Performance
Score Breakdown
Kitchener
Eugene
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Eugene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
16% higher compared to Kitchener.
| Metric | Kitchener | Eugene | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,738 | $1,800 | -3% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $90 | $90 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,658 | $2,290 | +16% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 64 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kitchener offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Kitchener | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,950 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $87,000 | $66,562 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kitchener | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 78.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Eugene has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Kitchener.
Kitchener scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Kitchener leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kitchener | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 72.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 21.80 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kitchener is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Eugene.
From a growth perspective, Kitchener is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Eugene has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kitchener | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 256,885 | 178,675 |
| Pop. Growth | 6.40% | 0.03% |
| Median Age | 39.0 | 35.2 |
| Unemployment | 6.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kitchener
Advantages
Strong job growth in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge CMA, with a 7.9% increase in employment in December 2024.
Affordable cost of living compared to many other major Canadian cities, with an estimated cost of living index of 95.
Highly walkable downtown core and good public transit options, including the ION light rail.
Vibrant cultural scene with major events like Oktoberfest and a rich German heritage.
Access to green spaces and recreational areas, including parks and trails along the Grand River.
Drawbacks
Crime rates are reported to be 35% higher than the Ontario average.
Public transit consistency can be an issue, with reports of punctuality problems.
Finding a family doctor can be challenging due to long waitlists at clinics.
Some areas of the city exhibit higher car dependency, impacting walkability outside the downtown core.
Recent slowdown in population growth, potentially impacting future economic momentum.
Eugene
Advantages
Eugene boasts a high livability score of 79 out of 100, ranking it among the top cities in Oregon and the USA.
The city offers an extensive array of local amenities, including diverse dining, entertainment, and shopping options.
Violent crime rates in Eugene are slightly below the national average, despite a higher overall crime rate driven by property offenses.
Residents enjoy shorter-than-average commute times, with an average of 20.2 minutes in 2024.
The quality of life in Eugene is highly rated by residents, with 82% reporting satisfaction in a 2025 survey.
Drawbacks
Eugene's overall crime rate is approximately 69% above the national rate, primarily due to property crimes.
The cost of living in Eugene is considered high, with housing costs being a significant factor.
Affordable housing choices are a top concern for residents, with many believing the city is heading in the wrong direction on this issue.
Positive views of Eugene as a place to work have declined, falling to 40.2% in 2025.
Nursing home costs in Eugene are among the highest in Oregon, with private rooms costing around $18,098 monthly in 2024-2025.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Kitchener
#13Ontario, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,738
Avg Salary
$51,950
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
72.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
6.40%
Unemployment
6.50%
Livability
74
Business
68
Eugene
#5Oregon, USA
79.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
64
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.03%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
79
Business
0
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