City Comparison
Kaimata vs Wells
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wells scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Kaimata
Wells
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Kaimata is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
20% lower than in Wells.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kaimata's average rent is
45% lower than Wells's.
| Metric | Kaimata | Wells | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $320 | $580 | -45% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $160 | $180 | -11% |
| Transport | $200 | $120 | +67% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $250 | -52% |
| Monthly Total | $1,220 | $1,530 | -20% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wells offers 26% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Wells delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kaimata is estimated at
$42,000 vs $55,000 in Wells.
| Metric | Kaimata | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,545 idx | 67,708 idx |
| Household Income | $52,000 | $107,454 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kaimata | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 78.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Kaimata has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Wells.
Wells scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Wells leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kaimata | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 37 min |
| Transit Score | 10.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Walkability | 25.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Wells is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Kaimata.
From a growth perspective, Wells is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Wells has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kaimata | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 350 | 1,352 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 36.7 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.10% |
| 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.
Wells
Advantages
Wells offers a cost of living that is 7% lower than the Nevada average and 4% lower than the national average, with housing costs being 18% lower than the national average.
The violent crime rate in Wells is 0.9 per 1,000 residents, which is 75% below the national average.
The median household income in Wells saw a significant increase of 41.5% from 2023 to 2024, reaching $107,454.
Wells is considered a buyer's market, indicating a favorable environment for those looking to purchase a home.
The town provides a sparse suburban feel with a strong sense of community, appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Drawbacks
Public transit is not widely available, and the city has low walkability and transit scores, making car ownership essential.
The poverty rate in Wells is 21.3%, which is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
Specific data on the number of hospitals and comprehensive healthcare services in Wells is limited, potentially requiring travel to larger cities for specialized care.
While home prices have seen increases, some reports indicate a recent decrease in median property value.
The town's economy is concentrated in a few key industries, which could lead to vulnerability to sector-specific downturns.
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
Wells
#113Nevada, USA
66.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$580
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
37 min
Transit Score
36.0/100
Walkability
36.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
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