City Comparison
Waikanae vs Bessemer
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Alabama, USA
View Bessemer profile
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Waikanae scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Waikanae
Bessemer
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Waikanae | Bessemer | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $420 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $160 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $150 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,380 | $0 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Waikanae offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Waikanae | Bessemer |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $0 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Waikanae runs warmer on average — a 56.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Waikanae comes out ahead with 185 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Waikanae sees 0.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Waikanae | Bessemer |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 54.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 55.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 71.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 185 | |
| Humidity | 78.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Bessemer has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
22,500 minutes (375 hours) per year compared to Waikanae.
Waikanae scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Waikanae leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Waikanae | Bessemer |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 45 min | min |
| Transit Score | 58.0/100 | — |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | — |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Waikanae is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Waikanae is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Bessemer has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Waikanae | Bessemer |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,500 | 0 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | — |
| Median Age | 52.0 | |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | % |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Waikanae
Advantages
Direct commuter rail connection to Wellington via the Kāpiti Line
Proximity to pristine beaches and the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve
Strong community safety profile and low local crime rates
Vibrant local arts, café culture, and active community groups
Exceptional environment for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts
Drawbacks
Higher housing costs driven by strong demand from retirees and commuters
Limited local high-tech or heavy industrial employment sectors
Reliance on neighboring towns for specialized hospital care
Traffic congestion along State Highway 1 during peak holiday periods
Public transit options outside of the main rail line are limited
Bessemer
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Waikanae
#39Wellington, New Zealand
61.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
45 min
Transit Score
58.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
185/yr
Avg Temp
56.10°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
82
Business
64
Bessemer
Alabama, 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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