City Comparison
Waikanae vs Grants Pass
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Waikanae scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Waikanae
Grants Pass
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Waikanae is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Waikanae | Grants Pass | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,450 | 0% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $160 | $400 | -60% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $150 | +33% |
| Monthly Total | $2,380 | $2,570 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grants Pass offers 19% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Grants Pass delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Waikanae is estimated at
$48,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Waikanae | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $64,331 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,061 idx | 57,438 idx |
| Household Income | $54,000 | $59,646 |
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 | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Grants Pass has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
13,500 minutes (225 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 | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 45 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 58.0/100 | 27.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grants Pass is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Waikanae.
From a growth perspective, Waikanae is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Waikanae has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Waikanae | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,500 | 40,051 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 52.0 | 40.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 5.60% |
| 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
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.
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
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Waikanae and Grants Pass.
Open Cost Calculator