City Comparison
Matamata vs Toledo
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Matamata scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Matamata
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Matamata.
Housing costs are a major driver: Matamata's average rent is
47% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Matamata | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,400 | $950 | +47% |
| Groceries | $380 | $342 | +11% |
| Utilities | $160 | $295 | -46% |
| Transport | $110 | $180 | -39% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $200 | -40% |
| Monthly Total | $2,170 | $1,967 | +10% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 27% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Matamata is estimated at
$45,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Matamata | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,091 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $58,000 | $49,724 |
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 | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Toledo 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 | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Matamata is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Toledo has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Matamata | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,400 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | — |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.40% |
| 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
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
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
Toledo
#590Ohio, USA
43.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
46.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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