants Pass has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 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 | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 27.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grants Pass is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x 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 | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,400 | 40,051 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 40.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 5.60% |
| 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
Grants Pass
Advantages
Access to world-class outdoor recreation on the Rogue River, including rafting and fishing.
More sunny days and a warmer, drier climate compared to much of western Oregon.
Housing is comparatively more affordable than larger West Coast cities and some other Oregon metros.
A growing arts and food scene in a walkable, historic downtown.
Friendly community atmosphere appealing to families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to property crime.
Limited high-wage job opportunities compared to larger economic centers.
Air quality can be impacted by wildfire smoke during certain seasons.
Presence of a significant homeless population in the downtown core.
High car dependency due to minimal public transportation options.
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
Grants Pass
#584Oregon, USA
45.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,331
Cost Index
112
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
27.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
70
Business
60
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