City Comparison
Kaimata vs Carson City
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kaimata scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Kaimata
Carson City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Kaimata is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
59% lower than in Carson City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kaimata's average rent is
84% lower than Carson City's.
| Metric | Kaimata | Carson City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $320 | $2,050 | -84% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $160 | $180 | -11% |
| Transport | $200 | $120 | +67% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $230 | -48% |
| Monthly Total | $1,220 | $2,980 | -59% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 102 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Carson City offers 29% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Carson City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kaimata is estimated at
$42,000 vs $58,000 in Carson City.
| Metric | Kaimata | Carson City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,000 | $68,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,545 idx | 66,667 idx |
| Household Income | $52,000 | $72,355 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Carson City runs warmer on average — a 54°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Carson City comes out ahead with 306 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Carson City sees 56.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Kaimata | Carson City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | 54.00°F |
| Summer High | °F | 86.60°F |
| Winter Low | °F | 28.60°F |
| Rainfall | in | 18.90 in |
| Snowfall | in | 56.80 in |
| Sunny Days | 306 | |
| Humidity | 78.00% | 45.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Carson City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Kaimata.
Carson City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Carson City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kaimata | Carson City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 10.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 25.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Carson City is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Kaimata is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Carson City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kaimata | Carson City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 350 | 58,571 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | — |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 42.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 3.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kaimata
Advantages
Scenic rural environment offering panoramic views of Mount Taranaki and immediate access to Egmont National Park.
High level of safety and community security with very low crime rates characteristic of rural Taranaki.
More affordable housing purchase prices compared to New Zealand's major urban centers like Auckland and Wellington.
Strong, close-knit community spirit with active local rural networks and support systems.
Clean air, low pollution, and an exceptionally peaceful living atmosphere ideal for families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Complete car dependency with zero public transportation infrastructure available within the immediate locality.
Limited local employment options restricted primarily to agriculture, farming support, and forestry.
Distance from major commercial amenities, specialized shopping, and entertainment venues requiring regular travel to Inglewood or New Plymouth.
Very limited local rental housing inventory, pushing renters to seek accommodation in neighboring towns.
Distance from comprehensive hospital care, with Taranaki Base Hospital located roughly 30 minutes away in New Plymouth.
Carson City
Advantages
Median home value remains competitive compared to neighboring California and major Nevada metro areas like Reno and Las Vegas per Zillow 2026 data.
Zero state personal income tax provides significant financial relief for workers and retirees alike.
Exceptional proximity to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains offers world-class outdoor recreation year-round.
A stable local economy anchored by state government administration and healthcare employment.
Abundant sunshine averaging over 300 sunny days per year supports an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
Drawbacks
Housing inventory is tight, with home prices and rental rates rising faster than local wage growth.
Public transportation options are limited, making automobile ownership virtually mandatory for daily commuting.
Winter weather brings periodic snowfall and freezing temperatures requiring winter driving preparedness.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan areas like Reno or Sacramento.
Higher elevation and dry climate conditions can pose challenges for individuals sensitive to seasonal allergens or altitude.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Kaimata
#25Taranaki, New Zealand
64.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$320
Avg Salary
$48,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
10.0/100
Walkability
25.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
76
Business
60
Carson City
#335Nevada, USA
60.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,050
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
102
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
306/yr
Avg Temp
54.00°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
77
Business
70
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