City Comparison
Waikanae vs Toledo
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Waikanae scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Waikanae
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
17% lower than in Waikanae.
Housing costs are a major driver: Waikanae's average rent is
53% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Waikanae | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $950 | +53% |
| Groceries | $420 | $342 | +23% |
| Utilities | $160 | $295 | -46% |
| Transport | $150 | $180 | -17% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $200 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,380 | $1,967 | +21% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 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 Waikanae is estimated at
$48,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Waikanae | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,061 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $54,000 | $49,724 |
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 | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Toledo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
12,500 minutes (208 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 | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 45 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 58.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Waikanae 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 | Waikanae | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,500 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | — |
| Median Age | 52.0 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.40% |
| 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
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.
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
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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