City Comparison
Carterton vs Grants Pass
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Carterton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Carterton
Grants Pass
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Carterton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
11% lower than in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Carterton | Grants Pass | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $1,450 | -7% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $170 | $400 | -58% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $210 | $150 | +40% |
| Monthly Total | $2,300 | $2,570 | -11% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grants Pass offers 16% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Carterton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Carterton is estimated at
$48,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Carterton | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $64,331 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,696 idx | 57,438 idx |
| Household Income | $68,000 | $59,646 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Carterton runs warmer on average — a 54.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Carterton comes out ahead with 213 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Carterton sees 0.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Carterton | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 53.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 52.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 55.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 213 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Grants Pass has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,000 minutes (117 hours) per year compared to Carterton.
Carterton scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Carterton leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Carterton | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 27.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grants Pass is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Carterton.
From a growth perspective, Grants Pass is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Carterton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Carterton | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,300 | 40,051 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.70% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 44.0 | 40.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 5.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Carterton
Advantages
Average property prices have stabilized following recent market adjustments, offering better entry points than Wellington per REINZ data.
Direct rail connectivity via the Wairarapa Line makes Wellington accessible for hybrid workers and commuters.
Low crime rates and a strong community-oriented atmosphere enhance overall daily security and well-being.
Abundant outdoor recreation options, including proximity to the Tararua Ranges and local cycle trails.
Distinctive local charm highlighted by community traditions such as the annual Daffodil Festival.
Drawbacks
Local employment options within specialized professional sectors are limited, requiring commuting or remote work arrangements.
Heavy reliance on private vehicles for daily errands outside of the compact town center.
Vulnerability to broader national economic pressures affecting regional construction and retail margins.
Limited local secondary healthcare facilities necessitate travel to Masterton for acute medical needs.
Rental vacancy rates can be tight during peak regional migration periods.
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.
Carterton
#21Wellington, New Zealand
66.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
213/yr
Avg Temp
54.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
80
Business
65
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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