City Comparison
Heidelberg vs Grants Pass
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Heidelberg scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Heidelberg
Grants Pass
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Heidelberg | Grants Pass | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,550 | $1,450 | +7% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $240 | $400 | -40% |
| Transport | $75 | $120 | -38% |
| Healthcare | $280 | $150 | +87% |
| Monthly Total | $2,565 | $2,570 | -0% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grants Pass offers 10% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Heidelberg delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Heidelberg is estimated at
$48,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Heidelberg | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $64,331 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,184 idx | 57,438 idx |
| Household Income | $55,000 | $59,646 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Heidelberg runs warmer on average — a 53°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Heidelberg comes out ahead with 242 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Heidelberg sees 6.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Heidelberg | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 77.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 33.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 31.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 6.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 242 | |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Grants Pass has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Heidelberg.
Heidelberg scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Heidelberg leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Heidelberg | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 78.0/100 | 27.0/100 |
| Walkability | 82.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Low | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Heidelberg is the larger city
— approximately 4.1x the population of Grants Pass.
From a growth perspective, Grants Pass is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Heidelberg has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Heidelberg | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 162,273 | 40,051 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.60% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 41.2 | 40.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 5.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Heidelberg
Advantages
Heidelberg University and major research institutes create a world-class innovation and employment hub.
Exceptional public transit, walkability, and extensive cycling infrastructure reduce car dependency.
Extremely low crime rates and high personal safety across all major neighborhoods.
Outstanding healthcare access anchored by the globally renowned Heidelberg University Hospital.
Proximity to nature with the Odenwald forest and Neckar River offering endless outdoor recreation.
Drawbacks
Housing and rental costs are significantly higher than the German national average.
High rental demand creates stiff competition for desirable apartments, especially in the Altstadt.
Tourist crowds in the historic center can cause congestion during peak travel seasons.
High local purchasing power and demand drive up everyday dining and lifestyle expenses.
Strict urban planning and protected historical zones limit new large-scale housing developments.
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.
Heidelberg
#37Baden-Württemberg, Germany
63.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,550
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
78.0/100
Walkability
82.0/100
Sunny Days
242/yr
Avg Temp
53.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.60%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
86
Business
78
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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