City Comparison
Kerikeri vs Grants Pass
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kerikeri scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Kerikeri
Grants Pass
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Kerikeri is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Kerikeri | Grants Pass | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,450 | 0% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $160 | $400 | -60% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $210 | $150 | +40% |
| Monthly Total | $2,390 | $2,570 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grants Pass offers 19% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Grants Pass delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kerikeri is estimated at
$46,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Kerikeri | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $64,331 |
| Salary Needed | $46,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 56,522 idx | 57,438 idx |
| Household Income | $48,500 | $59,646 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Kerikeri runs warmer on average — a 61.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Kerikeri comes out ahead with 202 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Kerikeri sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Kerikeri | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 61.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 60.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 59.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 68.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 202 | |
| Humidity | 78.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Kerikeri scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Kerikeri leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kerikeri | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 27.0/100 |
| Walkability | 64.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grants Pass is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Kerikeri.
From a growth perspective, Kerikeri is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kerikeri has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kerikeri | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,150 | 40,051 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 47.0 | 40.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.90% | 5.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kerikeri
Advantages
Exceptional subtropical climate with mild winters averaging 59.4°F and plentiful sunshine
Rich historical heritage featuring New Zealand's oldest European buildings and vibrant arts community
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, offering world-class boating, fishing, and coastal recreation
Strong local food culture with thriving farmers' markets, orchards, and boutique vineyards
Peaceful, tight-knit small-town atmosphere with low crime rates and high safety perceptions
Drawbacks
High reliance on personal vehicles due to limited public transportation infrastructure
Housing affordability has tightened due to high demand from retirees and relocators
Geographic isolation from major metropolitan centers can increase freight and travel costs
Seasonal employment fluctuations in horticulture can impact year-round job stability for some workers
Access to specialized hospital care requires travel to neighboring towns like Kawakawa or Whangarei
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.
Kerikeri
#36Northland, New Zealand
63.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
64.0/100
Sunny Days
202/yr
Avg Temp
61.10°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
4.90%
Livability
82
Business
68
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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